Obodan Preschool Project

Introduction

The Obodan Preschool Project was initiated by Columbia University’s Engineers Without Borders (CU-EWB) chapter in Fall 2024. Obodan is a rural community of approximately 300 households located in Ghana’s Eastern Region. The community's existing preschool structure has become unsafe, particularly during the rainy season, and is in urgent need of reconstruction.

In partnership with a local NGO and Ghanaian engineers, CU-EWB is supporting the design and construction of a permanent preschool facility. The project encompasses architectural and structural design, grant writing and fundraising, and community engagement. The primary objective is to provide a safe, durable, and accessible learning environment for young children in Obodan, thereby expanding early childhood education opportunities within the community.

Project Goals

• Finalize preschool design that meets Ghanaian building codes and community-specific needs
• Expand access to early childhood education through durable classroom space and safe learning environments
• Collaborate with community members and local partners to align project priorities
• Support fundraising and grant-writing efforts to secure project funding and long-term sustainability

Project Updates

May 2025 - After conducting an assessment trip in Summer 2025, the Obodan team collected data on soil composition and elevation, as well as communicating in-person with partners such as the NGO Vision SuDeX International, construction manager of B & M construction company, the district assembly, and members of the Obodan community.

Moving forward, the project will focus on the construction design, fundraising efforts, and maintain communication with partners to ensure our goals are aligned.

Related Skills

• Mechanical Engineering
• Systems Engineering
• Architecture, Design
• Computer Science/Computer Engineering
• Earth and Environmental Engineering