Our Beginning
In 2013, we met a group of children and community members in one of Northeastern Ghana’s poorest regions, struggling to survive and with no resources. Here, over 95% of families live off of $0-$2 per day and often have to choose between learning and eating.
With a shared determination, we partnered with local leaders to offer children the safety, education, and care they needed to thrive. We were moved by the spark of hope planted in these kids.
That spark is now Mako. Through years of community-led change and long-term solutions, our kids have flourished—graduating Secondary School, forging careers, and breaking the cycle of poverty.
Yet with hundreds more children at risk, and a growing population, we know there is more we can do.
Our Evolution
For over 10 years, our impact has been profound, but our capacity has been limited, operating in a makeshift center on rented land.
Today, The Mako Children’s Opportunity Centre is a funding-dependent, 10,000 square foot space for the safety and development of at-risk kids. It will be the future of our mission. A permanent home for our programs that will allow us to reach more children and uplift the community at large.
Backed by a proven model of life-changing programs and local support, Mako is paving a path out of poverty for the children of HoHoe. One that will endure for generations.
The Children's Opportunity Centre will be the future home for all of Mako's programs. With construction underway, we are ready to expand our impact ten fold. Join us in building our new home for transformational change and bringing health, learning, the arts, and real opportunity to where there once was none.
More than a charity, this is a movement. We hope you’ll join us!
With ongoing support from donors like you, we can build a first-of-its-kind community center and run programs that will change the lives of children who need it most.
Our Mission & Values
Our mission and vision provides a continuous approach: caring for disadvantaged children from a young age through early adulthood. Today, we’re forging a new path with our Children’s Opportunity Centre, transforming young lives and the HoHoe community for generations to come.
Consistency
Incremental changes make sustainable impact
Heart
Our children show us love and courage; it is our duty to uphold the same
Integrity
Working with honesty and accountability is in our DNA
Love
We care profoundly for each other, our children and the mission
Determination
We step up and we do not give up
Meet The Mako Leadership Team
Mako’s story is powered by our people: a group of individuals
deeply dedicated to uplifting at-risk kids and the community of HoHoe, Ghana.
Our pro-bono U.S. Board of Directors and Executive Committee work hand-in-hand with our local Ghanaian Leadership. Together, we are a powerhouse for change.
CASSIE ROSENGREN
President, U.S. Board of Directors
CHRISTY MAHAR
Director of Communications
MARCELA SANABRIA
Executive Committee, Brand Design Officer
THERESAH AHIABOR
Child Experience Manager
CHRISTINE JOSEPH
Vice President and Director of Education
AISHA BRANCH
Director of Donor Development
SARA LEDBETTER
Executive Committee,
Event Staff Officer
FAUSTINA AWUAH TALATA
Director of Local Communications
PAUL NEEDELS
Vice President of Finance
LINDSAY HALLADAY
Executive Committee, Donor Storytelling & Content Officer
KNOX ODUMAH
Executive Director
EVELYN AGYEPONG
Education Consultant & Advisor
EVANS KLU
Website & Event Support