The Beginning
Schools3 was founded by Jon Raggett whose vision was to bring education to remote communities in some of the poorest countries in the world. He was passionate about lifting children out of extreme poverty and was a strong believer that education was the first step in that journey.

Using his engineering background, Jon found a straightforward blueprint for a three-room primary school with an office/storage building and a latrine.  He reworked a few details so the design could accommodate 150 children and serve as a community meeting place as well.  The school is constructed of concrete blocks, has a metal roof and is finished with plaster walls – all materials that can be found and used inexpensively all over the world.

The Formation of Schools3
Formed over three decades ago, Schools3 is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization without religious, political or governmental affiliation. Since its inception, Schools3 has built public schools where the desire for such assistance comes from the local village. Over 100 schools have been built in Africa, Central America, and India. Today, Schools3 focuses our efforts primarily in Mali, Africa (see Why Mali?).

Schools are built by the local community and are staffed with college educated and credentialed teachers provided and funded by the Malian Ministry of Basic Education.

Schools3 is 100% volunteer-based with zero overhead
In fact, our small staff receives no compensation for their work, and neither do board members.  Instead, all of them, plus other dedicated volunteers, donate their time and money to further Schools3’s goals. That allows 100% of your contribution to go directly to building schools— no money is deducted for overhead, salaries or marketing. That careful stewardship of donations has allowed Schools3 to fund over 100 schools, globally.

Education is the foundation
Schools3 believes the foundation for improving a community, a family—and especially a child’s life—is education.  Without the ability to read, write, and understand basic math and science/health, no child can reach her or his potential—or help their family and community rise above dire poverty.  In fact, each of our schools is not only a primary school by day; it’s also a community center and adult school by night.

With the help of caring, generous people like you, Schools3 can continue to improve the lives of not just children, but of families and entire villages in the world’s most poverty-stricken countries.  To donate, please visit our Donate page.