N.C. A&T Alumna, Tanya S. James Foundation Announces Plans to Build a School in West Africa in Partnership with ProSeed Foundation

On January 13, 2023, The Tanya S. James Foundation and ProSeed Foundation announced that they will be joining forces this year for a life-changing international endeavor – building a school in the Kapakoko Village of the Divo, Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) in West Africa.

Philanthropist Tanya S. James ’99 has a reputable history of successful humanitarian efforts. For nearly twenty years, prior to her foundation being established in 2022, James has created a lasting impact amongst individuals, communities, and organizations. Some of her most notable projects include establishing a college scholarship, assisting with medical bills, adopting classrooms, funding mission trips, donating to study-abroad ventures, refurnishing homes damaged by natural disasters, and more. She intends on making an even bigger impact through the Tanya S. James Foundation, starting with the launch of this school.

“Growing up, my family didn’t have much financially. What we lacked in that area, we made up for in love and service to others,” says James. “Giving back has been my life’s mission.”

The project’s groundbreaking took place on January 13th, 2023 – a significant date for James, who is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. With January 13th, being Delta Sigma Theta’s Founders Day, this date has now reached a new height of importance to her.

“As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., it was a beautiful surprise to learn that the groundbreaking would take place on our Founders Day. Our sorority was built on service, and I can’t think of a greater way to honor our 22 founders and their legacy,” says James.

The ProSeed Foundation will lead the construction process, making this the non-profit’s sixth school-building project. Since the West African government assigns teachers to each school as they become available, the school will start with a limited number of classrooms. It will begin as a three-classroom facility and will ultimately expand to six classrooms.

Upon its opening, the school will host more than three hundred children. The foundations will also leverage local contractors to help fulfill the project, benefitting not only the village’s children but its economy.

“Partnering with the ProSeed Foundation to build a school in West Africa is truly a dream come true,” says James. “For years, I’ve impacted my local and national community through service, but I’m ecstatic to take my efforts international!”

The school is scheduled to be completed in September 2023. More information can be found via www.thetsjfoundation.org.