Shop at PAMBE Ghana’s Global Market 2021 In-Person to support the children at La’Angum Learning Center and Fair Trade

After a year’s hiatus, PAMBE Ghana’s Global Market returns in 2021 with a new location at 2420 N. Robinson in the Uptown 23rd Street neighborhood. “We are thrilled to be able to re-open our in-person shop, and also to have the chance to tap into the energy of the historic Jefferson Park neighborhood,” said market manager Sara Braden.

The Global Market specializes in fair trade items from around the world, made by artisans who are paid fair, living wages for their work. This is critical in 2021 because the Covid-19 pandemic has made it difficult for many artisans to get their goods to market. Many have struggled to feed their families.

Braden said Global Market shoppers love the broad selection of beautiful items from countries on almost every continent. There are baskets from Africa, felted wool from Nepal, scarves from Guatemala, carved bowls from Indonesia, metal goods from Haiti and so much more. “Our variety makes it easy to find something for every age and interest,” Braden said. “We add new items each week, so we encourage shoppers to keep coming back.” The market closes on Dec. 24.

Founded in Oklahoma City in 2008, PAMBE Ghana realizes the dream of OCU graduate Alice Azumi Iddi-Gubbels to build a model school in an underserved area of northern Ghana. Oklahoma City friends embraced Alice’s vision and started the Global Market to fund that dream. Today, the La’Angum Learning Center (LLC) provides basic pre-K through Grade 6 education for 275 girls and boys from remote villages—most of whom would otherwise face very limited futures.

Global Market proceeds provide crucial funding for LLC. PAMBE Ghana has also developed partnerships with local villagers, as well as with individuals and service organizations in Ghana, the United States, Canada and Europe.

The Global Market opens on Oct. 14 at 2420 N. Robinson, just north of 23^rd Street. It will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12 noon until 6:00 p.m. through Dec. 24. “We are powered by volunteers,” Braden said, “and are grateful to Tom Spector and Shawn Churchman for donating this tremendous space.”

Continued education support for La’Angum Learning Center graduates provided by the Milburn Gift Fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation

Yapoa began pre-K at LLC in 2008, and is now in senior high school.

It takes a village to raise a child, and often that village is global. The OKC based board of PAMBE Ghana works to find revenue sources to support the students at La’Angum Learning Center (LLC) – both during their younger years at LLC and after they move on to the next stage. With funding from the Paul Milburn Gift Fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, graduates of LLC who enter junior high school (grades 7-9) and senior high school (grades 10-12) are offered support to help continue their education. Students are provided uniforms and school supplies including notebooks and pens, a set of math instruments and a scientific calculator. Nearly all LLC graduates go on to junior and senior high school, with the inaugural pre-K class of 2008 set to graduate from high school next year. Yapoa, who began pre-K at LLC in 2008 as a shy youngster, is now a confident high school student. “La’Angum Ka Toom” – “Many hands make light work”!

Junior and senior high school students receive school supplies from Head Teacher Majeed Salifu.

Did you know?

PAMBE Ghana’s teachers presently earn less than those who serve at Ghanaian Education Service (“GES”) schools and La’Angum Learning Center risks losing Montessori trained teachers to the GES. Thanks to the generosity of the Liddell Foundation and Mother Huggers, PAMBE Ghana will begin to implement its long-time plan of responsibly raising teacher salaries. Please join Mother Huggers by making a tax deductible donation to support increased teacher compensation. Please see more at motherhuggers.us to see that organization’s good work done locally and internationally