Pagus:Africa. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that works at a grassroots level on projects that directly improve people's lives. We are currently working in Ghana, W. Africa. Projects are primarily focused in the Volta Region. We are non-sectarian, non-governmental, and apolitical.
Pagus, Inc was established in 1996 as a non-profit art gallery (Pagus Gallery) and community outreach organization. The decision to extend the organization's efforts to work in Ghana was made in 2004 after founders Ellen Berenholz and Timothy Hawkesworth were introduced to the challenges faced by the people in the Volta Region and requests for help were made. Ellen traveled to Ghana with her son to gain better understanding of the needs and most effective way to help.
Pagus:Africa was founded with the desire to get things done directly without unnecessary red-tape and administrative expenses. 100% of all money donated goes directly into the projects we’ve committed to. By keeping projects small and focused, there is not a need to have paid staff. We are all volunteers.
About the needs in the rural Volta Region
- People live on amazingly little, with strong spirits and a strong ambition to improve their lives.
- Many of the rural villages lack access to clean water
- There is little or no sanitation in many areas
- High infant mortality
- Rampant malaria
- Lack of medical supplies
- Adults and children are hungry to learn. They understand that education is the key to their future.
Accomplishments to date:
In just the last 4 years our fledgling organization has:
- Implemented a sponsorship program now caring for 86 children (and growing) to attend school and receive 2 meals a day
- Sponsored 1 young man's vocational training in Ghana and brought another to study in the USA
- Created and implemented volunteer programs inluding Painting Possibilities.
- Sent a container of school and medical supplies and equipment, a school van and a vehicle for farm and other essential work
- Undertaken various farming projects and introduced drip irrigation
- Built and distributed 1st aid boxes to 22 schools
- Consulted and built websites for Nongovernmental Organizations in Ghana closely aligned with ours.
- Helped get an ambulance on the road to bring help to rural villages
What makes this work possible...
The support and contributions of the following companies, organizations, and schools as well as the many generous individual donors, sponsors and volunteers, make all the difference:
- Capital Lease, Hapag-Lloyd, DHL forwarding services, Penske Auto Rental , Drexel University college of Medicine, Gwynned-Mercy Academy Elementary students and staff,Penn Charter School, Global Gifts in Wayne, PA, Lexington High School Model UN Club, Vantage Point Advisors , All our generous sponsors and donors

Ellen Berenholz, with Enoch at BFSC 2008
Our mission is to strengthen poor rural communities through targeted projects in education, health and poverty reduction. We believe the most effective ways to facilitate long term sustainable change is through education of children and through working with adults to build self reliance and sources for sustainable income. We seek to empower communities to improve their schools, water sources and health conditions.
Community by Community, Child by Child – You Can Make a Difference.
Pagus is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the U.S. Our Federal tax number (EIN) # is 23-2965192
To MAKE A DONATION online click below.
