From the Executive Director
Sixty years is an incredible milestone. When Tanzania gained independence in 1961, President Julius Nyerere understood that education would be the key to lifting people out of poverty and helping the nation compete in a changing world. The challenge was simple: there was not enough money to build the schools that were needed.
That’s when Rev. David Simonson stepped forward and said, “I can help.” From that moment, Operation Bootstrap Africa was born.
Over the last six decades, OBA and its partners have helped build schools, clinics, dormitories, training centers, and even a college. Yet buildings tell only part of the story. The real impact is found in the lives that have been transformed through education.
We know that when a girl receives an education, she is more likely to ensure her own children are educated. That changes families, communities, and generations. I often find myself wondering about the ripple effect of sixty years of educated and empowered girls. Think about the teachers, nurses, doctors, social workers, entrepreneurs, and community
leaders who have emerged because someone invested in their education. Think about the families that have broken cycles of poverty, child marriage, and female genital mutilation.
How do you measure that kind of impact?
On June 1, we also began a new chapter by changing our name from Operation Bootstrap Africa to Opportunity Builds Africa. While our name has changed, our mission remains the same: OBA partners with African communities to expand access to education and opportunity, especially for women, children, and marginalized communities.
Most importantly, none of this would be possible without you.
Whether you sponsor a child, support a school, establish an endowed scholarship, or include OBA in your estate plans, you are helping change lives for generations to come.
Thank you for making these 60 years possible. It is our honor to help you make a difference.
~ Jason Bergmann