Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is simple: every child deserves the opportunity to build a successful and meaningful life. We are dedicated to providing positive alternatives and empowering local youth to become self-motivated, confident leaders who can navigate our increasingly complex world.

As a child growing up in Ghana, West Africa, I played with toys and enjoyed a good experience of family life, spiritual enrichment, fun and education. I wanted to go to school, be a graduate and earn a Masters degree in architecture. My desire, even as a child, was to learn, to provide for my family and to give back to my community and my country.
I was raised in an environment that valued education and leadership. My late grandfather Major General Charles Mohammed Barwah was the Chief of Army Staff and Commander of the Ghana Army Forces until 1966. As my mentor and my hero, I have chosen to name the school for him Barwah Academy.
As a Masters graduate student in architecture at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in Nigeria, I was assigned to design a dream building for a class project. As I worked on this assignment, the concept of building a school formed in my mind. I was aware that lack of education was an epidemic in third world countries. As a result of this problem, many African children were being held back and poverty was rampant.
As I matured as a person and grew in my faith, I sensed that God was leading me to be a part of the solution to this problem in my own country of Ghana. I want my life to count and have been blessed with good health, an inquiring mind and a strong faith in God.
Then one day in my work at K&W Cafeteria in Pineville, North Carolina, I met a person who is available and ready to help me reach my goal. She is Dr. Nan Walker who has lived in Charlotte, North Carolina since 1980. She is a Ph.D graduate from Duke University in Durham, N.C. When we became good friends, I shared my vision with Nan. We were supposed to meet so we can work together to achieve our goal.
As the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12,”Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor, if either of them falls, one can help the other up.”
Together Dr. Walker and I have formed a non-profit organization named Barwah Academy. We are incorporated, have been granted a 501(c)3 non- profit status with the IRS and are moving forward.
I believe that as my grandfather touched the lives of many with his leadership and his belief in education, I can make a difference in the world. I can use my education as an architect and my faith as a Christian to start a school in the Central Region of Kasoa, Ghana, West Africa.
Would you like to be a part of my life and my vision “ to send a child to school” by contributing to Barwah Academy in Ghana, West Africa? If you see the value of this endeavor, please feel free to write a generous check. Thank you very much.
As Desmond Tutu the Archbishop of Anglican church, South Africa said: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness”.

Sam Barwah Idrisu.

Sam Barwah Idrisu, Msc-Architecture, CEO/Founder

As a Masters graduate student in architecture at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in Nigeria, I was assigned to design a dream building for a class project. Later, I decided to fulfill the vision by actually building the school.

Born in Macon, Georgia, Nan came from a family that values education and involvement in international relations. Her father, Charlie Walker, a lawyer, sponsored five refugees in 1968-69 from Czechoslovakia. They have all become successful U.S .citizens.
Nan was active in the Experiment in International Living while living in Nantes, France with a French family during the summer of her sophomore year of college. After graduation from college, Nan’s first job was with the American National Red Cross in Korea.
After working in the Far East for a year, Nan traveled for five months to 33 different countries around the world. This experience of living, working and traveling in various countries and cultures at such a young age was exhilarating and life changing for her, Nan says, “l learned as much from the international experience as l learned by getting a Ph.D at Duke.”
At this point in her life, Nan is volunteering to serve on the Board of Directors of Barwah Academy as an event planner, fundraiser and publicity chairperson. Because of her love for international people and her belief in the value of education, she is working with her friend Sam Idrisu to build a school for children in Ghana, West Africa. As a Christian, Nan wants to use her life experience and her love of learning to open doors for others to have hope and a positive future.
“My unique ministry is to use my gifts and my training to help other people to do better what God has called them to do ''. I plan to support, encourage and work with Sam Idrisu to fulfill his lifelong dream of building Barwah Academy in Ghana, West Africa for underprivileged children to learn and grow.

Nan Walker, MS, Ph.D, Publicity, Board of Directors

With a Phd in counseling from Duke University, Nan Walker obviously believes in education. Her excellent education has opened many doors for her as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

George Addai Mensah

Dedicated professional with valuable experience in finance. His practical insights and commitment to community service make him a strong addition to the Barwah Academy board of directors.

Our Volunteers

We are building a team of dedicated volunteers and partners right here in Charlotte. Your time, skills, and passion can help us make a significant impact on our community's youth. We are currently looking for volunteers to assist with after-school workshops, help with event planning, and support our fundraising efforts.

Bryanna Sannders

Helped with organization events for raising funds

Ganna Kirsenko

Helped with digital marketing strategy, graphic design, web-site.

annakirsenko@gmail.com

Nan Walker

Marketing, content for web-site, promotion and communication help.

Rew Sonya Lee

Helped with organization events for raising funds

Sonya Sannders

Helped with organization events for raising funds