“ AfriKids is a symbol of self-sufficiency… It has established itself as a model for delivering effective aid in a way that does not corrupt or create dependency.” The Telegraph

The Blue Sky Lodge is a socially and environmentally- conscious hotel resort in Ghana’s remote and unspoilt Upper East Region. Harnessing a huge opportunity to expand the impoverished region’s tourism industry to drive socio-economic development, 100% of Blue Sky Lodge profits will go towards funding AfriKids’ award- winning child rights projects locally and sustainably.

Located in 9.3 hectares of untouched savannah overlooking the UNESCO-nominated Tongo Hills in northern Ghana, this pioneering social enterprise consists of luxury hotel accommodation, restaurant and bar facilities, gardens, leisure and activities including cultural tourism, conference and events services and the area’s first swimming pool. A beacon of excellence, the Blue Sky Lodge will set new standards for the region, attracting further investments to stimulate real, scalable and genuinely sustainable development.

Objectives•Tobetheleadingproviderofqualityhotelservicesin the Upper East Region of Ghana and to achieve this in an environmentally responsible manner

•Tobethelocalindustryleaderinthedevelopmentoftourist activities in the Upper East Region that respect and celebrate theculturalandenvironmentaluniquenessofthearea

•Toprovidetrainingandemploymentopportunitiesforyoung people that enable them to lead financially independent lives by working in the hospitality sector

•TosupportthecharitableactivitiesofAfriKidsGhanawho serve the most vulnerable children and families of the Upper East Region of Ghana

GROUND -BREAKINGThe Blue Sky Lodge will mark AfriKids out as a new kind of NGO, one that genuinely aims to become indigenously run and sustained, eliminating dependency on Western aid and putting itself at the centre of its local economy’s development.

EXPERIENCEAfriKids’ advantage as an organisation with deep roots in the communitiesitserveswillofferBlueSkyLodgeguestsauniqueexperience of northern Ghana. Guests will enjoy new and exclusive opportunities to meet the rural communities of the Upper East Region; respectfully engaging with local people, exploring areas of outstanding natural beauty and discovering cultures and traditions that have been maintained for centuries.

Top 10 Tourism Destinations in

the World Frommer’s travel guides, 2012

4th World’s Best Ethical Destination

Ethical Traveller, 2010

One of the friendliest countries in the world

Forbes Magazine, 2011

LUXURYUnprecedented luxury in an exotic, tranquil location. Designed in harmony with the local vernacular, the Blue Sky Lodge will boast international standards of quality and service.

INNOVATION

“ I believe history will judge AfriKids as one the few charities who manage to answer the million dollar question; how do we make aid work for Africa?” Sorious Samura BAFTA and Emmy award-winning journalist

DEVELOPMENT

“ Travel and tourism generates jobs throughout the economy, both in companies directly involved in the business and in related supplier industries such as retail, construction, manufacturing and telecommunications. These jobs employ a significant proportion of women, minorities and young people and are predominantly in small and medium-sized enterprises”

Taken from the report‘Industry as a partner for sustainable development: Tourism’Produced by World Travel & Tourism Council, International Hotel & Restaurant Association, International Federation of Tour Operators, International Council of Cruise Lines and the United Nations Environment Programme” Environment Programme

INDEPENDENCE100% of Blue Sky Lodge profits will help fund AfriKids’ award-winning child rights projects, breaking the aid cycle.

OPPORTUNITY

Ghana is one of the world’s fastest growing economies, with a GDP growth rate of 13.5 per cent (2011)UNWTO forecast that between 2011 and 2020, Sub-Saharan Africa will record tourism growth at rates of over 5 per cent a year, compared to a world average of 4.1 per centThe International Civil Aviation Organisation forecast passenger growth in West Africa of at least 8.3 per cent over the next two years (Business Traveller Magazine, June 2012)

“ Treat the region as you would a first world trading environment; do not underestimate the experience, education, business acumen and knowledge to be found in the [West African] region as a whole.” Stuart Chase General Manager, Movenpick Hotels and Resorts

COMMUNITY

•Local design and construction team•Locally sourced materials and furnishings•Preservation and promotion of local cultural heritage•Direct employment of 30-50 local staff•National and international skills exchange programmes•Community tourism•New business for local suppliers and services•Attraction of further investments in the region

EMPOWERMENT

The Blue Sky Lodge will not only create employment opportunities itself, but stimulate a new industry in a region with a limited and saturated jobs market and high levels of unemployment. It will provide training opportunities, serving as a platform to raise hospitality standards of the area to compete on the world stage. This will help develop, retain and attract skilled workers, helping to transform a region of extreme poverty into one of progress and prosperity.

PRESERVATION

Long-term, measurable commitment to environmental sustainability, including:•Minimalcarbonfootprint•Energyefficientdesign•Renewableenergysolutions•Responsiblesourcing•Reuse/recycle/renewpoliciesinwaste,energy and water management•InnovativeecotechnologyAll in accordance with Global Sustainability Tourism Council Criteria

CREDIBILITY

5 national and 5 international awards for impact, transparency and enterprise

COMMITMENT

Social Impact•Trainingandemploymenttargets•Periodiccommunityconsultations•Industrygrowthmonitoring•SocialKeyPerformanceIndicators(KPIs)

Environmental Impact•SustainabilityprinciplesandGlobal Sustainable Tourism Council Criteria•EnvironmentalKPIs

Financial Impact•ProfitandLossforecast•Salestargets•FinancialKPIs•Performance-relatedearnings

AfriKids (UK) Head Office AfriKids, 21 Southampton Row, London, WC1B 5HA

Telephone: +44 (0) 207 269 0740 Registered Charity Number. 1093624

AfriKids Ghana Head Office PO Box 166, Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, Ghana

Telephone: +233 3820 23829 Registered Charity Number. DSW/3024

If you would like to donate to AfriKids or simply have a chat about our projects and initiatives please don’t hesitate to contact us at: Email: info@afrikids.org Website: www.afrikids.org