About us
We are dedicated to fostering prosperity, universal health and equality worldwide.
Global Approach To Development is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2014 to improve the lives of underserved, low-income and minority populations.
Our mission
Eliminate poverty, health disparities and gender inequality.
Our mission is to eliminate poverty, health disparities and gender inequality, and improve the overall health of underserved populations. That is no different from the desire of other human beings around the world. We have a common problem — not only in underserved countries but also in developed ones. We face the same global threats to our development, education, economy and health.
Our vision
A better world for deprived communities and their children.
Our vision is to improve the quality of life of underserved populations globally and to give deprived communities and children the opportunity to thrive, to learn, to give back and to live in a better world.
We understand that through empowerment and the elimination of poverty, health disparities and inequality, individuals can reach a state of optimal well-being.
“There is no love more sincere than the love of giving.”
Our founder
Keuleya Ruth Ble
Founder · Leading GAD since 2014
Ble founded Global Approach To Development in 2014 with the conviction that economic development and community empowerment start with childhood development.
She designs GAD's programs so that education, clean water and healthcare reinforce one another — because for a country or a continent to develop, it needs to improve the lives of its people.
How it works
We break the cycle at three points.
Poverty is a loop. GAD's three programs are designed to interrupt it where it hurts most.
Economy decline
Low morale, poor sanitation, hunger
Depleted workforce
Break the cycle at three points, and the other three lose their fuel.
Why it matters
Building brighter futures: the future of humanity
At GAD we focus on education, clean drinking water and access to healthcare. Why?
It breaks the cycle of poverty
Economic development and community empowerment start with childhood development. Investing in children's education promotes growth, stability and a better return on investment. For a country or a continent to develop, it needs to improve the lives of its people — and improving the economy starts by reducing poverty.
It improves well-being
For a child to grow up with strong, positive values and make positive contributions to society, he or she needs to be guided in developing the qualities of character valued by family and community. That is why we emphasize the educational needs of children in our target geographies.
It empowers communities
Quality early learning for underserved children improves health outcomes, fosters valuable skills, strengthens the workforce and grows the economy. The lack of education and health are significant contributors to poverty — solving the health crisis and reducing poverty start with investing in our children.
Our journey
A decade of building
2010
It starts with one girl in Sikasso
A visit to Mali leads to informal French lessons that grow into learning sessions for more than 50 children.
2011
A community school in Lakota
Villagers and their church build a clay-and-wood school for 58 students in Côte d'Ivoire.
2014
GAD is founded
Keuleya Ruth Ble establishes Global Approach To Development as a 501(c)(3) in California.
2015
New primary school completed
Groupe Scolaire Agbé opens a safe, modern primary facility — kindergarten through 5th grade.
2016
Secondary school breaks ground
Construction begins so students no longer have to travel 54 miles to continue their education.
2019
Secondary school completed
Middle and high school open in Lakota, so students no longer travel 54 miles to keep learning.
Today
Growing with the community
Learning clubs in the villages of Sikasso, sports, classroom upgrades — and a school building still to build in Mali.
Where we work
Rooted in West Africa, based in California
Lakota, Côte d'Ivoire
Groupe Scolaire Agbé primary and secondary schools.
Sikasso region, Mali
Children's clubs, literacy and art education in Zandjougoula, Kozansso-dioula and Zanadougou.
California, USA
Headquarters and administration.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
GAD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 and based in California. We work to eliminate poverty, health disparities and gender inequality through education, clean water and healthcare programs in Côte d'Ivoire and Mali.
Yes. GAD is a registered 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 46-5482942). Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by U.S. law.
Give online by card, one time or monthly. To give by check or another way, write to info@gapdev.org and we will help.
Absolutely. Fill out the volunteer form on our Get Involved page, or contact us to explore partnership opportunities.
In Lakota, Côte d'Ivoire, where we built the Groupe Scolaire Agbé primary and secondary schools, and in villages around Sikasso, Mali, where we run learning clubs.
Join us in making a difference
You can help create sustainable change and uplift communities around the world.