ABOUT US
Maxim Nyansa stands for the best of two worlds. A foundation established in Ghana in 2016. We have the strength of an NGO and we are a foundation raising funds and mobilizing volunteers to train underprivileged young Africans. We believe in a bi-cultural approach and our organization will be owned, governed and executed by teams where Europeans and Africans are working together on a basis of equality and synergy.
Our name means “maximal wisdom” and our logo – a classic Ghanaian Adinkra symbol – literally means “climbing the right tree”. This expression means: “He who works for a good cause may expect the help of others”. It reflects our mission, which is to give young Africans who are less fortunate a chance to be educated and equipped for their professional lives. We believe they have great potential, but they can be helped by a little push to climb to the next branch of the tree of their personal development.
Maxim Nyansa stands for the best of two worlds in various ways:
First, we are an NGO, and at the same time looking for sustainable business models to grow our work in Africa. Second, while we introduce various practices, values and technologies from Europe or the US, we also highly value the African sense of belonging. For us, Maxim Nyansa is an extended family. A circle of trust where family members know they will find the necessary support.
OUR MISSION
Creating Career Perspective for Young Africans
To create career perspectives for young people with the use of information technology. We believe it is possible to equip the young graduates in Africa for the new local and international job market; giving access to valuable and affordable practical resources and training.
OUR VISION
Learning Transformation & Training programs all over Africa
To launch learning transformation and training programs all over Africa to equip young people with 21st century learning, affordable practical training and career coaching which will give them the competitive advantage on the local and international job market.
OUR VALUES
EMPOWERMENT
We believe in empowering young Africans through knowledge transfer.
FAMILY
We value the African concept of the extended family and this is how we want to relate to all our partners.
HOPE
We believe that young educated people can have a positive impact on their families and communities.
QUALITY
We are committed to quality according to international standards of professionalism.
SYNERGY
We believe in doing business in a frugal and humble way, without compromising on the quality of our services.
PRACTICALITY
We believe educational software can benefit education everywhere in the world, but only when it is combined with intensive personal contact and practical training.
HUMILITY
We believe in doing business in a frugal and humble way, without compromising on the quality of our services.
EQUALITY
We believe in equality for all people, in fair trade and fair working conditions.
OUR BOARD
INTERNATIONAL BOARD
AUGUSTINE AGYEMAN-DUAH
PRESIDENT
With over 18 years of experience in assurance and finance, I am a strategic and managerial leader who advises and supports international, non-profit, and private sector organizations on financial management, sustainable and impact investment, business process improvement, assurance, governance and risk management.
GHANA BOARD
ERIK SCHNEIDER
SECRETARY
Experienced leader with a demonstrated history of success in the consulting and finance sectors. Skilled in management consulting, risk management, decision quality, sales, innovation, finance, and public speaking. Holds an MS in Computer Science and an MBA.
FRANCIS BANDOH
TREASURER
Mr Francis Bandoh is a Chartered, qualified and Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA UK). He further jolts an IFRS Certificate with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCRA [UK]) and also a Senior Member of the Ghana Institure of Taxation.
STANLEY KWAKYE DANKYIRA
MEMBER
Experienced Director with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Skilled in Customer Service, Strategic Planning, Public Speaking, and Microsoft Office application. Strong professional with a Information Security background focused on Information Tecnology from Advanced Information Technology Institute(aiti), Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT.
CREATING CAREER PERSPECTIVE FOR YOUNG AFRICANS
What Our Community Says ?
In the board, we make sure our ambition is realistic and feasible. Being in the board gives me meaning, knowing that I contribute to a better world. It also makes me richer in contacts, as I come outside my usual bubble. It makes me a richer human.
Klaas
I have been trained by Maxim Nyansa in 2016 and after that i have been able to make use of my skills in starting a software service for schools. I recommend Maxim Nyansa to anyone starting out and wants a the right ways to suceed.
Stephen Ofori
I moved from Istanbul to The Netherlands. Maxim Nyansa IT Solutions in the Netherlands (Climbing The Right Tree) is a big chance to see people around. It’s a safe place to make good things. Being here helps me to learn Dutch and to develop my skills in a non-for-profit organization.
Ozlem
The vision and mission of Maxim Nyansa align with me and what I want to do: to create career perspectives for young Africans. Every day here is a best moment. At Maxim Nyansa, we have the principle of family. Everyone can give their ideas and together we make decisions.
Linda
Being here as a logistics volunteer gives me the chance to do what I love: work with computers. I can use my talents here, the most fun for me is trouble shooting. At the same time, it is great that you are a node in the chain to help creating better lives for Africans.
Anonymous
I love to tinker with computers and help with the whole logistics process: from picking up hardware to process, clean and send them. Doing this gives me gratitude, nice contacts and structure for myself. It is a nice place where you are accepted and have freedom to contribute how you want.
Patrick
I like to be part of Climbing The Right Tree as it is small and orderly. It is great to spend my free time this way as I love to work with my hands. The volunteer work gives me a place to talk with people and to learn even more about computers.
Job
Maxim Nyansa feels for me as a real family where I got responsibility and trust. At the same time, you have freedom to volunteer how it suits you. I also did have the chance to go to Ghana and see how the process is going on there. It has been an eyeopener in my life.
Pim
Being an intern for Maxim Nyansa gives me the opportunity to get new social contacts outside my usual bubble. I meet people from different disciplines and cultures. It opens my world view, while I can develop my professional working skills.
Micha
As an intern for Maxim Nyansa, I have created an impact assessment method. I have been warmly welcomed, got in contact with experts and I contribute to a noble goal. As an intern, you also have the opportunity to go to Ghana. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go due to COVID-19.
Maarten
As interns for Maxim Nyansa, we improved the inventory system by creating a ticketing system and a form. We really got responsibility, there was clear feedback and it is nice to see they make use of our work.
Mario and Tristan
I got value and confidence when I became part of Maxim Nyansa. Maxim Nyansa helps me to show my graphic design work to the outside world. It is two-sided, they helped me and I help them. They also offered me the chance to talk to the new trainees and get them into graphic designing.
Gideon – Trainee 2018
I have been a trainee in 2018 and the value of giving back drives me to be a trainer for Maxim Nyansa. I brought SCRUM down to the African context, by intermediating between Dutch trainers and the trainees. While working with professionals, I have a sense of belonging.
Elvin – Trainee 2018
I joined Maxim Nyansa as I was so happy to see how much compassion they have for African students. They are helping others without expecting back. Everyday has been a wonderful experience and it is great to see a smile on kids’ faces.
Amaami
I share the value of Maxim Nyansa: to help the vulnerable who do not have the opportunity to shine. Students are good academically, but are not pushed to grow. Maxim Nyansa gives me the platform to help people and as a logistics manager.
Andrews
Maxim Nyansa is a big family. It is not just an organisation, it is a family where I belong. As a trainer and volunteer in the bootcamp, I got the chance to share the knowledge I gained during the bootcamp and give back.
Gilbert
I believe in the vision and dream of Maxim Nyansa. As a project manager and marketing manager, I have gained skills in IT and I am meeting wonderful people that push you around. I am more confidential now in managing as I have learned how to plan and propose.
John
As a documentary maker I portray the impact of what Maxim Nyansa does. I have studied the trainees and their impact is great. Maxim Nyansa gives me the international experience which makes me more respected in my industry.
David
I was selected for the second batch of trainees in 2017. It is not just an IT programme, it is a family guiding you in IT and life. The mission for underprivileged is brilliant and it was a favour to join. The training enlightened me, things were clear and I got an understanding of the practical field.
Joseph
I joined Maxim Nyansa’s training in 2018 and since then I build my confidence and broadened my horizon in IT. They push you hard, help to achieve your dreams and transform your life to a higher level. I was empowered to launch my start-up Odwadini.
Samuel
At first I was not selected for the training, but worked hard, build a small system in Java and applied again. I was interviewed, selected, and part of the 2017 batch. I learned how to communicate, especially cross-cultural. I did have the basics, but this prepared me for the career market as I am now a professional. I want others to benefit from this as well.
Isaac
After my graduation in 2016, I was recruited for the first pilot program in Kumasi. I got practical experience I did not have based on what I learned at university. After the training, I established Trinity Software Centre with two mates of the program, a spin-off of Maxim Nyansa.
Joseph
I participated in the general bootcamp in 2017 and a data science bootcamp in 2018. I learned that anything is achievable, you have to know what skills are needed, and plan to get that skills. I got much confidence and see myself as unique, not just following the crowd.
Aseda
I participated in the first batch in 2016. It benefitted me a lot. I can do the work that I am doing now, thanks to the training. I gained a lot of practical experience and welcome other people, I am an ambassador now!
Gabriel
As a trainer for Maxim Nyansa, I can carry forwards knowledge I have which can be used to improve the lives of trainees. Helping others gives me a satisfaction and it helps the trainees in their future careers.
Hilbrand
Teaching for Maxim Nyansa made me realize how much I know myself and how beautiful it is to share my knowledge: knowledge is more worth if you share it. Unfortunately we could not go to Ghana due to COVID, but we bridged the distance with enthusiasm and creativity!
Marijn
Teaching the trainees during the data science bootcamp has given me satisfaction and a smile every day. I am looking forward to go to Ghana and taste the culture, as due to COVID we could not go.
Willem
Teaching together with my colleague was a useful teambuilding activity. I entered with an open attitude and it has benefitted both sides! A collaboration with Maxim Nyansa is very interesting for companies: there is little time difference and a decent infrastructure, and it is nearby.
Steven
You give a little and get so much back. Teaching is time-consuming, but not compared to the satisfaction. Getting a perspective and know how little it takes to help someone is extremely fulfilling on the individual level.
Magdalena
I believe in the idea to share my expertise for good causes. Much people are looking to engage in charities, but do not find a suitable organisation for their wishes. Maxim Nyansa is a charity for me where I can share my knowledge and get fulfilment.
Erik
Maxim Nyansa creates win-win situations. The trainees are eager to learn and I can pass on what I have learned. The trip to Ghana was very valuable to us, we taught them and they taught us. We certainly got our investment back.
Harm-Jan
The goals of Maxi Nyansa transform different communities positively. Thanks to the collaboration, we are developing a branch in Burkina Faso. In the future, we can replicate it in other (Francophone) countries. I want Maxim Nyansa in the whole of Africa. Going digital creates value and opportunities.
Nathaniel
We have similar goals as Maxim Nyansa. We can learn from them and they can learn from us. Maxim Nyansa helps us to get international recognition and get more funding, so we can expand. We enrich Maxim Nyansa with our hands-on skills training.
Ibou
When I volunteer for Maxim Nyansa, I am using my time for the better. My time is well-spent and I contribute to professional work. Maxim Nyansa has a broad field of volunteers, from logistics to PR. Almost everyone can use their skills here.
Nora
We are having similar activities and decided to strengthen each other. We help schools to suffice in condition needed for Maxim Nyansa to equip an ICT lab. The collaboration enables us to work on a bigger scale, we already did our 8th project with Maxim Nyansa.
Macina Foundation
It is in my nature to give back and being in the board of Maxim Nyansa gives me satisfaction. We help to raise people, it creates hopes and steers people, societies and generations in the good direction. Maxim Nyansa leaves a footprint.
Kojo
Maxim Nyansa has given me the opportunity to serve my country, as board chair. I feel happy and fulfilled to contribute to the development of Africa. I see a bright future, Maxim Nyansa as a household name in Africa and a place where every student who is eager to learn about ICT runs to.
Augustine
Being part of the board gives me a good feeling, as I can share my qualities and meet new people. In the board I work with people that have a lot of respect and in the Netherlands and Ghana we have a great team of volunteers on which I trust fully!