Akelius Foundation

empowering communities
through education

Build a school with Akelius Foundation
to expand access to education.

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collaborate with Akelius Foundation


Akelius Foundation invites charity organizations with experience and track record in education and school projects to collaborate in the construction of schools in underserved communities.

Akelius Foundation is committed to helping people in need by funding educational projects around the world.

Every year, Akelius Foundation donates on average EUR 30 million to support educational projects, including funding of schools.

about Akelius schools


The first school project started in 2022 in Mali, where Akelius Foundation and the organization MenoMali aim to build ten schools.

Today, in Mali, four schools are completed and operative, while three others are under construction.

The schools are open to all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion and political beliefs.

The Akelius school projects are developed to fulfil the community’s need for educational spaces.
The schools are designed using local materials and adapting to the country’s culture and environment.

The projects are always the result of a close collaboration between Akelius Foundation and its partners.

about the opportunity


In a partnership, Akelius Foundation can provide free of charge
Key evaluation criteria for a project are

lack of educational opportunities and buildings in the proposed area or community

the school’s educational programs are open to individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, or political orientation

high-quality of construction, operations and long-term sustainability

optimal and low project administration and management costs

creating a school environment with human scale and connected with nature

Akelius Foundation and the implementing partner collaborate closely for the entire project development, from project planning to the school construction.
To reach this goal, implementing partners might include

  • organizations or social enterprises that manage schools or educational programs
  • construction companies experienced in educational or community buildings, especially in low-resource settings
  • local education authorities or community-based organizations in the target country

application process


From inquiry to approval, the process usually takes one to three months.

01

initial inquiry

Submit your organization's information and interest by email to contact.schools@akelius.org

Include your organization's full legal name and website, as well as a short half-page project description specifying

  • primary project scope
  • target beneficiaries
  • main objectives and expected outcomes
  • estimated budget
02

consultation call

If the organization and the project are in line with Foundation’s criteria, a short call is scheduled to discuss the project and clarify goals.

03

first proposal development

A project proposal, including detailed budget, is developed with dedicated support from Akelius Foundation’s team.
You can consult the guidelines available here.

04

sketch design

The first sketch design for the school is prepared.
The project budget is adjusted accordingly.

05

final proposal

The final project proposal is submitted.

06

agreement

An agreement based on the final proposal is signed.

frequently asked questions


Akelius Foundation supports primarily the construction of new schools. 
Basic renovations or expansions of existing schools are usually not eligible.  

However, if the newly added facilities represent more than two-thirds of the total completed school in terms of the overall buildings and student capacity, 
the project can be of Akelius Foundation’s interest.

Akelius school projects support formal and informal schools for students from Grade 1 to Grade 12, 
including primary, secondary, and high schools. 

Formal preschools are generally not eligible.  

An exception may be considered if the preschool follows a play-based approach.

Akelius Foundation does not fund religious schools or religious education.

Eligible schools must provide education to all, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender and political orientation.

Akelius Foundation does not have any geographical focus, but implements projects where there is a need for schools.

The Foundation primarily funds the construction and equipping of the school.

Akelius Foundation usually does not fund the school’s operational costs.

  • integrating the public education system, allowing public funding of operating costs 
  • generating income through activities that benefit the local community  
  • securing sustainable support from local partners 

Yes, the design of Akelius buildings is simple and timeless.

Facades, common areas, and landscapes should not be formally or rigidly designed.
Curved, round, or elliptical elements are preferred, while orthogonal structures should be avoided. 

Akelius buildings follow the natural topography and landscape of the place, minimizing the impact on the site. 

Akelius Foundation partnerships


© ΜΕΤΑδραση - METAdrasi

The young students are excitedly awaiting for “Akelius time” in class!

2025-04-24 | Facebook account ΜΕΤΑδραση - METAdrasi

From 2021, METAdrasi, in co-operation with UNICEF Greece, support schools all over Greece in using the Akelius platform. This is a modern digital language learning tool, designed for students with refugee or migrant background. In Greece,... continue reading from original source

© UNICEF Bhutan

monks and nuns across Bhutan are leaning English digitally

2025-04-18 | Twitter account UNICEF Bhutan

More than 1,000 child monks and nuns in monastic schools across Bhutan are today learning English, digital and numeracy skills.

Thank you Akelius Foundation for your generous support.
With your continued support, we can bring hope to more children across.

see original

© Save the Children in North West Balkans

Primary school students use Akelius to learn English and German!

2025-04-08 | Facebook account Save the Children in North West Balkans

Imagine learning English and German in a way that is fun, exciting and completely digital!

Primary school students continue to learn foreign languages ​​using the Akelius digital platform... continue reading or read from original source

©UNICEF Italia

Akelius, learning Italian as a second language with "blended learning"

2025-02-21 | YouTube account UNICEF Italia

Akelius is the UNICEF program for the development of linguistic and digital skills of students newly arrived in Italy (NAI), active in primary and lower secondary schools. Through the use of tablets provided to schools and the training of teachers on the blended learning method, the Akelius platform supports the learning of Italian as a second language, promoting more inclusive and innovative education. 

watch video

© UNICEF Mauritania

Making Digital Learning Work

2025-01-22 | unicef.org

Making Digital Learning Work, compiles six years of research, experiences and insights from the UNICEF–Akelius Digital Learning Initiative. The digital learning initiative focuses on improving learning for marginalized children… continue reading

lessons from the UNICEF-Akelius Digital Learning Initiative 
watch video, YouTube link

key lessons on infrastructure, organization and leadership 
watch video, YouTube link

key lessons on teachers' professional development and support 
watch video, YouTube link

©UNICEF Cabo Verde

#Education is changing

2024-12-17 | X account - UNICEF Cabo Verde

At the Sao Martinho primary school, it's a day to learn Portuguese, English and French through the AKELIUS app... continue reading from original source

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