Help us change a life and give a child hope.
BWINDI COMMUNITY PROGRAM (BCP) founders, Jim and Jan Tanis discovered Bwindi in 2007. To help the vulnerable children they met there, BCP was established as a 501c3 in 2010. The first group of sponsored children numbered 20. In 2015, the sponsored students had grown to 131 and were in Primary, Secondary, Vocational Schools and University. BCP now focuses mainly on Secondary education at Bishop Comboni College, Vocational Training and University. A new charity called Educate Bwindi now focuses on Bwindi Watoto Primary School.
Awards given to Jim and Jan Tanis for their work with BCP:
• National Association of Women Business Owners
Humanitarian Award, 2015
• Bishop Comboni College Kambuga
Award for aiding the growth and development of the school, 2015
• Michigan Technological University Alumni Association
Humanitarian Award, 2016
BOARD MEMBERS
President JAMES I. TANIS |
PhD Geophysics, retired oil exploration geophysicist, ConocoPhilips Worldwide (21 years) and Shell Oil (8 years), extensive volunteer history. Jim lived in six countries during his career and travelled extensively in developing nations. His experience enabled understanding of cultural diversity and the value of education. |
Treasurer JAN TANIS |
Retired Controller, First Martin Corporation, commercial real estate development and management (20 years). Planning and Zoning Commission for City of Sedona (4 years), various volunteer board positions. |
AKANKWASAH BARIREGA |
PhD in Natural Resources and Environment Management. Visiting lecturer at Makerere University, Kampala in the Department of Wildlife and Animal Resources Management. Also, Assistant Commissioner in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities working on Wildlife Conservation and related International Treaties. Born in a small village adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, he is committed to helping the children of Bwindi. Board member since 2010. |
DONALD SCOTT GROVES |
EdD, Educational Administration, Communication and Psychology with Post Doctorate work at University of Oxford, Harvard University, Brown University and others. Don was Head of School at the International School of Uganda in Kampala, Uganda from 2004 to 2010. His experience and enthusiasm for education is a wonderful addition to the BCP Board. Board member since 2015. |
JANET COYLE GROVES |
M.A. in Integrated Sciences, B. A. Biology, with minor in Secondary Education. Jan’s experience at the International School of Uganda in Kampala included coordinating the partnership with Harvard Graduate School of Education to provide on-line training and professional development of the staff. Her roles there as Dean of Studies, Admissions Director and University Counseling while also teaching Biology makes her an invaluable partner in the “Groves Team”. Board member since 2015. |
BYRON MAANI |
M.S. in IT and Bachelors of Business Administration. Byron brings a background of project management, strategic planning and leadership skills. His current roles of providing Security, Health, Safety and ICT security to several international schools in Uganda along with Project Manager for construction of the Flight Academy in Nakasongola, including installation of the latest technologies in the aviation industry in Uganda, are impressive. He was Manager of School Operations for GEMS Cambridge International School Kampala from 2013 to 2017. His knowledge of the academic environment in Uganda is extensive. Board Member since 2019. |
SUSANNA E. RICHARDS |
PhD Chemistry, M. B. A. in Finance, currently Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration, College of Education at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. She has twenty years of leadership and management experience in academic administration and international chemical manufacturing positions. Susan brings leadership, management and analytical skills with a history of supporting education in developing countries. Board member since 2015. |
MICHAEL LEES |
B.S. in Anthropology, B. Ed. Primary-Junior, M.S. in Education, Diploma in Aviation & Flight Technology. Currently the Director of the International School of Havana in Cuba. He founded Global Issues Service Summit (Africa) while working in Uganda . During his work in China, he founded Guizhou SISters program educating 400 girls in the Guizhou Province before universal primary education was provided. His multinational background and insights into education are a huge asset to BCP. Board member since 2019. |
If you would prefer to speak to us directly about donation options, please feel free to call us:
Jim & Jan Tanis at 928-204-1135
or leave us a message via the Contact page
