Our Why

The Move Project became an official non-profit organization in 2010.

Our end goal was, and still is, not to exist at all.

But until our work is done, we vow to remain steadfast in our mission to disrupt poverty while instilling a hope that no matter where you were born, you can achieve greatness.

We also believe in helping without causing harm.

Easy in theory but difficult in practice, this belief led us to have Ghanaians leading the effort at every level of our organization. Our work in Tsipasi goes through a rigorous planning process and no project is done without full consent, approval, and partnership with the community of Tsipasi. We don’t take the partnership with Tsipasi lightly and we are constantly striving to serve in a way that benefits Tsipasi without disrupting their culture, way of life, and way of being. Ultimately, we desire to hand over all we have started to the community when they are willing and able to begin management. We want to serve ourselves out of being needed.

We specifically partnered with Tsipasi because they were the first community to have a clear focus on what a partnership with The Move Project would look like, how it would benefit the entire community (not just those in power), and how they would participate from day one. Our joint endeavor began in 2016 and has continued to mature and flourish each year. Tsipasi laid out their vision and the top three priorities are as follows:

• Access to clean water

• Education

• Economic sustainability assistance

These are significant goals.

Our first project milestone was the installation of a water well which provided access to clean water for the entire village. Next, we connected a new water line even closer to the community that serves the school.

In 2018 we opened the doors of TMP Academy to begin the second major work. We are currently educating 125+ students across six grades. TMP Academy currently employs nine full-time staff while providing meals to both students and families in need. 

We believe that through education, the children will be empowered to shine, making TMP Academy a place where they can learn, grow, and meet their personal goals. Tsipasi has supported this work from day one and we are so grateful for their partnership in making education succeed in the community. 

Our founders

Sam Mahlstadt

Communications

Our Team

Our manifesto

We believe that everyone is worth it.

We refuse to believe a statistic is a statistic, because we know there are names and birthdays. There are children and brothers and sisters. 

We believe that light will overcome the darkness and we won't rest until light shines through.

We will show up.

We will continue the fight even when the opposition is greater and the fight against us is winning.

We will slog,

we will walk, 

we will run.

We believe that living in freedom, having food and drink, and living under a roof are human rights.

Rights that are to be enjoyed by all mankind, not just a select few. 

Whether you are part of the haves or the have-nots,

we will stand arm in arm calling you to action,

because we believe the worst thing anyone can do is nothing at all.