Who We Are
B.A.S.I.C.S International
B A S I C S aka BASICS International focuses on sustainable development, using education to empower communities to rise out of poverty and achieve social equality. The organization believes that the key to permanent change lies in sharing wealth, information, and resources with those less fortunate. By equipping individuals with knowledge, they can advocate for their needs, including better education, sanitation, working conditions, gender equality, social equality, and accountability.
BASICS is committed to assisting everyone, regardless of their religious beliefs or race. B.A.S.I.C.S is a registered 501(c)(3) in the USA with its headquarters in New York. ( EIN 11-3633709) Brothers And Sisters in Christ Serving is registered as a NGO in GHANA
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Our Story
BASICS International was founded in 2000 by Patricia Wilkins, a former New York fashion industry professional who turned her passion for creativity into a mission of service. While working her way through school and building a successful career in textiles and fashion, Patricia dedicated countless hours volunteering in underserved communities across New York City — believing that true change begins at home.
Inspired to expand her impact globally, Patricia signed up for a volunteer opportunity in Pavlovsk, Russia, and soon after, traveled to Ghana — where she was moved to action. Using her personal savings, she began sponsoring children to attend school, but quickly realized tuition alone wasn’t enough. Children needed academic support, mentorship, nourishment, and a safe space to thrive.This realization led to the creation of the BASICS Intervention Centre in Chorkor, Accra — a vibrant community hub offering education, meals, and holistic care. Today, BASICS has grown into a dynamic organization providing school sponsorships, after-school programs, women’s economic empowerment initiatives, and community development projects. Yet at its core, BASICS remains true to its founding mission: breaking the cycle of poverty through education, empowerment, and opportunity..
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Volunteering with BASICS is more like finding your long lost family. From the very first day I volunteered to 10 years later I am still in awe of the experience and skill sets it has allowed me to build upon. The community of Chorkor is REAL. The problems it faces from poverty and life is very moving and seeing the change you can create allows you to really grasp your skillsets and integrate them into an impeccable program. You really make a difference, even if that is in one child’s life by teaching them how to do up their shoe laces to reading OR the entire community by doing a workshop with the elders. I wish every single person was given the opportunity to volunteer their time with BASICS as it would really help create a kinder and more equal world.
- Scott O'Halloran
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It didn’t take long for me to see just how big a difference BASICS was making in Chorkor. The intervention centre is so vital to each child’s success, and debunks the myth that you can simply pay for a child to go to school and that’s all it takes.
- Jess O'Farrell
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There’s this deep mystical idea in Judaism that every time people dance together in celebration, a little nugget of darkness in the world transforms to light, slowly perforating the barrier between us and God. I strongly believe BASICS does that work.
- Aya Abitbul
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Founder and Managing Director
Patricia Wilkins
Patricia Wilkins grew up in New York City and built a career in the fashion industry before dedicating her life to social impact. Her journey into humanitarian work began with volunteer efforts at shelters and community organizations. Inspired to do more, she left her corporate career behind to focus full-time on empowering underserved communities.
Her decision was met with skepticism from some but unwavering support from others who shared her vision. With their encouragement, Patricia founded BASICS International, which has since transformed the lives of countless children and families in Ghana.
A Vision for ChangePatricia’s approach emphasizes community-driven solutions. By integrating deeply into the Chorkor community, BASICS has built trust and created programs tailored to local needs. From providing meals to offering coding classes and economic opportunities for women, the organization continues to foster long-term development.
This story is not just about one person’s journey but about the collective effort of individuals coming together to create meaningful change. BASICS International stands as a testament to what can be achieved when compassion meets action.
Contact (Ghana & USA Office's)
+233 (0) 277 512671 +233 (0) 277 227427
+1 718-454-1273
BASICS International Mailing Address:
P.O.Box CT 3727, Cantonments Accra Ghana, West Africa.
P.O.Box CT 3727, Cantonments Accra Ghana, West Africa.
BASICS International Mailing Address:
P. O BOX 300888
JAMAICA NY 11430 USA
P. O BOX 300888
JAMAICA NY 11430 USA
Programme Office and Facilities:
Chorkor Accra
Chorkor Accra
Programme Office and Facilities:
c/o Thomas White Jr Foundation Building
162- 04 Tuskegee Airmen Way Jamaica, New York 11433 USA
c/o Thomas White Jr Foundation Building
162- 04 Tuskegee Airmen Way Jamaica, New York 11433 USA