The Foundation was born from a powerful belief shared by William and Teresa Okorie: education changes everything.
Married in the early 1960s, William and Teresa faced economic hardship and limited access to formal education. Yet they refused to let circumstance define their future—or the future of those around them. Long before starting a family of their own, they helped send the first person from their community to the United States for a university education, setting in motion a transformation that would ripple for generations.
From the village of Umuduru, Mbieri in Imo State—where no one had progressed beyond elementary school before William Okorie’s birth in 1936—an extraordinary legacy emerged.
Today, the William and Teresa Okorie (WTO) Foundation exists to preserve and extend that legacy by responding to the real and pressing needs of underserved populations. Through free access to knowledge, medical outreach programs, skills acquisition, and IT education, we strive to break cycles of poverty, restore dignity, and create pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
Mission statement
The WTO Foundation empowers underserved communities through access to education, IT empowerment, medical care, and opportunity creation—unlocking potential and creating pathways to sustainable futures.
Our Vision
Profile of the
Executive board members
Dr. Ernest Okorie
Chairman of the Foundation Management and Advisory Board
Dr. Charles Okorie
Director General of the Foundation
Dr. (Mrs.) Scholar Nwoke
Vice-Chair of the Foundation Advisory Board
Barrister Anselem Okorie LLB, BL, LLM
Secretary of the Foundation
Michelle Nwoke – MBA, MSN, RN, FNP-C
Deputy Secretary of the Foundation
Valentine Okorie
Chief Technology Officer of the Foundation
What we do
William and Teresa Okorie Foundation work is condensed in the acronym: LIFT
The LIFT Framework
We empower underserved communities by equipping individuals with the tools, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive. Our work is guided by the LIFT Framework—four strategic pillars that drive lasting transformation: Learning, Innovation, Fitness (Healthcare) and Trades.
Together, We LIFT Communities.
Through education, innovative solutions, accessible healthcare, and practical workforce training, the William and Teresa Okorie Foundation creates clear pathways out of poverty—empowering individuals to build healthier, more sustainable futures for themselves and their communities.
L — Learning
Education is the gateway to opportunity. We are establishing libraries and learning hubs in primary and secondary schools across rural communities to:
– Provide access to books and learning materials;
– Offer safe, engaging spaces for study and exploration;
– Support literacy and academic growth.
Through learning, we unlock potential and lay the foundation for brighter futures.
I — Innovation
Digital inclusion fuels modern progress. We will expand internet access and technology programs in rural communities to:
– Enable online learning and digital literacy;
– Connect communities to global resources and markets;
– Foster entrepreneurship and remote work opportunities.
Connectivity opens doors to innovation and new possibilities
F — Fitness (Healthcare)
Healthy communities are strong communities. We are creating primary and urgent care centers to:
– Prevent and manage illnesses;
– Provide timely care for urgent health needs;
– Improve overall health outcomes and life expectancy.
Access to quality healthcare saves lives and sustains hope.
T — Trades
Practical skills drive economic mobility. Our vocational training centers will offer hands-on instruction in trades like:
– Electrical work, plumbing, masonry, Carpentry, bricklaying, and ceiling installation;
– Air-conditioning repair, painting, floor tiling, and construction management.
By equipping individuals with income-generating skills, we foster self-reliance and community development.
Current Status of the Library:
The William & Teresa Okorie Foundation is proud to announce the successful completion and launch of the first-ever E-Library in the region — a transformative milestone in our commitment to advancing education and expanding access to technology.
Officially commissioned and fully operational since November 29, 2025, the E-Library stands as a beacon of opportunity for students and the wider community.
Strategically located within a primary and secondary school compound, the facility serves learners from kindergarten through senior secondary school. By integrating digital tools and online resources into everyday learning, the E-Library directly supports our vision of empowering every student with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven world.
A Hub for Learning and Innovation
The E-Library provides:
• 24-hour electricity
• Uninterrupted high-speed internet connectivity
• Access to digital research tools and educational resources
• A safe, structured environment for study and exploration
Since opening its doors, the facility has already become a vibrant center for academic growth, digital literacy, and lifelong learning. Students now have free, universal access to information that was previously beyond reach — opening doors to new ideas, skills, and opportunities.
A Vision Realized
This project began in October 2023 with a bold vision: to bridge the digital divide and strengthen educational outcomes in the region. Today, that vision is a reality.
The E-Library is more than a building — it is a catalyst for transformation. By equipping young minds with access to knowledge and technology, we are investing in a brighter, stronger future for the entire community.
