About Us

Our Story

Inspired by the vision of William and Teresa Okorie (WTO), the WTO Foundation empowers underserved communities through access to education, IT empowerment, providing medical care, and creating opportunity.
Born from the legacy of William and Teresa Okorie, the WTO Foundation celebrates the remarkable journey of a couple, married in the early 1960’s, who, despite limited formal education – a result of the economic hardship faced by their own parents, made it their life’s mission to invest in the education of others. The lives of these two individuals were defined by vision, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in the power of education. Their efforts were groundbreaking to say the least. Even before they started having a family of their own in the early 1960s, they were instrumental in helping send the first person from their community to the United States of America for university education. This milestone marked the beginning of a transformation — not just for their family, but for an entire community. Subsequently, invested much of their resources in educating their own children, igniting a generational transformation that turned a once-underserved family into a network of doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other professionals. Their belief that *“a mind is a terrible thing to waste”* continues to inspire us today. Through the WTO Foundation, their children and grandchildren now carry this torch forward—creating opportunities for underserved children and communities to dream bigger, rise higher, and build brighter futures.
From the small village of Umuduru, Mbieri in Imo State, where no one had gone beyond elementary school before William Okorie’s birth in 1936, a new story began. In just one generation, through determination, generosity, and the belief that “a mind is a terrible thing to waste,” William and Teresa not only changed the trajectory of their family’s future forever, but also changed a community for good.
Today, the WTO Foundation carries forward their vision — creating educational opportunities and investing in underserved communities around the world. The Foundation is committed to honoring William and Teresa Okorie’s spirit of giving by building brighter futures for those who need it most. Their legacy lives on.

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  • Be part of a legacy that changes lives. Donate, partner, or volunteer today.
  • Help us carry forward the spirit of giving that began with William and Teresa Okorie.
  • Your support helps open doors for the next generation of learners.

Our Vision

To create a world where every child—regardless of background—has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and transform their community through the power of knowledge, technology, health, and hope.

Honoring the Power of Possibility
The WTO Foundation carries forward a story of transformation through education, born from one family’s commitment to giving.
What Started with Two parents’ belief in education has become a mission to uplift entire communities.
With limited formal education, William and Teresa Okorie ignited a ripple effect that continues to open doors for others today.
Education is the Legacy
The WTO Foundation is committed to creating lasting change by investing in minds and empowering communities.