Letter
from the President
 |
Erna
and Sister Mary purchased 1,100 textbooks
|
As
we enter the second half of 2008,
I pause to admire the many giving hearts connecting across the oceans
to
combine the strength of their determined spirits to improve the
quality of education in East Africa. During two Board member visits
earlier this year, we admired the hard work and results of our many
projects underway. Completing class 8 room at Jeremy Academy translates
into 60 children being able to sit for the National exam for the first
time ever at this secondary school. With the construction of toilets at
3 schools, there is better sanitation, less time waiting in line, and
healthier children in classrooms. The completed water project
translates to girls being able to attend classes now that they are not
walking 7km round trip for water.
One highlight from my April visit was the delivery of 1,100 text books
to a secondary school experiencing a desperate shortage of books.
Headmistress, Sister Mary, met us in Nairobi where we personally
purchased books for every subject for all grades and most students.
Providing children with their own books has significant impact on their
ability to study outside the classrooms and prepare for critical exams
that determine whether they will be allowed to progress to the next
grade level. The excitement was in the air as students were given their
books and realized that they would have a much greater chance for
success.
Pausing
in July to look forward, we see we have much underway:
On the African side of the ocean:
Construction
is underway at two schools in Kenya. We just completed
the construction of a number of toilets in Tanzania, and Term 2 has
kicked off
in both Tanzania and Kenya for 50 + boarding students and 31 nursery
aged day schooled children sponsored by Asante Africa Foundation.
On the American side of the Ocean:
The second half of the year promises to be exciting in the USA as well.
There are many youth teams involved in spreading the word and raising
funds for Asante Africa foundation (everything from lemonade stands to
friendship bracelets to garage sales), and we’re gearing up
to host our Maasai friends and partners in September and October.
They will be visiting schools and other groups, leading warrior
training, and working with American youth on how they can help fellow
students a world away. Please contact us if you are interested in
having our
visitors come to your school or company.
 |
| Students
with New Textbooks |
To stay connected with all we’re doing and learn more about
how you can be part of the great momentum, check out our recent web
updates:
- The 2007 annual report
- Recent photos from our visits to Africa, and
Maasai visitors in May
- Fundraising kits for creative ideas on how to
get involved
- Coming soon….calendar of events for
our Fall Maasai visitors.
WOW!! It’s amazing to see what is possible through the energy
and commitment of our donors, volunteers and leadership team. Our
network of support is growing in numbers and in the ways people are
helping. We look forward to seeing these creative solutions help us
throughout the remainder of the year to meet our aggressive fundraising
and project goals.
Asante sana!
Erna Grasz
Founder and CEO
Springtime
Maasai Visit
 |
| Warriors
leading a classroom presentation |
Maasai chief, warrior, and healer Salaton Ole Ntutu visited us in
theUSA recently, joined by fellow community leader and warrior Sabore
Ole
Oyie.
They are leaders in the community of Maji Moto, where Asante Africa is
actively improving education through student sponsorship and teacher
resources, and now a school construction project in conjunction with
the Polish government. Salaton and Sabore came to personally help
ensure the success of that project by bolstering awareness for their
commitment to maintain their culture in the modern world, which can
only be done by informed and educated citizens. They want to let people
know how important the Asante Africa projects are to improving
education in their community, so that they don’t need to send
their children far from their home and culture. During their visit,
they shared stories of their lives and inspired others in many ways,
from large student assemblies, to corporate meetings at SAP, and
meeting friendly people on the trails of Muir Woods and the ferry to
San Francisco.
Highlights of the trip included school assemblies,
in which students
learned about daily life as a Maasai child, including how they live
amongst the wild and domestic animals, songs they sing, and even a
jumping competition. Schools used assembly funds to pay for this
educational experience, which will go toward projects in Africa,
including Salaton & Sabore’s community school. They
also visited the Future Salon, which is a
monthly meeting where trends
and innovations in science, technology, business, and society are
discussed against the backdrop of accelerating technological change.
They discussed the modern pressures on their traditional way of life.
Hosted at SAP's offices in Palo Alto, there was a great turnout from
the high tech community, who learned a lot from the low tech Maasai
leaders. See what they had to say about it in blogs, video, and photos
through the link on our “Recent Events” page: http://asanteafrica.org/events_recent.html
In September, we will host another Maasai warrior visit, and also
welcome our in-country program manager Hellen Nkuraiya. They will share
cultural experiences, and help raise funds for projects including the
construction of a school in their village. We are proud of the personal
relationships we maintain with our partners in East Africa,
and the opportunity to share the experience with you through visits and
events. Their personal
involvement in the USA is a symbol of our shared commitment to be in
total collaboration with the leaders of the communities we serve,
rather than assuming an American viewpoint for what is best.
A
Firsthand Look at the Impact in Ilkurot
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| Kennedy
Reed, foundation supporter |
Kennedy Reed is no stranger to Africa, and has been a supporter
of Asante Africa Foundation since its inception. The physicist from
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory spent nearly two decades working
with international scientific organizations to develop and strengthen
science education and research programs in Africa. On a recent visit to
Tanzania for a scientific workshop, jointly arranged by the U.S.
Department of State and the Tanzanian Ministry of Science, he visited
the small village of Ilkurot to witness firsthand the work of Asante
Africa Foundation.
Donna Duggan, Asante Africa Project Coordinator for Ilkurot, took
Kennedy on a tour of the local school. The drab tin-roofed buildings
had been brightly decorated with large murals of the solar system, maps
and animals, maximizing every available inch of space for teaching.
Donna pointed out the new glass windows that kept the dust out,
dramatically reducing the incidence of eye infections and vision
problems in the students. She also pointed out the new sanitation
facilities—more than four times as many toilets to replace
the three that previously served the hundreds of children at the
school. These types of projects have a dramatic impact on the quality
of the learning environment for these students.
 |
| Latrine
construction underway |
Just as Asante Africa’s donors have opened their hearts to
Ilkurot, the village extended its warmth and hospitality to this friend
of the Foundation. Kennedy was invited to have tea at the head
teacher’s home, and they discussed topics ranging from the
village schools to American politics and Barack Obama. Kennedy also
discovered that the Asante Africa name is well known beyond the walls
of Ilkurot School when they encountered a village elder. Kennedy was
introduced as a friend of Erna and Asante Africa, and was met with a
welcoming handshake.
Kennedy had nothing but good things to say about his time in the
village. “I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to
visit Ilkurot with someone as attuned to the needs of the village and
as engaged in the work as Donna,” said Kennedy. “I
got to see firsthand some of the awesome things that Asante Africa is
doing.”
Livermore
Teens Fill Milk Jugs with Cash
 |
| Salaton
and Sabore speaking with LHS students |
As the school year was wrapping up in May, Mr. Todd
Schmokel’s
Leadership class at Livermore High was still in
high gear. After watching a video presentation of Asante
Africa’s work with students in Africa, they wanted to help.
Classmates Kimberly, Puneet, Nick, and Adam saw a chance to apply the
leadership skills they had been honing in class to help their fellow
students on the other side of the globe through a few simple actions.
They decided to lead a fund raising campaign right away, especially
when they heard that two Maasai warriors were arriving from Kenya in a
few days to lead a fundraising effort to empower children with
education.
They brainstormed ideas, and landed on a simple and quick plan to
introduce clean milk jugs at every classroom, cafeteria and five
Starbucks stores, with a request to “Fill it up!”
In just two weeks, the campaign brought in more than $600; enough money
to send a student to school for one whole year!
Part way through the campaign, Nick coordinated a visit to the school
by warriors Salaton and Sabore to boost awareness and donations. Music
blaring in the quad brought the students around, and the warriors
shared stories about their lives and answered questions. The student
team also sold Asante Africa bracelets, and when milk jug donations ran
low, they enthusiastically encouraged fellow students to give up their
pocket change. In fact, Kimberly reported that a teacher noticed the
low contribution in a jug, and quickly pulled out a $20 note from his
pocket to fill it up.
Kenyan-born Board member Joel A’bongo partnered with the
Livermore High students, believing that kids truly want to see how they
can help. Joel reaches out to students during school presentations by
asking, “What is the most difficult decision you have to make
every day?” As the students ponder the question, he shares
what teenagers in the remote villages of East Africa are
facing… is there enough food to feed the family? Do they
need to skip school to fetch water? How will they help their families
pay school fees? American teens quickly see that they have energy and
resources to share with their counterparts across the ocean. Livermore
High School students plan to continue sponsoring students in Africa,
one fundraising opportunity at a time. With this success, Joel will
continue to spread fundraising fever to other schools, starting in
September.
This is one of the first Asante Africa fundraising campaigns run
entirely by teen volunteers. It was a great success, requiring only the
enthusiasm, creativity and commitment of a small group. When the
campaign ended, the volunteers felt good about helping others. As
Kimberly said, “It was gratifying to know that because of our
simple efforts, a kid is sponsored to go to school.” As the
incoming president of the Livermore High Leadership class, Adam plans
to continue fundraising for Asante Africa in the Fall. He hopes to
reach out to local businesses, running talent shows and other creative
ideas. Fundraising director, Karen Yolton, adds, “When youth
get involved in helping other youth, magic happens. They know
they’re changing the world. We’re always looking
for teenagers and even younger children to get involved.
We’ll work with them and provide support to turn an idea into
a successful fundraising project.” For more information and
to find out how you can get involved, contact
us at info@asanteafrica.org.
Calling
All Youth: Creative Ways to Give
By
Karen Yolton, Asante Africa Board Member, Director of Fundraising
 |
| Stephanie
(girl on right)
hosts her birthday as a benefit for students in East Africa |
Volunteers, donors and members of the Asante Africa network have
foundcreative ways to give the gift of education. Much of the activity
comes
from students and teens who have mobilized with innovative ideas and
lots of energy. Some fundraising is the result of our Kenya Maasai
partners’ visit to schools throughout the Bay area. Other
activities are simply fueled by the great network of people with a
commitment to the programs and children of Asante Africa.
- After a visit from Maasai warriors Salaton
Ole’ Ntutu and Sabore Ole Oiye, a fifth grade class at Sunset
School in Livermore, CA collected $260 in their “loose change
campaign.”
- Foothill High freshman, Stephanie, threw
herself birthday party where the “price” of
admission was a child’s back-pack. Stephanie and her party
guests received a special treat when Salaton and Sabore joined the
festivities in Pleasanton, CA to personally thank them for their
generosity.
- On the East Coast, Miriam Dreyer’s
fifth graders held a read-a-thon, netting more than $2800. This
motivating and educational idea is great for students of all ages. It
shows that through learning and literacy we can support less fortunate
children half a world away who wish for the same opportunities. For
more information on how to host or coordinate a read-a-thon, take a
look at the toolkit and follow the easy steps.
- As summer temperatures rise, lemonade stands
are raising funds for Asante Africa in Alabama, Florida and Texas. With
just a few flyers to promote their businesses, Mobile resident Antonia
(age 4) and Avery (age 6) of Texas have set up stands in their
respective towns. They’re busy raising awareness and dollars
in business lobbies and neighborhoods.
- “Teenager at heart” Mike
Carter threw himself a birthday party in Livermore, CA and made Asante
Africa the recipient of $600 in birthday gift donations.
More
inspirational ideas...
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| Your
fundraising efforts make a big difference |
- Charity Ball,
complete with ballroom dancing
lessons and performances by the drama, dance and theater departments of
your school.
- Create a “Quarter
Campaign”
Eighty quarters add up to $20.00, the cost of two school uniforms for a
young child to attend school. With 350 quarters (less than one quarter
a day for one year) you get $120.00 for a one-month supply of porridge
that feeds one-hundred students.
- Cookbook Fundraiser
with fantastic recipe
contributions from parents and kids. Sell your cookbook to share good
food and good news about Asante Africa.
- Auctions hosted by
your club or group can
include all sorts of treasures and gifts... from beauty treatments
(manicure/pedicures), guitar lessons, tutoring, dog-walking or
baby-sitting services…
- "Give It Up"
campaign to ask students and
teachers to give up things like Friday night takeout ($20) or a morning
latte ($3), and donate the money instead. This reminds us all of how
much we have to be thankful for and what we can do without for a short
period of time to make a big difference for a child.
- What’s your idea?
Car wash, garage
sales, summer concerts, read a thons, collect change, Cold
Stone/Chevy’s 10% sponsorships. Young people are eager to
help, and with some adult support can make great contributions of the
heart as well as the wallet.
Interested in hosting an Asante Africa event? Click here.
Featured
Volunteer: Judy Damoulos
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| Judy
Damoulos, Superstar Volunteer |
Judy Damoulos has been involved with Asante Africa since its inception.
She visited Tanzania and Kenya in the Fall of 2005 and came home with a
great appreciation for the needs of children in East Africa. She
immediately signed on to help her friends Mark and Erna of the Asante
Africa Foundation in support of child education. Judy is one
of those amazing women who is available (and even cheerful) for those
necessary but not so fun tasks….Cooking in the back room of
a winery for a fund raising event with no kitchen, even recruiting
several friends to help, writing hundreds of thank you notes while in
the midst of a household move, stamping 500 annual report and Holiday
greeting notes. She also takes on the more enjoyable tasks of hosting
African visitors on their down days and cooking for volunteers and
guests.
Her fun loving and high energy spirit is also shared with her 8
grandchildren, and in playing golf and cooking for her many friends.
Her dedication and continuous support, organizational skills, and
straight talk helps all of us stay on track and keep our many donors
engaged with what Asante Africa Foundation is up to. We are grateful to
have Judy in our inner circle, and send a huge “asante
sana” for all she does.
|
What We Believe
Every child deserves an education and the opportunity to choose his or her future, regardless of the latitude or longitude in which they are born. Through education, each child can make their dreams a reality, help their families struggle less, and help their communities become self sustaining.
Our Vision
By improving the quality of and access to education in East Africa, Asante Africa Foundation gives children the tools to help shape the future of their communities and their cultures.
Our Mission
Asante Africa Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of and access to nursery, primary and secondary education in East Africa by:
- Creating healthier places to learn by building infrastructure to improve basic conditions at school
- Helping teachers be better teachers by providing them with necessary resources
- Providing scholarships for academically talented or highly motivated children in need
|
Big
goals are achieved through contributions of all sizes.
Here’s
what US dollars can provide:
- $12,000
builds a classroom
- $500
sponsors a student’s tuition, room & board, uniforms,
personal items and books to for a full year
- $120 provides
porridge for 1 month for 100+ kids
- $90 builds 3
desks/beds/other furniture
- $25 provides
a child with 6 books
Asante Africa Foundation is a volunteer-run organization that targets
90% of donations to go to programs in East Africa, with 10% invested in
our infrastructure to ensure sustainability.
|
Accomplishments in 2008
- Completed Standard 8 classroom and Phase 1 of 3 new classrooms at Jeremy Academy primary school
- Constructed 32 latrines at primary schools (Ilkurot, Makayuni and St. Mary’s Primary)
- Completed interior of 2 classrooms at Mwalimu Anna Nursery and Primary Academy
- Built desks and chairs for nursery school (Mwalimu Anna)
- Provided more than 2,000 textbooks (Sr. Mary Stephen Nkoitoi Secondary, Ilkurot Primary, Mwalimu Anna Academy)
- Provided a daily meal for nursery age children at school
- Supported teacher training at local universities for two teachers in Kenya and Tanzania
- Provided 1,000 text books
- Sponsored more than 70 students and orphans
Goals for remainder of 2008
- Starter grant for 40 new desks at Olooltoto Primary
- Build a new nursery school and toilets (jointly with Polish partners)
- Build 4 teacher’s houses
- Continue sponsorship for 70+ students and orphans
- Provide daliy meal for nursery age children at school
- Raise funds and approve projects such as a school kitchen, completion of a girls dorm at primary school, additional textbooks for primary and secondary schools, construction of a nursery school classroom, 4 teachers houses, and repair and refurbishment of primary school classrooms.
- Supported teacher training at local universities for two teachers in Kenya and Tanzania
- Provide 1,000 text books
- Sponsor more than 70 students and orphans
|
How
You Can Help...
Donate
cash online or by mail
Every penny counts. $4 buys a text book, $30 builds a desk, $20 buys 2
school uniforms, and $500 sponsors a student in boarding school for a
whole year. Choose an area for your donation to be used for, or allow
us to apply funds to the most urgent need.
In-kind
donations are needed
including airline mileage for Foundation
staff to oversee projects and
for African contacts to come to the US for training. We also need digital
cameras to
document progress overseas, office equipment
and office space. Please
call or email us if you can help.
Ask
your company about Corporate matching
Now is the time to ask your Human Resources department how Asante
Africa Foundation can be included in their matching donation program,
which typically begins late Summer, and continues into the Fall. Let us
know how we can support you with information, materials or
presentations.
Volunteer
with us
Asante Africa Foundation is completely volunteer operated. If you would
like to volunteer please phone or email us to get more information.
Spread
the word and generate donations
Host a group presentation or fundraising event/campaign, forward this
newsletter to expand the circle of awareness about our work, talk to
your coworkers about ways to contribute. The more people who are
interested in the Foundation, the sooner we can provide the desperately
needed services to the children and families in Africa. Please
contact us for more ideas.
|
1334
Carlton Place
Livermore, California 94550
Phone: 925-292-0245
Fax: 347-296-3642
info@asanteafrica.org
www.asanteafrica.org |
