>> Download print version  Quality Education for Children in East Africa™ 1334 Carlton Place Livermore, California 94550 Phone: 925-292-0245 Fax: 347-296-3642 info@asanteafrica.org www.asanteafrica.org Volume 4, Issue 1 Letter from the President This year, many of us are facing challenging times and have concerns about what our own futures may hold. I can tell you, even in this adversity, the sense of hope and opportunity of what we can accomplish as a global community is brighter than it has been in a long time. Members of the Asante Africa leadership team and I witnessed this first-hand in Tanzania and Kenya on our most recent trip in December. That hope and optimism comes as a direct result of your generosity and support. This was one of the most rewarding trips thus far. We began to see the fruits of our labor and the results of our partnership philosophy. The journey has taken us from two girls starting school in 2007 to 84 students, with smiles on their faces and backpacks loaded with books for the ’09 school year. We have gone from one small nursery school in Tanzania to working with over 12 schools across Kenya and Tanzania. We have improved the lives of over 8,000 students. WOW. In Tanzania, We participated in several celebrations of recently completed projects including the opening of Mwalimu Anna Academy. (Definitely check out the video, your heart will smile). Thanks to a textbook grant provided by Crosswinds Church in Dublin, CA, we purchased and delivered close to 1000 textbooks and teachers aids (including chalk, calculators and rulers) for the Makayuni Primary School. In Kenya, we witnessed fantastic progress of six classrooms at Jeremy Academy, and the ground up construction of the Enkinteng Lepa Primary School in Maji Moto. (Enkinteng Lepa was the focus of Asante Africa’s fall fundraising efforts with our Maasai friends, Hellen and Sabore.) In both countries, we shared the good news that we would be funding several new grants for teachers’ houses, toilets, water tanks, and kitchens across four regions and many schools. Asante Africa continues to grow as a recognized partner in the villages and communities where we work. In 2009, we need your help more than ever. As we struggle with our economy in the USA, the struggle in Africa becomes more acute. Now more than ever, our partners look to us to assist the children with uniforms, shoes, daily meals and the basics for school attendance. We have a goal of adding 20 more students over our existing 83, starting the next cluster of classrooms at Mwalimu Anna Academy, and teachers houses to build at 4 school sites. As an organization we are committed to doing all we can do in the worst of times, and we continue to need your help. As I reflect on the positive life changes that have resulted from the last two years of energy and effort, I hope that you are also touched by the hope, optimism and life opportunities that spring from this work. Asante Africa Foundation remains committed to our need to team and work through local community leaders in Tanzania and Kenya and our belief that we can provide quality education to the children of East Africa. As always, we will continue to operate efficiently and with discipline, to ensure that our results are reflected in projects that create safe, healthy places to learn, help teachers be better teachers, and enable motivated and talented children to attend school. Because of you, past dreams are now becoming realities. Asante Sana (Many thanks ) Erna Grasz Founder and CEO Mwalimu Anna Academy Celebrates Grand Opening Mwalimu Anna Academy During the November grand opening and blessing ceremony of the Mwalimu Anna Academy, members of the Asante Africa leadership team were guests of honor. We were treated with vivid images under the African sun: the church choir singing in perfect pitch and harmony as hundreds of local parents, community leaders, teachers and on-lookers gathered. Tree branches were dipped in holy water and sprayed on the building for blessings as squirming nursery schoolers sat in the dirt. Mwalimu Anna Academy is the first English-based curriculum in Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania and its opening left parents and community members overjoyed. Children come home at night and pass along their knowledge of English to the rest of the family who are now able to sell products to English-speaking tourists. The school was founded by the amazing Anna Moshi, a retired teacher who recruited her family and donated family land to realize her dream of building a school that would benefit the community. Asante Africa Foundation is pleased to be a part of her journey and to support her vision. Kindergarten Graduation On this magnificent opening day, the community, parents, teachers and Asante Africa Foundation members celebrated a brightly painted two-room school fully equipped with classroom furniture, textbooks, teaching supplies and covered (indoor) latrines. In addition to the blessing of the classrooms, Asante Africa participated in the graduation of 23 kindergartners moving on to Primary 1 grade level. This was the first time a graduation at this grade level was held. During the ceremony, orphaned children were surrounded by members and teachers as they walked the graduation path to the stage to accept their diploma. What a magical sight! Anna is busy with the next set of plans; to continue building four more classrooms for Mwalimu Anna Academy and we’re confident she will succeed. Asante Africa is pleased to partner with Anna and her vision of quality education. Asante Africa Gives Nchaishi School A Strong Start Nchaishi teachers houses under construction The small Maasai village of Nchaishi, in Kenya’s Maji Moto region, has received a grant from Asante Africa Foundation to help bring quality education to more than 200 primary school children in this very remote community. With only a single book in a class of 40 students and no teaching materials, teachers are creative and all classes sing to learn. During a visit to the school in 2008, the energy, pride and spirit of the students and teachers was contagious. The key to the uplifting environment can be attributed to the leadership philosophies of the Headmaster, Joseph Timayio Tikani. Program Director Stephanie Jayne and Nchaishi Headmaster Tikani review grant contract Presently, teachers sacrificed their own living quarters, which consisted of sheet metal shacks, to provide more learning space. With the nearest source of water more than 2 kilometers away, and the school’s “kitchen” outside under brush trees, the school faces many challenges. Asante Africa’s initial starter grant will be used to build new, very basic teachers housing to help the community attract good teachers. Construction has already begun. Congratulations to Nchaishi! Asante Africa Foundation will keep our friends and supporters updated on this progress. Small Change Can Bring Big Changes Students celebrating their fundraising efforts When faced with big problems, it’s often easy to assume that only big solutions will make a difference. But one California school showed that small children armed only with the change from their piggy banks and grand ambitions can make a big difference in the lives of students in east Africa. When Jenn Loewen heard that Hellen Nkuraiya and Sabore Ole Oyie—Maasai leaders and Asante Africa partners—were speaking at the local library last fall, she jumped at the opportunity to take her 8-year-old son to see them. The Orion School teacher had spent several years of her childhood living in Kenya, and wanted to give her son exposure to the people and culture of east Africa. Orion School Students completing another lap What began as a friendly conversation between Loewen and the Asante Africa team led to our African ambassadors visiting the Redwood City school and giving a presentation to 185 students ranging in age from kindergarten through 5th grade. Orion School had a history of teaching global citizenship, supporting causes like the Heifer Fund, so the presentation was a natural fit. The students were so inspired by the experience that they held a walk-a-thon in November to raise money for education in east Africa, wearing beaded bracelets to represent the Maasai tribe, and getting their tags punched for each lap they completed. The children of Orion School are not wealthy, yet they donated the small change from their piggy banks, requested donations from friends, family and neighbors, and even chose to forego Christmas and birthday gifts in exchange for contributions to the Asante Africa cause. Together, they raised more than $5,000, money that was used to completely furnish Hellen’s new classroom. “I’m so proud of what they’ve done,” says Loewen. “For some of these kids, their donations of $5 and $10 are really big contributions from families who don’t have a lot themselves.” Judging by the smiles on the faces of Hellen’s students, their efforts are much appreciated. Asante Africa’s Student Scholars: A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words Twema, a sponsored student’s info packet In January, mailings were sent to each Asante Africa Foundation student scholarship donor with information about the recipient of their scholarship. Each package included the student’s name, age, grade level and the school they attend, and other background information. With this enhanced scholarship coordination program, scholarship donors are now able to send letters to their student recipients through Asante Africa. Learn more about providing a student scholarship. To Inspire and Empower: “To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.” President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Address - January, 2009 Enkiteng Lepa Primary School – You Made It Happen! Global partnerships create reality The four classroom school and 56 bed dormitory are now completed and the teachers houses will begin soon.This project was a collaborative effort partnership between the Polish Foreign Ministry, A Polish Not-for-Profit organization (Simba Friends), our Maasai Community leaders and Asante Africa Foundation. It was a day of celebration on January 6th, when the doors opened and preschool began for the Maasai children. Last fall, Maasai partners Hellen Nkuraiya and Sabore Ole Oiye spent several weeks in the San Francisco bay area fundraising with Asante Africa. Much of this effort was focused on finding funds to build the Enkinteng Lepa School. Now, the dreams of Asante Africa and our Maasai friends have become reality. On the new swings at Enkiteng Lepa School opening ceremony Volunteer Spotlight: Alisa Bonsignore When it comes to mastering the art of the written word, Alisa Bonsignore is an Asante Africa superstar. Her volunteer stint began in 2008, and she quickly became one of the key people who help us get the word out about Asante Africa’s great work. Volunteer Alisa Bonsignore “Asante Africa appeals to me because I know I can make an impact,” Alisa remarks. To be sure, her impact has been considerable. She’s made her mark on our 2007 annual report, newsletters and other writing and editing projects. “Children and education are both big commitments for me,” she continues. “And this organization isn’t so large that I feel lost. Sometimes that can stifle volunteers. The projects are real, I know where I’m needed and I can see how my work is important.” When she’s not helping out the foundation, Alisa is a freelance writer and editor specializing in both the high tech and healthcare sectors, and once held the title, “Senior Marketing Goddess” at a tech company, with the business cards to prove it. In her consultant role, she clarifies complex ideas and delivers branding, corporate messages, white papers and other marketing focused communications to large and small corporate clients. Alisa is also mom of two and a half year-old Evan, which is another full-time adventure. An east coast transplant, she grabs every chance to enjoy the outdoors as a self-admitted fitness fanatic, and once owned a pilates studio in the south bay. When asked what advice she would give to potential volunteers, Alisa says “In a small organization, there’s probably a need for whatever skill you bring. With a little time and patience, you can find the way that you can help.” Upcoming Volunteer Orientation In Northern California, you can hear more about the many ways volunteers can help at our Volunteer Open House on: Sunday, March 8, 2:00 pm Dublin Library in Dublin, California Contact us at info@asanteafrica.org for more information. Please consider a monthly recurring donation Any amount gives consistent support throughout the year for our student scholarships and community projects. Asante Africa’s Goals for 2009: Complete teachers’ houses in Kenya Build kitchens for several schools Add classrooms to existing schools Continue to provide a noon meal for nursery children Add new latrines to Esilalei Nursery School Complete water tank & system at Ilkurot Primary School Continue training for at least 2 teachers Provide more than 1,000 text books and library books Provide scholarships for more than 100 Boarding students Sponsor 26 nursery orphans Did you know? Asante Africa Foundation is now listed at GreatNonProfits - a website dedicated to providing information for nonprofits, volunteers and donors. Click on www.greatnonprofits.org to write a review about Asante Africa and help us spread the word! How You Can Help Consider a monthly donation. Any amount provides consistent support throughout the year for our student scholarships and school projects. Every penny counts. $5 buys a text book, $30 builds a desk, $30 buys 2 school uniforms, $700 provides a one year scholarship to a student in boarding school. 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 shipping resources to deliver donated goods to Africa. Please call or email us if you can help. Ask your company about Corporate matching. Your Human Resources department can tell you how Asante Africa Foundation can be included in their matching donation program. Let us know how we can support you with information, materials or presentations. Volunteer: Asante Africa Foundation is nearly all volunteer-operated. If you would like to volunteer, please call 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. How We Work Approximately 90 percent of donations to Asante Africa Foundation support in-country programs and are used towards projects planned in collaboration with community program managers. Board members and nearly all other Foundation support is purely volunteer based. 1334 Carlton Place Livermore, California 94550 Phone: 925-292-0245 Fax: 347-296-3642 info@asanteafrica.org www.asanteafrica.org