GlobalGiving Progress Reports

Changing lives in the village of Fiarenana: "After the rice harvest"

Markus Faigle, Jeannette Koijane — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:38:12 GMT

Dear friends,

We just got the latest pictures for the last site visit to the village to Fiarenana we would like to share this short update with you.

BEAN SEEDS
Since out last update bean seeds were delivered to the village. With s short growing cycle the villagers wanted to plant beans as an in-between crop in rice paddies right after the rice harvest. As great ‘nitrogen fixers’ beans could prove very beneficial for the rice paddies, besides providing another great protein source to eat.

NURSERY:
As intended the once functioning nursery has been revitalized and the former gardener, has been hired by Zahana to tend to the seedlings until they are big enough for transplanting. (See photo) The goal is that every family starts growing more coffee, so the have some for sale. To date, while they already are growing coffee successfully, all of it is consumed in the village.

MALARIA PREVENTION:
Zahana was able to get a hold of mosquito nets for every household in the village of Fiarenana. These nets have been distributed and as you can see in the photos have been received and put to good use. (see photos)

GRAIN STORAGE BUILDING:
The building has been finished and officially inaugurated (See photo). The village community wanted to wait until the arrival of Zahana to have this formal dedication. The building is now housing Zahana’s seed bank rice, some of this years rice crop that the community is currently still storing.

POTATOES:
100 kg of potatoes as seed stock was delivered and distributes in the village as requested by the community. As with beans, potatoes can be planted in the fallow rice paddies because they mature before the next rice planting season starts. This is the first time that this variety of potatoes has been introduced to Fairenana.

The next steps:

The microcredit project with poultry and may be other life stock, will be launched in Fiarenana in the spring (starting around September in the southern hemisphere).

Please check out website for more detailed updates as we get more photos.

Ihanta, Jeannette and Markus

Links:

Pictures:

A Sanctuary for Empowering Refugee Girls: "A Postcard from A Sanctuary for Empowering Refugee Girls"

Kara Wevers — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:45:43 GMT

Kara Wevers is a student who traveled throughout Africa and visited a number of GlobalGiving projects. On March 18th she visited "A Sanctuary for Empowering Refugee Girls" in Kenya. When asked what she would tell her friends about this project, she said: "Incredible: You need to see this!"

Meeting with Phoebe and Osop, two of the staff members at Heshima Kenya, was one of the highlights of my trip to Kenya. These two women were so full of life, commitment, transparency, and love that I was tempted to stay and work with them! Their passion to see healing, growth and maturity for adolescent refugee girls was contagious. They have big dreams for the future of these young women.

I was also able to watch some of their program participants in action, as they were taking language classes. I spoke with a few of these girls, who raved about the presence of Heshima in their lives. One even said that Heshima had saved her life and given her the chance to dream again. I am not exaggerating when I say that Heshima and its committed staff are rescuing hardened and neglected refugee girls from the streets and giving them the chance to have a new and better life.

Empowering Girls in Kibera: "A Postcard from Empowering Girls in Kibera"

Kara Wevers — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:29:04 GMT

Kara Wevers is a student who traveled throughout Africa and visited a number of GlobalGiving projects. On March 17th she visited "Empowering Girls in Kibera." When asked what she would tell her friends about this project, she said: "Great: They are making a difference."

Recently I got to sit down with Salim Mohamed at the Carolina for Kibera office in Nairobi. We talked about the good work that is being done by CFK in the Kibera slums, as they focus on issues of health, education, sanitation, empowerment, and leadership among those living in Kibera.
I was most struck by his description of one of their programs that works with teenage girls in the area. Many have been physically and sexually abused and bear gaping emotional scars as a result.

He spoke of the support group they have developed for these girls, teaching them and counseling them in key areas, as they grow up together in their dangerous neighborhoods. Those who have graduated from the program continue to meet with one another for encouragement, empowerment and support.
Carolina for Kibera remains a stable presence and a respected development organization among the Kibera community.

Credit for Collection of 31,000 ltrs of Used Oil.: "A Postcard from Credit for Collection of 31,000 ltrs of Used Oil."

Kara Wevers — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:02:27 GMT

Kara Wevers is a student who traveled throughout Africa and visited a number of GlobalGiving projects. On March 16th she visited "Credit for Collection of 31,000 ltrs of Used Oil." When asked what she would tell her friends about this project, she said: "Incredible: You need to see this!"

I recently had the opportunity to visit Collins Apuoyo and his team at EPS Program in Nairobi. Within minutes, I was thoroughly impressed with their innovative approach toward environmental conservation, poverty reduction, and micro-lending. We spent time in their office, and we also went around town visiting the mechanics that they work with, as well as their used oil collection center.

The mechanics had nothing but praise for the EPS Program. Again and again these men spoke about the impact that Collins and his team were having on their businesses, giving them additional income, environmental training, and access to micro-loans that they otherwise never would have had. According to one mechanic, "Nobody else is doing this. Nobody else is helping us.”

Some of these men – many whose livelihoods are based on haphazard shops set up illegally on the sides of the streets – had recently seen their roadside businesses demolished by government bulldozers. EPS Program is hoping to help them generate enough income and saving s so that they can rent or buy land for permanent shops. Hats off to EPS Program for investing in a community that has otherwise been forgotten!

Train 3000 Kibera youth in sport & life skills: "Serving2Win"

Sakina Nshimirimana — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:01:15 GMT

My name is Sakina, I am 17 years old and I dream and live tennis. Playing tennis in America has always been one of my greatest ambitions. Many wonderful things have happened to me: Serena Williams came and visited Sadili last year and I have been selected to join Sadili’s team of 14 kids on a special tennis trip to Florida to train with top coaches this summer. The only problem is that we need to raise the return airtickets for the team, which will cost US$2040. I’m appealing to friends out there to help make our dream come true, any amount will be welcome

Pictures:

This is me plaing tennis (JPG)

Train 3000 Kibera youth in sport & life skills: "GOALS FOR PEACE"

Franconero Isiaho — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:51:49 GMT

The Langata Youth Soccer League recorded massive player attendance and endless support from Safaricom and Total Kenya on Saturday 20th June 2009. The league which is run by Sadili Oval's Sports For Life Programme was in its quarter final stages and this meant real competition amongst teams. The quarter final stages were a huge success as players fought for league supremacy and team coaches caught in a heated war of words with their players. However there was a number of upsets and spills. Favorites Spurgeons Academy were shown the door as early as the group stages. First timers Sports For Life under 16 succumbed to a 2-1 loss against tough headed St. Christines Primary School- perhaps a sign that there are no more small teams. Makina Youth under 12 and Sports For Life under 12 are now the most consistent teams as they have shown massive improvement ever since the tournament started- they have always stood up to be counted winning all their matches in this category. Makina Self Help girls under 14 have also made positive results to every litmus test and are eying the coveted league glory. We wish all the teams a good training week and we hope that when we meet again on the 11th of July for the semi finals we will witness real football on display and lots of battle for the Royal Crown- THE 5TH ANNUAL LANGATA YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE TROPHY.

LEAGUE RESULTS ON 20TH JUNE 2009
UNDER 10 BOYS QUARTER FINALS
FUTURE V/S SHOFCO JUNIORS 3-2
SPORTS FOR LIFE V/S 11 STARS 2-0
MAKINA YOUTH V/S F.C BARCA 1-0
MAKINA SELF HELP V/S SPURGEONS 2-1

UNDER 12 BOYS RESULTS
SPORTS FOR LIFE V/S CALVARY 3-2
MAKINA YOUTH V/S FUTURE 1-0
HOLY UNITY V/S ST. CHRISTINES 1-2
F.C BARCA V/S SHOFCO JUNIORS 2-3

UNDER 14 BOYS RESULTS
CALVARY V/S SPURGEONS 0-1
SHOFCO JUNIORS V/S MAKINA SELF HELP 2-1
SPORTS FOR LIFE V/S 11 STARS 0-1
FUTURE V/S BARCA 0-2

UNDER 16 BOYS RESULTS
SPORTS FOR LIFE V/S ST. CHRISTINES 1-2
NEW ADVENTURE V/S SHOFCO JUNIORS 3-4
CALVARY V/S F.C BARCA 4-5
NATURE AND SPORTS V/S CHAMRECC 2-0

GIRLS UNDER 10 LEAGUE RESULTS
SPURGEONS V/S NEW ADVENTURE 0-1
SPURGEONS V/S HOLY UNITY 1-2
MAKINA SELF HELP V/S CHAMRECC 7-6

UNDER 12 GIRLS RESULTS
HOLY UNITY V/S ST. CHRISTINES 2-3

UNDER 14 GIRLS RESULTS
SPORTS FOR LIFE V/S HOLY UNITY 1-2
SPURGEONS V/S MAKINA SELF HELP 0-1
CHAMRECC V/S ST. CHRISTINES 1-0
NEW ADVENTURE V/S CALVARY 2-1

UNDER 16 GIRLS RESULTS
SPORTS FOR LIFE V/S SPURGEONS 1-0
NEW ADVENTURE V/S CHAMRECC 0-1
HOLY UNITY V/S ST. CHRISTINES 0-1
MAKINA SELF HELP V/S SHOFCO JUNIORS 3-1

We wish to congratulate all the semifinalists for their splendid performance at the quarters.
We thank Sadili Oval, Total Kenya and Safaricom for coming in to sponsor the event,we are still appealing to other sponsors and well wishers to come on board the league- this shall help us change the lives of the slum children who are playing in this league.
See you on 11th July 2009!

SPORTS FOR LIFE PROGRAMME 2009
5TH ANNUAL LANGATA YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE.

Pictures:

Train 3000 Kibera youth in sport & life skills: "TREES FOR PEACE CAMPAIGN"

Franconero Isiaho — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:42:36 GMT

Once again the Total, Safaricom, GlobalGiving -sponsored Trees for Peace Campaign takes centre stage this rainy season, with Langata Constituency and the Kibera slums being the main areas in which the tree planting exercise are being executed. The tree planting exercise which runs alongside The Annual Langata Youth Soccer League is an idea of Sadili Oval's Sports for Life Programme which aims at improving not only sports but also life skills and personal behaviour among children from Kibera. Already more than 8000 trees were planted last year and we have set a target of 9000 trees this year. 2764 children from member Schools of the Sports for Life Programme are participating this event and we expect the whole exercise to be very successful come December 2009 .
The event kicks off at 8.30am every Saturday at Sadili Oval, thereafter we walk to the tree planting venue within kibera and along the Southern Bypass Road, and we expect to complete our work by 11.00 am. Schools are then allocated trees to care for by watering and weeding. We appeal to all corporates, well wishers, parents, members of the press, potential sponsors and the general public to come plant trees and help in conserving the environment.

Pictures:

IMG_5115.jpg (JPG)

Equipping poor families with HIV/AIDS life skills: "A Postcard from Equipping poor families with HIV/AIDS life skills"

Michael Acton — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:29:03 GMT

Michael Acton is a student who traveled throughout Africa and visited a number of GlobalGiving projects. On March 24th he visited "Equipping poor families with HIV/AIDS life skills." When asked what he would tell his friends about this project, he said: “Great: They are making a difference."

We met up with Stella in GEMINI's Eldoret office. It was in a small office building with offices where they offer HIV testing and counseling services for local services. We then walked over to the matatu (mini-bus) stand and took a bumpy ride to the rural town of Moi's Bridge. In Moi's Bridge we saw two of GEMINI's field sites including one for this project described below.

We rode down on bicycle taxis carrying our luggage to the workshop for the grandmothers. We were greeted by a large group of singing grandmothers who shook our hands and gave out great big hugs. We listened to a village elder describe the difference that GEMINI's project is making, especially after the post election violence last year. The grandmothers were from many different villages surrounding Moi's bridge, each with a t-shirt of the word for peace, happiness, or love in Swahili. The GEMINI Moi's Bridge volunteers also spoke with us.

We visited one of GEMINI's projects for teen mothers before visiting this one. The description of that visit is on that project's website.

Uplifting Teen Mothers in Kenya: "A Postcard from Uplifting Teen Mothers in Kenya"

Kara Wevers and Michael Acton — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:39:00 GMT

Michael Acton and Kara Wevers are students who traveled throughout Africa and visited a number of GlobalGiving projects. On March 24th they visited "Uplifting Teen Mothers in Kenya." When asked what they would tell their friends about this project, they said: “Great: They are making a difference."

Kara writes:

Stella Amojong, the managing director of Grassroots Empowerment Initiative (GEMINI), is an intelligent, motivated woman. When I met with her, I was impressed by her focus, her drive, and – most of all – her gentle and humble spirit. She started GEMINI to address the problem of teenage motherhood, and has expanded the organization to include counseling and screening for HIV/AIDs, vocational training for teen mothers, and assistance and support for “grandmothers” taking care of orphaned children.

While in Eldoret, I was able to go to their offices, meet their staff, visit the teen moms who are being trained in tailoring and baking, and talk with the older women taking care of the orphans. Each group was extremely grateful for GEMINI and the impact Stella has made on their lives. The grandmothers especially warmed my heart, since they each wanted to give me a hug and asked me to sincerely thank the GlobalGiving donors for helping them support their families. So, on behalf of each of them, thank you, donors to GEMINI!

Michael writes:

We met up with Stella in GEMINI's Eldoret office. It was in a small office building with offices where they offer HIV testing and counseling services for local services. We then walked over to the matatu (mini-bus) stand and took a bumpy ride to the rural town of Moi's Bridge. In Moi's Bridge we saw two of GEMINI's field sites including one for this project described below.

We arrived at a two story building where GEMINI has an office space for girls to learn baking skills. These girls had to leave school after becoming pregnant, and now are learning skills such as baking and sewing. One of the young ladies spoke very eloquently about the skills she learned and the difference it made in her life.

Afterwards we visited a project for grandmothers who are the primary caregiver for their grandchildren. The description of the visit is on that project's site.

Train 3000 Kibera youth in sport & life skills: "Girl Power Netball Tourney A Success"

Franconero Isiaho — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:26:25 GMT

The Sadili sponsored Girl Power Netball Tournament recorded the best of player turnouts and spirit filled style of play. The tournament which aims at instilling various life skills and sportsmanly conduct within girls aged between 10 and 18 years old is part of Sadili Oval's activities which are aimed at improving sports, education and responsible behaviour in the communities which live in the kibera slums and its environs. This year more than 24 teams confirmed participation to play in the open all-girl netball tournament which has only two categories; under 12 and under 16. Today Rehema Akinyi took some time to educate the girls on proper health which includes proper diet and personal hygiene. She also taught them on the importance of environmental conservation and the need to maintain the rich diversity of flora and fauna. Teachers from Ayany primary school, Mashimoni primary school and Makina self help school were very happy with the lessons taught as they meant a lot to the girls present at the venue.

Empowering Guatemalan Youth to Promote Literacy: "Reading Village Doubling Teen Reading Promoters"

Linda Smith — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:56:54 GMT

I'm headed down to Guatemala at the end of this month to begin recruiting next year's teen reading promoters. We will be doubling the number from six to twelve!

Thanks for your support and please send your friends to our project page: http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/empowering-guatemalan-youth-to-promote-literacy/

We need $6000 to cover the scholarships that will keep these teen leaders in school and leading reading activities for the younger children in their community.

Thank you for your partnership,
Linda

Using the power of soccer to fight HIV/AIDS: "A Postcard from Using the power of soccer to fight HIV/AIDS"

Michael Acton and Christine Illanes — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:31:20 GMT

Michael Acton and Christine Illanes are students who traveled throughout Africa and visited a number of GlobalGiving projects. On March 17th they visited "Using the power of soccer to fight HIV/AIDS." When asked what they would tell their friends about this project, they said: “Great: They are making a difference."

Michael writes:

We visited Nancy in her office that CASL shares with Best Buddies Kenya. It was a small room that was full of activity. People would call or stop by to see what the next steps were.

That afternoon we went to visit a slum where some of the volunteers visit schools to discuss HIV/AIDS. In one classroom we watched a training session as they reviewed methods by which HIV/AIDS can and cannot be transmitted. They also discussed ways to support those infected by HIV/AIDS. We were a little surprised at the age of the children as they openly discussed topics that would not be mentioned in western classrooms. That's when it hit us that this was not a lesson in HIV/AIDS theory to be known but with consequences hardly faced, but that this was a part of their daily life.

Christine writes:

I met Nancy Njeri from the Capital Area Soccer League (CASL), which changed their name from CASL to something in Swahili. While I can’t remember what the new name is, the new acronym is VAP. The original plan was to meet only with VAP, but I discovered that Best Buddies and VAP are run by the same people, so I ended up meeting with both. It was a hectic day, and totally exhausting, but well worth it! While the building that their “office” is in looked really fancy from the outside, the office itself was the size of a closet. They made the most of it, cramming 2 desks with computers and a small refrigerator (for selling drinks to support the project). Nancy, and VAP, loves Global Giving since it was the first to finance their activities and is still their major source of funding.

VAP runs three different programs, whose main goal is to teach kids about HIV/AIDS by using how popular soccer is to create a relationship with the children that they can use to educate them about difficult issues. Later in the week I met a beneficiaries of VAP who was employed, thanks to the work that VAP is doing, by another Global Giving NGO, Alive and Kicking. They’ve also added a girl’s advocacy program called RAMBO, I don’t know if that’s the correct spelling but I prefer it. RAMBO means beautiful girl, which I think is awesome! VAP’s motto is that “Even if you’re not infected, everyone is affected.”

After meeting with Nancy, one of their youth volunteers named Charles came to escort us to one of the field sites. It was my first time riding a matatu, which is kind of like a bus and kind of like a taxi, but also not anything like either. We got off at one of the smaller Nairobi slums, all I remember is trash everywhere, and open sewer drains running through the “streets.” I don’t think that Charles was prepared for the attention that we received, with every kid and some adults shouting “How are you” in English to us. That was all they knew, since any attempt to respond just got blank looks. I’m still curious why just about everyone in Kenya knew that one phrase, it’s not like they could pick it up on TV, maybe it’s said on the radio a lot, I don’t know.

I managed to pick up two followers all my own. The girl couldn’t have been more than 10 and her sister at least half that, but they decided following me was more interesting than going home, so we formed a parade through the slum. I couldn’t help myself from slowing down to make sure that the girls, especially the littlest one, could make the jumps over the open sewage, which was silly since they lived there, so of course she could. The oddest thing was the eldest’s reaction to a motorcycle that came through the slum. It was going very fast, but she was terrified, running from it in genuine fear and hiding. I don’t know if she was afraid of being run over or grabbed, but it was disturbing. When we started walking again, I felt a little hand grab mine, and we stayed that way until we came to a junction that must have led back to her home. I’m sure she had a great time telling her family and friends about the day!

Soon after we reached the school where Charles was going to teach his class on HIV/AIDs, and I sat through the 10 minute class. The class was very adult, with most of the kids parroting some things it was clear that they didn’t understand. Charles said it’s because they will take that information home to their families, as well as hopefully remember it when they are old enough to understand. The school itself was depressing, made of metal sheeting, which meant that the school itself was a kind of oven; I was certainly baking once we went inside. Two of the kids were obviously very bright, checking previous notes and taking new ones. I was sad about what their schooling prospects were, such wasted potential, but I hope that they get lucky and manage to succeed. At least the VAP program will give them a better chance at surviving. It was another exhausting day in Kenya, but well worth the visit and experience.

Make an orphaned child the “Light of Your Life”: "Update from the Field"

Bhavna Malkani — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:58:11 GMT

Most of Africa is extremely poorly served with electricity. Much evidence exists stresses the link between poverty and the lack of access to clean, modern energy. The primary source of lighting in sub-Saharan Africa is from firewood, candles and kerosene lamps, which come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials from a tin can (see image attached) Thanks to your support, the children who have received Lifelights no longer have to use dangerous candles or breathe in harmful kerosene (which is equivalent to smoking one packet of cigarettes)

Children have their days extended. They are now able to study, cook and sew in an environment that does not have electricity.

Orphans are the truly remarkable ones; they are still at school and are doing everything to complete it, despite having to take care of younger siblings. The Lifelights ensure they no longer fight an uphill battle against enormous odds.

One Lifelight was given to Johnta, a young head of household and one of the first to receive a Lifeline radio in 2003. Johnta looks after 4 other siblings. Previously, Johnta used a tin can to light his home. He breathed toxic fumes and found it incredibly hard to complete his homework. Your donation ensures that Johnta can study after dark and also dangers, such as snakes and spiders.

Here are a few other responses from other children who received the Lifelight:

“I was scared before of snakes but with the Lifelight I am not scared any more, I am not scared of thieves.”

"People need to be able to see, sit and do things. In the dark, you are all just huddled together and all you can do is go to bed. It also makes you feel safe."

"I love that it enabled me to cook outside even in the evening because before I could not cook at night because we would end up eating cockroaches."

Links:

Watch how the Lifelights have made a difference to a child.

Pictures:

"Special Andy": "A special gift for Andee"

Charlotte Halligan — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:50:48 GMT

It has been an exciting few months for Andee, all thanks to the donations received through Global Giving.

In July, Andee was given a very special gift; a brand new day bed.

Until now, Andee has been resting on the floor during the day, which has not allowed her space for her basic exercises. Now she can stretch out and further improve her strength.

Andee was delighted to receive a brand new mattress, sheets, pillows and a blanket, all in her favorite color, pink. And when SEDA went to buy Andee’s new bed, the local shop owner was so moved by her story, that she donated some extra towels to Andee as well.

And that’s not all. For the last month, Andee has been receiving English lessons once a week from SEDA volunteer, Will Thomason. Despite her condition, Andee is very bright, and has been learning quickly. Now new SEDA volunteer, Scott Milne, will be taking over and will be able to give her three lessons a week, helping her improve even more.

Scott met Andee for the first time last week and they hit it off straight away:

“Andee is clearly a very special girl and I’m really impressed with how much she has learnt already. I’m looking forward to spending time with her and becoming friends.” - Scott Milne, SEDA volunteer.

Swimming for strength:

Thanks to Andee’s medicines, special diet and exercises she is now ready for the next stage in her program: swimming.

Andee loves being in the water, and is able to move her arms and legs with ease, helping to improve her muscles and her co-ordination.

SEDA is trying to raise the $10 needed each week to send Andee to these important lessons.

More help is needed:

Andee’s progress is slow, but with her fighting spirit and very generous donations, she is getting stronger every day.

The new day bed will make a huge difference to Andee’s progress and her comfort, but it’s not enough.

SEDA is planning to buy her a hospital bed, especially designed to provide Andee with physiotherapy and exercises.

The new bed will help Andee to sit up for longer periods by herself, and eventually help her to stand for the first time.

The special bed will cost $1,500. Please consider donating so that Andee can get the bed she so desperately needs, and continue to pay for all her essential daily medicines and food.

Please donate through global giving. For more information please contact SEDA at
info@seda-laos.org.

Pictures:

1st Palestinian Birthing Centr-Jordan River Valley: "Assist International joins Birthing Center Project"

Robert J. Paggett — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 06:46:51 GMT

July 3, 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

Assist International has been asked by Donna Baranski-Walker and her Rotary District 5170 Rotary Club, to be a service vendor for a neo natal and pediatric clinic at the Al Aqaba Village, West Bank Palestine (Area C). In addition, this proposal is being submitted to GlobalGiving.com, in the hope that donors eveywhere will help us meet our goals.

Al Aqaba Village is a small village in the upper North West part of the West Bank of Palestine. The Rebuilding Alliance has built a new kindergarten and children’s park in the village and they now are committed to provide a children’s clinic in the village. Rebuilding Alliance has asked for an ambulance, delivery table, a desk, two chairs, a file cabinet, two fetal monitors, one ecg machine, two patient full perimeter monitors with neonatal, pediatric and adult capability, one infant warmer, one stethoscope, one ambulance gurney, two bassinets and an ultrasound machine.

This is equipment needed for a baby and children’s clinic in the village. At present, if there is a critical care situation, a patient must be moved to Jericho for treatment on bad, often restricted, roads, a least a two hour trip. In case of a critical care baby with complications after child birth or a mother who has a tearing during child birth which puts her into a critical condition that could mean her life, the equipment we provide for the clinic is capable of saving a mother and child’s life. It will change a room of death into a room of life.

As you might know, it will be a challenge to do a project in the West Bank, but in the spirit of Rotary, Rotary commits to meet the needs of the poorest and neediest, no matter a person’s race, creed, politics, or religion. Assist International is also willing to meet the challenges that comes with doing a major project in the West Bank of Palestine and is willing to serve as a service vendor for this Rotary Project.

At the request of various Rotary Districts and clubs, Asst International has partnered with Rotary Clubs and the Rotary Foundation in projects in Romania, Chile, Mongolia, China, Africa and other countries around the world. Assist International has done over 80 medical projects in over 45 countries around the world and all systems are still operational and providing life saving care.

Assist International will warrantee the equipment for one year. One of the keys to the success of the project is the training that we provide on how to use the equipment and how to maintain it. Assist International will not only provide the best of medical equipment but training, maintenance and repair manuals as well. Assist International will also abide by the laws of the West Bank Palestine Authority and will agree to participate in a financial review of the project if asked.

If there are questions, you can contact Bob Pagett of Assist International. The office phone is: 831-438-4582.

Sincerely yours,

Robert J. Pagett
President
Assist International
Charter Member – Scotts Valley Rotary Club
Rotary District 5170

Attachments:

Letter on Assist International Letterhead (DOC)

Noon Meal Improves Girls' Learning in Burkina Faso: "An impressive report card for middle school girls"

Suzanne Plopper — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:08:41 GMT

An impressive 79% of girls attending the College Modern de l’Amitie (the girls’ middle school in northern Burkina Faso) in 2008-2009 passed national exams, qualifying them to continue to the next level. 72% of students in their last year at the College Modern de l’Amitie passed national exams qualifying them to go on to secondary school. This compares with a 39% success rate among students in the general population taking these exams.

Access to a noon meal has played an essential role in the students’ success, along with dedicated teachers and parents and, most importantly, the commitment of students to their learning.

With an anticipated enrollment of 425 students in middle school next year, the cost of the school lunch program will be approximately $35,000 for the school year. Currently, we have $10,860 to support this project. With your help, we hope to raise an additional $17,000 in order to ensure the continuation of this essential element in the students’ success.

On behalf of NEEED and the middle school students and their parents, we thank you for your past and continuing support which is crucial to enabling these girls to succeed in school.

As always, we welcome your comments and questions.

To quote Kofi Annan, former U.N. Secretary General: “There is no tool for development more effective than the education of girls”.

Cambodian Disability Sports Development: "Armed Art - Sports Trophies fro Destroyed Weapons - a CNVLD + Don Bosco project"

CNVLD — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:41:37 GMT

George Friml Rolls with Armed Art
Internationally renowned metalsmith George Friml began his first ABV CNVLD tenure with Armed Art this week at the Don Bosco Technical School.

George Friml, an Australian Business Volunteer on this his first of three annual tenures, will spend two months training Don Bosco Technical School Phnom Penh students and teachers in fine metalwork techniques, tool production and high quality manufacture procedures as part of the Armed Art project.

A teacher at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), George also provides technical lectures twice a week on subjects such as metallurgy, machine maintenance, creative and technical design and fine finishing.

The Cambodian Don Bosco trainee engineers will initially produce a range of sculptures, furniture and trophies from destroyed weapons donated by the Cambodian Government for inclusion in the upcoming international tour of the ‘Exhibition from Cambodia: To Be Deter-Mined’ before establishing a specialist department within Don Bosco producing unique sports trophies and furniture of the very highest quality

The CNVLD welcomes George Friml to Cambodia

CNVLD, Don Bosco, ABV and Armed Art:

Standing Up Together to Provide Sustainable Employment Skills to Disadvantaged Youth of Cambodia

Pictures:

Cambodian Disability Sports Development: "Armed Art - Sports Trophies fro Destroyed Weapons - a CNVLD + Don Bosco project"

CNVLD — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:40:28 GMT

Pictures:

Cambodian Disability Sports Development: "CNVLD features in Asia Life Magazine"

CNVLD — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:35:37 GMT

Dear Global Givers

Firstly, we want to thank all of those who have donated to the CNVLD via Global Giving - Your help is vital as we work towards establishing Cambodia as the ASEAN Center for Disability Sports development - After all - maybe our readers and supporters are unaware that Cambodia, unfortunately, has the highest ration of disabled persons per head of population, in the world! – This is due to the horrendous legacy of the Landmine and the tragic consequences of Polio which was only eradicated 3 years ago – So all your help is greatly appreciated by the athletes with a Disability of Cambodia.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to ask our donors to contact us at any time via info@standupcambodia.net and we would be more than pleased to answer any queries that you may have about the CNVLD and the athletes with a disability of Cambodia and if you are ever in Cambodia – make sure you visit the CNVLD!

We are now two weeks away from the start of the 2009 National Volleyball League and we remind you to keep a close eye on our website: www.standupcambodia..net and remember; this year we have the Kampong Speu Global Giving Scorpions team in the League – So its “ GO SCORPIONS + GO GLOBAL GIVING”

Also read all about the CNVLD and our passion for Corporate Social Responsibility in the latest Edition of Asia Life - attached !

Best from us all in Cambodia !

Attachments:

Asia_Life__July_2009.pdf (PDF)

Support Sustainability for Honduran Farmers: "Nuevo Amanecer Spring '09"

Shannon Gallagher — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:24:02 GMT

Friends of Agros,

Thank you so much for your continued support of Nuevo Amanecer!

The village and community at large has made great strides this quarter. In addition to completing trainings to diversify crops, the community of 14 families is making preparations to receive more families into the village!

Read more about the community’s development in the attached Spring update for the Agros village of Nuevo Amanecer. Every quarter, the Agros US office receives a progress report on each village on topics such as: Community Organization, Land Ownership, Housing and Infrastructure, Community Education and Training, and Sustainable Economic Growth.

Enjoy!

Attachments:

Nuevo Amanecer Spring '09 (PDF)

Support Sustainability for El Salvadoran Farmers: "San Diego de Tenango Spring '09"

Shannon Gallagher — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:16:28 GMT

Friends of Agros,

Thank you so much for your continued support of San Diego de Tenango! The community at large has made great strides this quarter -- from starting a new entrepreneurial hen project to instituting their first annual Health Day!

Read more about the community's development in the attached Spring update for the Agros village of San Diego de Tenango. Every quarter, the Agros US office receives a progress report on each village on topics such as: Community Organization, Land Ownership, Housing and Infrastructure, Community Education and Training, and Sustainable Economic Growth.

Enjoy!

Attachments:

San Diego de Tenango Spring '09 (PDF)

Support Sustainability for Guatemalan Farmers: "Villa Linda Spring '09"

Shannon Gallagher — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:05:54 GMT

Friends of Agros,

Thank you so much for your continued support of Villa Linda! The village and community at large have made great strides this quarter -- from cardamom projects, tilapia raising and more!

Read more about the village development in the attached Spring update for the Agros village of Villa Linda. Every quarter, the Agros US office receives a progress report on each village on topics such as: Community Organization, Land Ownership, Housing and Infrastructure, Community Education and Training, and Sustainable Economic Growth.

Enjoy!

Attachments:

Villa_Linda_Spring_2009_Update.pdf (PDF)

Support Sustainability for Nicaraguan Farmers: "Futuro del Mañana Spring '09"

Shannon Gallagher — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:53:07 GMT

Friends of Agros,

Thank you so much for your continued support of Futuro del Mañana! The village and community at large has made great strides this quarter.

A quote from one of the villagers after such progress is particularly poignant: '“I can’t believe that we are actually going to accomplish our goal. Only God knows all the sacrifices we have made, and it’s hasn’t an easy burden to carry. Luckily, we are in a community where we understand and support each other. It’s a comfort to me that soon we will be able to sleep in complete peace that we own our land."

Attached you will find the Spring update for the Agros village of Futuro del Manana. Every quarter, the Agros US office receives a progress report on each village on topics such as: Community Organization, Land Ownership, Housing and Infrastructure, Community Education and Training, and Sustainable Economic Growth.

Enjoy!

Attachments:

Futuro del Mañana Spring '09 (PDF)

Education for 900 Rural Girls in Burkina Faso: "Year-end school results"

Suzanne Plopper — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:10:01 GMT

The primary school girls supported by the Girls’ Education Project have done very well in school again this year. Eighty six percent of the girls in their final year of primary school passed government exams, qualifying them to continue their studies in middle school, compared to 70% of children in the general population passing these exams. Parents of girls supported through this project have been amazingly engaged which, along with NEEED’s encouragement, support and oversight, and of above all the girls’ hard work, has contributed to the girls’ success.

As a reminder, the project supports the first year of a village girl’s schooling and the purchase of a lamb, at a total cost of $90 through GobalGiving. The girl’s parents are responsible for helping her raise and sell her lamb each year thereafter to support all future educational costs for up to 13 years of schooling. This strategy encourages the parents to support their daughters’ educations in a way that they are able to (that is, once they have the initial donation of a lamb); and enables the project to use our modest funds to support a new group of 6 year-olds each year.

Demand for assistance with girls’ education continues to grow in neighboring villages. With your help, we hope to support an additional 300 girls to enter primary school next year.

With the help of donors from Germany, NEEED (the organization running the project in Burkina) has built two public secondary schools in the region in the past two years, and recently received funding to build a third. The addition of three public secondary schools in the region greatly expands the educational system’s capacity to ensure a secondary education to qualified students.

On behalf of NEEED and all the girls and their parents, we thank you for your past and continuing support which is crucial to the enabling these girls to go to school.

To quote Kofi Annan, former U.N. Secretary General: “There is no tool for development more effective than the education of girls”.

As always, we welcome your comments and/or questions.

Adolescent Girls' Legal Defense Fund: "A Postcard from Adolescent Girls' Legal Defense Fund"

Michael Acton — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:49:41 GMT

Mike Acton and Christine Illanes are students who traveled throughout Africa and visited a number of GlobalGiving projects. On March 19th they visited "Adolescent Girls' Legal Defense Fund." When asked what they would tell their friends about this project, Michael said “It's a good project," while Christine said "Incredible: You need to see this!"

Mike writes:

We met with Carolina at the Equality Now Kenya office to discuss the organization and a couple of their projects in the field. The office was relaxed but full of activity. While Equality Now in Kenya understands the importance of project updates and the need to share the stories of the work they are doing in the field, the fact is that Equality Now Kenya is a branch of International Equality Now organization and much of the interaction between Equality Now and Global Giving occurs from the New York Headquarters.

Nevertheless, Equality Now Kenya is working on several projects including finding funding to assist disadvantaged women fight forced marriage, abduction, rape and mutilation. Due to the nature and location of their project as well as our compressed schedule, it was not possible to visit beneficiaries.

Christine writes:

Equality Now is an organization that funnels funding to grassroots, community groups that others would be unable to get donations. I spoke with Caroline Murithi, a program officer with Equality Now, who told me that her concern for women started young when she noticed that tragedy always seemed to follow girls and that when bad things happened to women it was always the women’s fault according to society.

She wanted to work for an organization that helped women's groups reach their potential. She views the largest challenges to be cultural and religious resistance, as well as a lack of general political will, against women’s rights and equality in Kenya.