Educate Girls

Just back from a business trip to NYC and DC.  In Washington, I had the chance to take an international grant writing course.  I came across this during my funding research today.  It pulled at my heartstrings.

There is good and happiness everywhere if you just look for it.

I'm reading Half the Sky.  It's heartbreaking, agonizing, and makes me angry.  I can't even get through more than about 20 pages or a chapter in one sitting.  It's too much to take in.

So.....when I saw a post from Megan Wilcken, it lightened my mood and reminded me of the good we can find if we just look for it.

"I love this video! Here's what the artist had to say about it:

Whenever I see and hear reports of Africa in the media, more often than not, they seem to regularly convey war, poverty, and economic strife. I believe that generally we get what we look for, so I decided to look for and highlight the beauty of the land, the zestful enthusiasm for life in the brothers and sisters, and the innocent youthful joy of the children.  Guess what? We found it!"

"Investment in girls education....

may be the highest return investment in the developing world."  Lawrence Summers, Chief Executive-World Bank.

The water project still needs support and donations.  If you would like to help bring clean water to the girls dormitory,  send me a message.  Any creative idea will be considered.  I've updated my etsy site with a few new items and have a few more coming.  Check early and often!!

We are still counting on numerous, small donations to reach our goal of $10,000 ($7500 to go!).   Recently,  I've branched out into professional fundraising:  grant writing and corporate sponsorships.  If any readers have tips or suggestions, please send them my way.
Below is a link updating you on the Samburu Girls Dormitory.

http://www.kenyakeys.org/Area/Projects.aspx

Thanks for reading!

Lunchbox napkin project! Reduce and Reuse!

For example: 2 lunchbox napkins used as placemat and napkin!

When daughter started preschool, the school's lunchbox policy was no waste (and two fruits and vegetables).  Every school day, I packed 2 cloth napkins: one for her placemat, and one to use.  Not sure if it's a french school lunch custom, but I thought the policy was lovely.  To carry on the tradition, I started the lunchbox napkin project.
It's ready to go...finally!!!..a few choices are posted on my Etsy site.  See sidebar for link to shop.
Thanks for your ongoing support.
x,
A

If I had a dollar for every time I thought about this......

It would be complete!  But I don't.   Soooo, here's the nitty.

Still need: $8,000.00 (for the water/plumbing/sanitary component).

Proposed date for dormitory completion: May 2011.

What the dormitory will provide:  Housing for 160 female students (14-19 years old) at Samburu High School.

Why this is good:  Because the world needs more educated women.  Click here to read earlier serious stuff post.  See updated (!) side bar with links to articles.  Or just google:  educated women and poverty.

What you can do: Purchase a little goody or two, or three.  Send in a tax-deductible donation (if you use the paypal button, please specify water project, and send me an email so I can get tax deduction receipt to you).  Think about water and the people in our world without it.  Tell someone you know about water issues and/or this project.  Become a named or anonymous follower.  Do as little or as much as you can.  But just do something.
You'll feel better by participating.  You know you will.

Another update!!!!

Here's the updated link to the organization I am working with. Same people, purpose, drive, just a different name.

Thanks for reading and your continued support!

Andrea

UPDATE: Sale on Friday only

We had such a terrific turnout today, there isn't enough left to hold the sale tomorrow.