By Tim Rosche | English Language Correspondent
After a successful fund-raising campaign in the United States, Ussoforal's founder and director, Sadio Diatta Rosche, has returned to Africa and is currently in Mozambique on her way back to Guinea-Bissau and Senegal. Upon arrival in Guinea-Bissau she will be distributing the contributions that the generous supporters in the United States have made available to the group - 15 large duffel bags of clothing and school supplies as well as numerous cash sponsorships for specific children in the group.
While Sadio has been in the United States activities have continued in Guinea-Bissau. Now 12 adult literacy classes with 15 students each remain active due to the dedication of volunteer teachers. The dance classes for children also continue. But the year has not been without challenges. While the Portuguese Cultural Center previously supported the adult literacy efforts, due to the economic downturn they no longer have a budget to do so. Though the students are making good progress, and are proud of being able now to write their names and perform other basic literacy-dependent tasks they are not in a position to contribute, so transportation stipends as well as supplies such as chalk, notebooks and a computer for the teachers are no longer available.
As for the children, adherence has diminished from 383 to around 300, the economy forcing many families to return to rural areas because they can no longer afford urban life. There are 27 new orphans in the group due to parents dying of undiagnosed causes - most likely HIV/AIDS. With the cost of living escalating and buying power weakening, there is often no money for uniforms or supplies for the children and they must stay home. Some finish high school but then have no money to continue. Previously the Ussoforal organizers would have to walk through the neighborhood encouraging children to come and participate. But now as soon as they hear the drums, they come running, knowing that there will be a good meal and a secure, caring environment. And the parents, knowing that the children are with Ussoforal, are grateful for the peace of mind.
While in Mozambique, Sadio has reunited 6 young men and 12 young women who were part of the Mozambican branch of Ussoforal when Sadio lived there 2000 to 2004. They have organized dance classes, and are passing on the dance tradition to the next generation of young African children. March 30th will be Ussoforal's 12th anniversary, and Sadio will be returning to Guinea-Bissau and Senegal soon in order to begin organizing that. You are all warmly invited to come and participate. Though times are hard in Guinea-Bissau, it is heartening to see how Grupo Ussoforal is making many kids' dreams come true, thanks to the generosity of all of you.
Our heart-felt thanks!
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