Educate the Next Generation of Leaders in Freetown

Warm Greetings-

Have you ever desired to get to know more about the children that we are supporting in Africa?  Well, you are certainly not alone.  As a Project Leader, I love to see the photos of the children and in particular to listen to videos of the children.  This helps me to better understand their needs, desires, aspirations and to stay connected. 

Here's a link to video of a girl called Richlyn.  Richlyn is interviewed in this camera by the Director of Door of Hope (off camera) who asks her a number of questions.  Richlyn is 10 years old and tells us what her favorite games are - and the school she attends - the Annie Walsh Memorial School (one of the top schools in Sierra Leone). Richlyn has a beautiful smile and dreams of becoming a doctor.  

Towards the end of the interview she answers 2 questions that tugged my heart : 

Q: What is the number one thing you would like to see changed in this world?
Richlyn: I will like to see poverty changed in this world

Q: Do you think that women should be given the opportunity to take part in decision making?
Richlyn: Yes!

I connected with her - right here.  Real and warm!  Richlyn and I - we together share a common dream.  Similar thinking.  I would imagine for many of you that support this project - you are saying as you read this: "Me too!"

At this early age, she is clearly conscious about these two crucial issues that are on our minds and the minds of leaders everywhere.  Richlyn is a budding leader and we are so very thankful for the opportunity and privilege we together share - that of helping to educate the next generation of leaders.  With this united consciousness and our on-going action, we know for a certainty that these issues will become history and a thing of the past in the coming years.  Thanks for helping make this happen.

We have a question for You: Do you have any questions you would like to hear answered by the children in Africa that we work with?  Feel free to let us know.  In the coming months we will put together a video with your responses and share it here.  You can submit your question through the contact us form on our website. 

Go ahead - watch the video again.

Thanks for staying connected and warm!

With every good wish...

Sylvester

Links:

• Watch video of Richlyn

Warm greetings.  The school year is well under way - and included in this update are a couple photos of the distribution of scholarships and supplies that took place in September.  Be sure to also see the photo (taken earlier this year) of a group of children holding "thank you" signs.  A couple of the signs say: "Thank You Global Giving Donors"

Together we helped to ensure the continuity of the education of several children in Sierra Leone.  It always warms my heart to see how we are enabling the education of these children - the future leaders of Sierra Leone and potentially the world!

The parents and children were so very appreciative of the support provided.   The funds provided also help to cover levied school-related expenses - which have resulted in other children dropping out of school.

Education, as you know is a game-changer and an enabler.  In each of our personal lives we can attest to the doors that education opened and the opportunities it provided access to.  Well, we are helping to provide access to opportunities for these future leaders.  We have a truly influential role - simple but effective.

 Thanks again for your support and best wishes

Just a few weeks ago, in May 2011, I had the opportunity to travel to Freetown, Sierra Leone and meet a number of the children - beneficiaries of this project.  It was a true delight to see their smiling, happy faces.  I verified that they are receiving your donations and making steady progress at school.

During our group meeting, I passed on these messages, which I had received from you, encouraging them to focus on their studies and to excel at school.  I also encouraged the parents to support their children morally and be a continual inspiration. 

My presence and the message of encouragement that I passed on were well received.  The parents and children asked me to bring back their warm appreciation to you for your support that has helped to provide books, school supplies and scholarships for the children.  Your support truly means a lot to them - much more than you would realize.

Over the past month, I ran into a news article that affirms our commitment to supporting education in Africa:

"Look at how Asia’s extraordinary growth in recent decades was fueled by a determination to invest in “human capital".  It is widely understood that Africa’s children will not own the 21st century until their leaders put more emphasis on educating them. Poor, barely literate 18 year olds in a rural area cannot compete for jobs. Neither can they take advantage of the investments being made on the continent.

It seems the critical investment of this century will be how Africa’s children are equipped to prepare for the challenges and chances ahead. There is no time to waste."

We are definitely on the right track - investing into the future of Africa's children. Our continual investment is truly raising the future leaders of Sierra Leone.  Thank you so much fro your on-going support!

Links:

• Africa’s crucial investment – education