By Tim Rosche | English Language Correspondent
Ussoforal celebrated the 10th anniversay of its registration as an officially-recognized non-profit charitable organization in Guinea-Bissau on March 27 and 28. The first day featured an out-door dance performance by the children at the school in the Plack II neighborhood of Bissau, attended by several hundred parents, neighbors, government officials and other supporters. The second day featured a luncheon to show the group's appreciation for all of those who have assisted over the years, accompanied by the performances of popular local singers.
Perhaps the most touching segment of the celebration was the distribution of certificates to the first graduates of the adult literacy classes - primarily women between the ages of 35 and 45 who now can read and write for the first time in their lives. In a heart-warming and humorous speech, the "valedictorian" cited now being able to participate more fully in the management of their families and being able send and receive text messages as the most life-changing benefits of the courses. Interestingly, the ability to read and write has made some of the women aware of difficulties with their eyesight, whereas previously this was not an issue for them. Ussoforal plans to explore the possibility of assisting them in obtaining corrective glasses.
Prior to the anniversary festivities, the group's founder, Sadio Diatta Rosche, spent 3 months in Bissau and Senegal directing the group's activities. This included the receipt and distribution of 22 huge duffel bags of donations - primarily used clothing and school supplies - contributed by the group's supporters in the United States. Sponsorship funds donated by individual benefactors in the States to cover the school fees of many of the children were also distributed. Sadio will remain the group through June, when she will return to the Washington DC area for the summer season of fund-raising.
The group still relies on the Plack II school to provide classrooms for the adult literacy activities - now 5 active classes - and the children continue to use the courtyard of Sadio's house for rehearsals. Though Sadio has been able to identify a plot of land available nearby the school where she hopes to build a community center to serve as the hub for the group's activities, this has been beyond the fiancial capacity of the group so far. But hopefully, with the support of all of you, she will someday be able to make this dream come true.
I feel particularly blessed to have been able to travel from Tanzania to Bissau to participate the in Ussoforal's 10th anniversary clebrations. It was a moving experience to see the dedication of the volunteers and supporters, and the appreciation shown by the children and their families. My heartfelt thanks, and the heartfelt thanks of Sadio and all of those whose lives have been touched by the goup's work, goes out to all of you who have helped allow the group to contribute to the well-being of the children and their community. Please be assured that your continued generousity is having a positive impact and is very much appreciated.
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