It’s fair to say that most people are beyond happy to leave 2020 and enter 2021 with hope for things to “get better.”
Here’s the thing – so much GOOD happened too in 2020, and we hope you take time to reflect on that. We certainly are!
Looking Back … 2020
Wow, what an incredible start we’ve had! Highlights:
- Went from an idea to a full-fledged 501(c)3 charity in 3 months!
- Secured sponsors for 18 children who range in age from 4 to 17!
- Launched a Facebook page with a warm, engaging, consistent presence
- Received additional contributions – both money and manpower – that have enabled us to have a solid foundation to keep moving forward!
We are profoundly grateful to each of you for your participation. We know these children now have the opportunity for a radically different future, because of YOU.
Moving Forward
So now what? Glad you asked.
Our immediate goal is 21 additional children sponsored in 2021. In order to do that, we have to get additional structures in place for identifying candidates to receive support, for larger distribution of funds, and for enhancing communication with sponsors, to name a few.
We also have identified some emergency needs due to the global pandemic wiping out the work opportunities for many who rely on tourism. We have been fortunate to step in a few times and provide help for medical emergencies during this very challenging time. Contributions not attached to a specific sponsorship make this happen.
At some point in the next 18 months, we need to return to Tanzania to check in with the families, check out potential school locations, and build relationships with key government officials. We do this on our own dime, not using Foundation funds. So, if you or someone you know has an abundance of Delta SkyMiles they’d be willing to donate, we would love to put them to good use!
Our long-term goal is to build 2 schools – one near Arusha and one near Moshi – which will create jobs as well as leverage resources to educate and feed the children. We intend to have permaculture farms at the schools so that they generate much of their food supply on-site, as well as have a hands-on workshop to teach the children self-sufficiency.