Spring Newsletter
Spring Fundraising Event
Our year started well as we reflected on a busy and eventful 2009. In addition to continued commitment and support of our previous schools we sponsored 5 additional schools in 2009. In 2010 our fundraising through the website as well as through the efforts of Kristi Manning continues to bear fruit. Our new fundraising events coordinator, Jennifer Cates, did a splendid job in organizing the Spring Fundraising Event:
On April 17th 2010, a cool balmy evening in bucolic Lafayette, California, about 120 supporters and well-wishers of Foundation for Freedom gathered at the beautiful home of Dr. Brenda Reilly for a gala fundraising event.
The halls and rooms were decorated with poster displays of individual schools and with artwork by the students. The guests browsed the displays, asked questions and shared suggestions as they sipped their drinks and munched the appetizers.
Presentations followed with an overview of the projects, individual reports of schools in Niger and Bangladesh, and culminating with a speech on our mission and journey so far.
A delectable Indian dinner followed, accompanied by live music. The event ended with the medical residents dancing to the tunes of the beautiful music of Geecheeblue.
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of friends of the Foundation we raised over $43,000.
This sum will do a great deal to help us realize our commitment to promoting literacy through primary education in the developing world.
These new projects have been funded in 2010 bringing the total to 17 schools in 5 countries
-
Kirparampur Primary School in Kulpi, India
This publicly funded school of 120 children required major refurbishing of the roof, mud floor, doors, windows and toilet facilities for boys and girls. In addition they needed benches and desks for the students and teachers. From our allocated funds the repairs have been completed and the school furniture has been provided. -
Swarachna School in Sitapur, UP, India
This village school in an Adivasi community has been holding classes for 102 children, a majority of whom are girls, in a run-down two room structure. The Foundation provided partial funding towards building 3 more classrooms, a toilet facility, furniture and books. We look forward to seeing its completion in the next six months. -
Community Support Center Primary School at Ugenya, Kenya
We have allocated funds for the construction of a primary school with toilets to serve 50 HIV orphan children, including 70% girls. -
Project Lift Up
Funds have been designated to provide poor families with scholarships. Children who might leave school in order to work are encouraged to study through scholarships given for regular attendance and good grades. We are gradually expanding the number of students benefitting from this project.
Future Projects in 2010
We are in the process of reviewing applications for new school projects in Bangladesh, Haiti, and India.
Financial Update
Allen Heery, Treasurer:
"The Foundation for Freedom net assets at the end of April 2010 were $91,750. This is an increase of $24,106 from December 2009. Two schools have been funded so far this year: Kriparampur School ($ 11,500) and Swarachna School ($ 10,200). Funding for the school in Kenya will be sent soon. The April fundraiser generated $43,252 and these funds will be used in the remainder of 2010 to support new schools"
Success Stories of Post-Primary Students that Inspire Us
Foundation supported students received solar powered lamps that enable them to study at home at night where there is no electricity. Several graduating female students of Kedarnath Vidyapith are now taking their college entrance exams. This photo shows 18 year-old Medina with her solar lamp, which aids her quest for education.
At age 7 Gauri was enrolled at the foundation supported Shiksha Mandir School. After 12 years she graduated and decided to pursue nursing education. Now a registered nurse, Gauri is a self-reliant citizen and desires to help other disadvantaged students.
We are grateful that despite global economic turmoil our foundation activities have continued to flourish with effective fund raising and project development.
None of this would have happened without your generous help, contributions and guidance.
We thank you in all sincerity. Let us pursue our mission to educate, empower, and emancipate our needy children in impoverished communities around the world.
Thanking you,
Sakti Das
