"...hope is found in unlikely places; that inspiration often comes not from those with the most power or celebrity, but from the dreams and aspirations of Americans who are anything but ordinary."  Barack Obama, Feb. 24, 2009.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

February 2, 2010: The people of Makaiba, Mamanso and Petifu community went to the Timap for Justice office a few days back to express thanks and appreciation to all those who contributed to the fund-raising.  They promised to send a letter, which will be forwarded. Plan, Sierra Leone is working on the construction of the chairs, table and other needed items for the school. At the moment, the government is supporting the community teachers with a monthly stipend of five hundred thousand Leones ($130) for two teachers only. The government is also providing some stationery's for the school. Timap is continuing to facilitate the registration of the school.

December 2009: About two or three months ago, Plan, Sierra Leone held a meeting with the Community people in which the town chief, youth leader,’ mammy queen, Head teacher, staff of Timap for Justice Organisation (2) and other stakeholders in the community were present. Plan, Sierra Leone informed them on the support from the Donors. They actually expressed the need for a school. I pointed out to them the funds available were too few to construct the entire school as planned. After a thorough discussion on the matter, they consented for the fabrication of school furniture. The other option they came up with was the construction of a Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrine but the funds available were also inadequate to undertake that output. The cost of a four drop hole latrine is six thousand five hundred dollars ($6,500) including Consultant Engineers fee. Based on all these factors, the community people opted for furniture fabrication with the improviso that the work is handed over to them to do the fabrication. Regrettably though, they did not meet the criteria and so the work was handed over to another contractor. The idea that the school had enough furniture is not really accurate.  The furniture fabrication will be completed by the end of January as all modalities have now been put in place.

February 24, 2009: This project is entering a new, important phase.  We have only a few months to raise the remaining funds if this project will become a reality. Very important updates from the community include: 1) the establishment of a school committee with equal representation by men and women; 2) review last fall of the three teachers for this school by the Ministry of Education - all passed with high marks! 3) the construction of a temporary structure so that the students can continue their education while these fundraising efforts continue.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. 

Two international organizations have signed on to this project, which is no easy task.  Plan International (USA office) has been extremely helpful, and has offered to contribute matching funds if I am able to raise the first $40k.  Timap ("Stand Up") for Justice is the organization in Sierra Leone that is representing the community members and ensuring that their wishes guide the development of this project. 

In giving to this cause, you can be sure that 100% of your donation is going towards the construction of the school.  After it is built, Timap and the community members themselves will take over registering the school with the Ministry of Education so that it will have paid teachers and supplies.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!