SHINE AFRICA: Schools of Africa Benefit and Cultural Program Reflections and Appreciation

To: WFWP Members, friends and supporters,

Thank you for sharing a “Mother’s Heart” with the students in Africa!!

It is indeed a pleasure and honor to offer reflections and “Thank You” updates on our recent Schools of Africa Fundraiser, Sunday, August 7.  We initiated “Shine Africa” into the title because it is important to share as often as possible the progress of our students, the education curriculums, and the construction developments.  Most important, is our effort to provide these outstanding young people with funds for tuitions, uniforms, teacher salaries and yes, often food.  Our “Schools of Africa” team worked diligently to ensure an amazing presentation.

The Zoom fundraiser allowed us to come into your homes, with a wonderful speaker Dr. Ewa Ikpi Ewa, music from singer Zawadi Soowan Rangala, saxophonist Taechan Tanui and drummer Adrian Bayo.  We also offered items for sale in an auction, and raffle prizes. Thank you for supporting us with a “Mother’s Heart”; your donations, and purchase of items online or in the WFWP store, is much appreciated.  So much fun for all, an exchange of culture and LOVE.

The testimony of three students from the Sun of Mozambique Secondary School was very touching because it was obvious the educational experience there is dear to them and they love their teachers. 

“I thank the school for teaching me to be a successful person.”

“Because everyone else wants to study and wants to be the best student, therefore you have no choice but to study more yourself.”

“When I had to choose where to go for my high school education, the Sun of Mozambique Secondary School came up because it was the best school in the city… Here I have learned a lot as the teachers support the students all along; they have a different teaching method, one that helps the students a lot.”

We are honored to share a “Thank You” letter from Ms. Akiko Hozan, the Administrator of the Sun of Mozambique Secondary School.

Sent with the letter and shared here are pictures of improvements made to the Sun of Mozambique Secondary School with the money mentioned in the letter.

Project #1 Twenty-four years have passed since the first school was built in 1998. The septic tank for the students at that time was old, so we installed a new one. First, the blocks were made by school workers.

Project #2 Twenty-four years after the school was first built, the builders at the time cut corners in the construction of the beams, leaving little room in the ceiling, and when the sun was shining, the heat waves directly affected the temperature of the classrooms. The room was hot, especially in the summer. Therefore, it was necessary to increase the beams and create a space between the roof and the ceiling, so a plastic ceiling was installed.

Project #3 Installation of 5 wall-mounted fans: The third trimester starts on August 29th . After the cold winter dry season, the hot summer dry season begins. Therefore, a total of five wall-mounted fans were installed in two classrooms and the principal's room.

Project #4 Iron nets installation work: Over the past few years, the fence around the school has been changed from bamboo to iron nets, and this time, a 25-meter iron nets was installed in front of the school.

Thank you to some of the ladies who participated in the auction and raffle:

Rose Ann Kennett:    Africa Beaded T-Shirt & Beaded Bracelet

Natascha Phillips:    Africa Tote Bag         

Gabriela Nodarse:     Elephant Shadow Box

Yoshiko Des Lauriers: (2) Japanese Dolls

Emiljun Rapada:        African Beaded T-Shirt

Margaret Figueroa:   won numerous gift cards (stores/restaurants) 

Please know that the time and effort you have given is much appreciated. Donations large and small allow girls and boys educational opportunities they could only dream of. It’s amazing how an education can transform a child or young person into a valuable asset to his/her family and community. We will continue to fundraise through the holidays, so please visit our website as we seek to attain our goal. 

Please keep us in your prayers as we continue fundraising, and sharing the LOVE for those who through education can make a difference in their families and the world.

God Bless,

Fannie M. Smith – WFWP National Schools of Africa Coordinator