RAISING THE BAR IN SUPPORTING SCHOOLS OF AFRICA

WFWP chapters around the United States in 2014 found many creative ways to raise funds for African students yearning for education. For example, in Northern Virginia for some time now the church youth group has promoted a "leaf-raking fundraiser" to raise money. This year, the funds were donated to support the Schools of Africa (SOA) Project. On another occasion, in Connecticut, a black-tie "Women of Africa" event and auction was orchestrated. And many other chapters contributed as well, through garage sales, potluck dinners, Africa nights, auctions, etc. - from simple events to flamboyant extravaganzas requiring extensive planning.

This trend is expected to continue in 2015. Only by restraining the imagination can WFWP chapters fail. WFWP women are feeling proud and honored to be a part of this project that strives to raise awareness of the goals set forth by WFWP Founder Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and the vision of her late husband Rev. Dr. Sun Myung Moon. Though it has been a good and exciting year, we cannot stop "living for the sake of others," as Mother Moon reminds us.

Schools of Africa benefit award recipients

Last year during the 2014 WFWP annual National Assembly, held in Washington, D.C., for the first time on a national level we had an opportunity to acknowledge chapters around the country that have consistently raised the most money for SOA over the last few years.

Special awards were presented to the chapters in Northern California; Southern California; Westchester County, New York; Ohio; and Connecticut. A separate award was presented to our Japanese WFWP ladies, led by Mrs. Yoshie Tsuboi, who volunteer and work with the students, parents, and communities for our Schools of Africa. Mrs. Fumiko Balcomb graciously accepted this award on their behalf.

Since 2000, WFWP, as a United Nations NGO, has sought to contribute through its activities to the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Delivering quality education to African children contributes to each of the goals, including eradicating extreme poverty; achieving universal primary education; promoting gender equality and empowering women; reducing child mortality; combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, Ebola, and other diseases; and improving mental health.

Ohio fundraiser for SOA: Ms Fatou Sarr arranges scarf for Ms. Thea Schlichting

Based on many WFWP members' views, here is a brief list of Schools of Africa Project goals for 2015 and 2016:

1) Increase the power of fundraising by updating the written and digital tools offered to chairladies (brochures, videos, presentations, fundraising guidelines, financial reports, etc.).

2) Receive annual updated testimonies on select students' progress in order to form an alliance for U.S. youth to correspond and partner with SOA students and projects.

3) Develop and implement exchanges of tours, letters, and pictures between Africa volunteers/students and U.S. WFWP members, when conditions warrant them.

4) Create a pattern of continuity, transparency, reverence, and camaraderie between SOA and WFWP chapters.

Last spring, I had an opportunity to attend the 2014 luncheon in New York put on by WFWP for the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). At a dinner that evening in Irvington, New York, our Japanese WFWP members shared remarkable presentations on four of the schools: in Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, and Rwanda. We are grateful for our wonderful contact in Sister Chika Yasojima of the Department of International Affairs of WFWP Japan.

Young dancers at Ohio benefit

During our National Board meeting this year, WFWP USA President Angelika Selle confirmed that our theme for 2015 is "Growth." By a majority, the board members decided that transparency of SOA donations, implementation of funds, and an open interaction between Japanese and U.S. WFWP members will promote growth for the critical Schools of Africa Project.

In this vein, we now have some tools available for presentations for chairwomen and members around the country. Just log in to the wfwp.us website to get a Schools of Africa brochure, the 2011-12 WFWP Biennial Report, a short English NHK TV program on the Schools of Africa entitled Sun of Mozambique, and more. This information also reflects activities on AIDS prevention, nutrition guidance, foster care, medical assistance, and hygiene improvement.

In addition, this year you will receive information on events, tips, etc., by way of what I'm calling "View from Africa," in which we will share updates from time to time on SOA.