SCHOOLS OF AFRICA UPDATE

Minister Fannie M. Smith

The Schools of Africa Project has long been on the minds and hearts of WFWP USA. Each year members in various states have put on events to raise money to send to the schools that Japanese WFWP members started in Africa.

At this time, Minister Fannie M. Smith, WFWP Executive Board Member and an active WFWP member in Chicago, has volunteered to be the coordinator for the Schools of Africa Project in the United States.

On March 19 of this year, Mrs. Smith had the opportunity to attend a very special presentation by Japanese WFWP members who are working with the different schools in Africa. After the day of learning about this very special project, Mrs. Smith wrote the following letter to WFWP Japan President Yoshie Tsuboi:

Dear Mrs. Tsuboi and Sisters,

I pray that your stay in America was most beneficial and God has shown a light upon your path for a safe arrival to your destinations. As we leave the month of March, that is proclaimed Women's National History Month in the U.S., I must thank you for sharing your reports, testimonies, and stories with us at East Garden. All of you are "International Treasures," representing women around the world with a true heart; the kind of heart that Father and Mother Moon require of us to display. I was so moved and enlightened by your presentations from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Mozambique.

My testimony on the success of the evening is how we were so magnificently transitioned from our seats into the homes, schools, and institutions built and managed by your small staff. I felt the love and support given to the children and mothers; being totally oblivious of their skin color, lack of education, and not to mention culture and language barriers. From what I understand, these activities and much more are the reflection of over 20 years, cleaning up war torn villages, stretching the use of school books, and empowering the least of these to become leaders.

The proof of your efforts in each country is shown on the face of graduates, salon shop owners, sewing classes, and facility ribbon cuttings. One cannot really place a value on peace-building, moral education, and poverty eradication; but as WFWP President, Angelika Selle, mentioned in her welcome note, "It is our intention in the U.S. to intensify and expand our efforts in raising funds for the Schools of Africa."

To see your children play and interact with African children on all levels, enforce my determination to let US sisters know that love and a "level playing field" are stronge antidotes. As the new Coordinator, I pledge to do my very best in making our national chapter ladies aware of the need to support our Schools of Africa Project. I look forward to working with each of you in all areas of Africa and please as requested allow me to have copies of your presentation and script if possible. I hope to share some of my ideas with you and certainly learn from our sisters in Westchester and others on their accomplishments to raise funds

The delicious pot-luck dinner was indicative of all the flavors, spices, and colors necessary to pleasantly satisfy the taste buds of many cultures; just as God provide the fields with a variety of flowers and blossoms is also indicative of the many colors of his children around the world.

"Thank you" to the committee members for making this event possible. I could not possibly reach everyone, so please forward this note as you feel appropriate.

Be blessed,
Minister Fannie M.Smith
WFWP Executive Board Member
Schools of Africa Coordinator
International Ambassador for Peace