7TH ANNUAL BENEFIT FOR THE SCHOOLS OF AFRICA PROJECT

Feb 10

On December 12, 2010 over 50 distinguished guests celebrated the 7th Annual Benefit for the Schools of Africa Project at the Central Seafood Asian Restaurant in Hartsdale, NY. This year, International Representative to the United Nations Mrs. Sugiyama and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of the Republic of Mozambique Mr. Daniel Antonio were invited to speak on behalf of their country to congratulate WFWP on another successful year of outreach.

His Excellency's testimony of his visit to the Sun of Mozambique Secondary School touched many hearts in the audience. Along with a few tender words from His Excellency, several photos and a short video of the school was presented.

"The presentation [of] the Schools in Africa was in one word: inspiring," said attendee Kristi Mas in an e-mail reflecting on the Benefit, "The classrooms were packed full with children. In one room, the teacher literally only had a foot between the first row and the chalk board where she could stand. The children quietly shared the books and listened eagerly."

His Excellency spoke briefly about the history of Mozambique and emphasized the great works that WFWP International has done in his country. Not only did WFWP build and continues to maintain the Mozambique school, but 80% of the children who graduated from the school continue on to college on WFWP scholarship support.

"I sensed appreciation for these schools and the education they provide," Mas added, "The other emotions were of desperation and value. The desperation to have a successful education of any kind is very apparent."

In addition to the schools, WFWP also sends medical doctors to his country; he later explained there is only one eye doctor available for one million people. You can imagine how long it would take to get to a doctor there, but with the help of WFWP there are now more doctors accessible especially for mothers and their children.

The Ambassador and his wife encouraged the attendees and WFWP members involved with Mozambique outreach; they gave heartfelt assurance that all WFWP's efforts provide life-changing opportunities for many grateful people in his country.

Thanks goes out to Ilhwa Compton and Costa Diego for their entertainment, Charmaine Singer, who did a fantastic job organizing and collecting a major part of the silent action which raised money for the education and brighter future of young African children, and to everyone else who participated in organizing the event.