November 2006

Dear Projects of Hope Companion:

This season at Projects of Hope, we face a renewed sense of energy and hope in the connections made and the challenges overcome during the past year.  Yote Yawezekana widow’s group has created a strong support system and a voice for 21 women whose husband’s have passed away, whose lives are affected by AIDS and who are left to care for their children and often the children of other ill family members.

These women have become leaders in the Shikokho community.  They are able to focus now not only on getting food for their children each day, but on entrepreneurial activities that will help to sustain themselves and their community long into the future.  They recently harvested 7 acres of maize and are looking to begin another sustainable project in the near future.  We are counting on our generous donors to help meet the needs of the Yote Yawezekana group so we can continue to focus on assisting in making these activities a success.

This empowered group of women has truly shown their integrity and generosity in the use of their “merry go round” methods to encourage and sustain the welfare of the group as a whole.  The women take care of one another, especially when one member becomes weak.  They visit one another and raise awareness among the widows who are HIV positive teaching them how to live their lives with optimism and confidence, despite their disease. The merry go round method allows them to assist each other by taking turns in giving contributions to other members, and thus providing assistance when it is most desperately needed by a member of the group.     

Education for their children and grandchildren is of utmost importance to these women.  It is their hope for the future and the children feel the same way. The opportunity to go to school is only a dream for many children due to high tuition fees and required uniforms costs. An education is so important to these women that they have identified their own strongest need as assistance in paying their children’s school fees. School is about to start again for the 26 children whose education is supported by Projects of Hope. Last year, not only was tuition assistance provided, but also tutoring, counseling, follow-up support, student get-togethers, lunches, school supplies, and uniforms.  Last year, Lenah (grade 4) and Sebastian (grade 8) finished the school year at the top of their classes with the help of Projects of Hope supporters! After a great year, the students are eager to return to school.  We are asking for your help in making their long term successes and goals a reality. 

We want to ensure that the Yote Yawezekana widow’s group’s income generating projects and school children’s fees are fully funded.  While this is not a small task, it is one which is not insurmountable and results in enormously positive change.  For $180, bright young children like Lenah and Sebastian will return to school this year.  The funds positively impact home and community life for these families in which mothers may often become ill, families have little to eat, medications are needed, and  school drop out rates remain unacceptably high. Uplifted by increased confidence and pride in themselves and their families, a firm educational base opens doors to a future of  promise and hope. 

As we approach the holiday season and reflect upon our own life’s most basic and meaningful blessings, please consider giving gifts that provide for the most precious treasures of home,  food, a warm bed,  education, access to health care and more. Please consider honoring those on your gift list with a donation to Projects of Hope.  Your gift will be gratefully received  and gift recipients will be tastefully notified that a life affirming gift has been made in their honor..  The respite and encouragement that Projects of Hope provides in a community that faces disease and loss…the value of a child’s education and the ability for women to unite to achieve self-respect, independence and the esteem that comes from providing for one’s own family, is priceless. 

Thank you for your generosity and support of the people of Kenya.

Sincerely,

Shanna Branciforte

Please make your gift payable to: "The Foundation for Sustainable Development" with *Projects of Hope* written in the memo portion and send to:

Projects of Hope
53 East Main Street
LeRoy, NY 14482 

A photo gift card will be sent to each person (and address) you list  “in honor of…” or alternatively,  you will receive the gift cards for you to give personally. Please specify your preference for gift acknowledgement and number of cards you need.