5O REASONS
Can you imagine having to walk up to 7 miles each day just to get water for you and your family? You then would have to boil and clean it to remove the parasites and bacteria, without the benefit of electricity. This is what the women in a small village called Shirati, right outside of Tanzania have to do every day to survive. This is just one of the many challenges these women face each day. They are always unsure of where the next meal will come from to feed their families. The children of this village are lucky to get one meal a day of porridge.
I heard about what these women and children go through each day and feel very grateful for my lifestyle. I also want to do something to help. I believe people, resources and innovation can work alongside African communities to effect long-term, sustainable change. I am lucky to have been introduced through Jake’s school, Prospect Sierra, to AISCS (African Immigrants Social and Cultural Services), an organization that believes little by little anyone can make a difference
Every summer, AISCS volunteers travel to the Shirati village area in rural Tanzania where they participate in community projects and directly experience the meaning and value of cultural diversity. I plan to go this summer to help build a rain water storage tank, participate in the school and work on other building projects at the school. By working with CAL engineering students, AISCS harnesses energetic minds to create more efficient, cost-effective systems for the village.
Past projects AISCS volunteers have accomplished was building a brick oven so the village women can make and sell bread, their first water tank to catch rain water, a primary school for over 250 local children and a vocational school for the adults.
My 50th birthday will take place when I first arrive in Shirati. What better way to spend my birthday then this. I have many friends in disbelief that this is the way I want to spend my birthday; Sleeping on a mat on the floor for a month, especially with my aching hips and knees. No running water or electricity. But, when I heard about this opportunity my whole being said, YES, I am going. I won’t allow any excuses to hold me back. How can I with all the positive reasons that outweigh way my discomfort?
The people in Shirati are sweet, loving and peaceful. They welcome outsiders and appreciate the help from AISCS volunteers. AISCS was founded by Christine Chacha, a school teacher from Richmond, CA. It is through Christine that we have this incredible access. AISCS volunteers have become friends and family to many of the local people. Many volunteers return year after year. I believe I can help not just by this trip and the money I raise, but being an advocate for the village when I return. If I can speak about their life from my firsthand experience, other people are more likely to get involved and help.
AISCS has a dual mission:
Helping communities in Africa with education, vocational training, medical services, and community organization.
Helping African immigrants adjust to the social and cultural changes they experience in the United States.
So friends and family this is where I am asking for your monetary help. The money I raise will be used to help fund this year’s projects and trips. We need supplies to build a second needed water tank and brick oven. Also, in order for the school to be recognized by the Tanzania government we must build a home for the school teacher to live in.
I don’t think I need to have 50 reasons to ask you to help, but I thought in honor of my living for half a century, I would give them. Any amount you can give will help greatly and is tax deductible.
50 REASONS
1. I only turn 50 once.
2. The women spend 4 hours plus a day just trying to get clean water for their families.
3. We need to buy lots of rebar, concrete and wire for the Rain Water Storage Tank.
4. It can help someone learn a vocation to support their family.
5. It is tax deductible.
6. AISCS gives many scholarships to little girls since girls in Africa don’t get the chance to go to school as much as boys.
7. You will have good karma.
8. 1.1 billion people lack access to clean water.
9. The kids need our help.
10. The brick ovens give the women not just a vocation, but personal empowerment and a social opportunity to bond with other women.
11. Their schools need resources.
12. Matt Damon says he “I saw firsthand the effects of one of the largest public health issues of our time – the world water crisis which is at its worst in Africa.” (I had to throw in some star power J)
13. It is my birthday.
14. One of AISCS major fundraising activities is to raise money to buy food and pay the women's group for meal preparation for the hospital. A hospital that in the past had no food for the patients. Many who were being treated for starvation and malnutrition.
15. It will help the orphans and the elderly.
16. Yes indeed, 49 plus 1.
17. Your contribution will make a difference.
18. Safe drinking water helps prevent Malaria.
19. Happy Birthday to me.
20. Any amount will help. Small or large.
21. When you are thirsty, you go to the tap or open a bottle of water. Think about what the people of Shirati need to do for water.
22. Did I say already that I am turning fifty?
23. Giving will make you feel good.
24. Any extra money we collect will be used for projects like edible school gardens and school supplies.
25. When you give, you give hope to a child.
26. I know you can’t believe I am really this old.
27. Supplies to build the tank can be very expensive.
28. The power of collaboration gives you and the village empowerment.
29. I will be a half a century old!
30. The people of Shirati are very grateful for the help.
31. Giving will provide you with an opportunity to make a tangible difference.
32. How about giving 50 smackaroos for a good cause?
33. We want to continue helping the wonderful teachers and children by supplying books, pens, toys...
34. I will be eternally grateful.
35. The local women earn a living by making bread in the ovens and selling it.
36. The children walk miles each day just to get clean water and an education.
37. FIFTY! Can you believe it?
38. They need our help.
39. Can you imagine being pregnant and starving or watching your children starve?
40. I am also going to buy some soccer balls for the kids.
41. This will be the best birthday present you have ever bought!
42. I will personally make sure your donation is put to good use.
43. Every 30 seconds a child dies from Malaria.
44. When you give, you give hope to a child.
45. Give to AISCS, not the IRS.
46. Your contribution can help many women and children.
47. I will be 5 x 10!
48. This is an easy way to give and make a difference.
49. I will be sleeping on the floor for a month!
50. I saved the best for the last…look at these faces:
BECOME A DONOR
AISCS is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, publicly supported organization. Your donations are fully tax deductible.
If you choose to make a donation in support of my Global Outreach Trip, you can give two ways:
DONATE ONLINE- Follow this link to the AISCS webpage. Click the yellow donate button. In the box labeled purpose, make sure you write “Re: Jennifer Burt’s Global Outreach”.
DONATE BY CHECK- Send a check to:
AISCS, Attn: Laura Mason, Treasurer
Re: Jennifer Burt’s Global Outreach
1053 Monterey Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94707
THANK YOU!
