In lieu of gifts for ourselves, we would like your help sponsoring a special education classroom to be built at Sirua Aulo Academy (SAA) in Transmara, Kenya! We are so dedicated to this cause that if we do not raise enough funds (e.g., approximately $8,000 USD), then we will top it off ourselves. Some day we will go there to see it as part of our honeymoon!
This school holds a special place in Linda's heart because she has been involved in it since prior to its inception. Linda first met its founder in 2007 when she volunteered through Village Volunteers, a U.S.-based "501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works in partnership with rural village and capacity-building programs to support the development of sustainable solutions for community survival, education, and growth."
The Kenyan community-based organization Linda visited is called Namunyak Maasai Welfare (NMW). NMW was founded by a visionary and leader named Emmanuel Leina Tasur. We encourage you to read about him, SAA, and the circumstances that motivated him to form the school in this 2008 interview by New America Media.
Back in 2008, there were temporary buildings and only 70 students. Can you spot the foreigner!?
Emmanuel's latest updates are that enrollment has been increasing every year due to its reputation as a nationally competitive private school. Even though their school is only 5 years old, SAA's students are performing so far above the national average that other schools in Kenya have been visiting them and trying to emulate their policies and practices!
Here are just a few of SAA's unique teaching methods and values:
SAA welcomes students and staff from all tribes, and has a policy of hiring no more than three teachers from any one tribe. In a country that still divides itself among tribal allegiances, this is an unprecedented move that has already demonstrated outstanding results.
SAA's pupils are orphans and vulnerable children (who require outside sponsorships to attend), as well as other Kenyan children whose parents are able to pay their full registration. This is another extraordinary move, as it has been breaking down social-economic barriers and stereotypes.
SAA does not use corporal punishment, which is still the predominant disciplining method around Kenya. Instead, SAA encourages good behavior through positive teacher/student rapport and well-rounded student development. Emmanuel feels this is the main reason his school is outperforming the rest.
SAA is the only place in the Transmara district of 120,000 residents to welcome children with disabilities. Linda introduced two children with disabilities to the school in 2008, and since then she has returned twice to discuss with the staff about teaching, helping, and incorporating children with disabilities in the school. Their acceptance has further helped de-stigmatize children with disabilities in the community. This classroom will be the first of its kind in the area.
SAA boasts the only library in the district! In 2008, Linda brought them two suit-cases full of books to kick off their literary collection. From two shelves of donated books five years ago, to an entire room full now! (As a sign of her dedication to the school, Linda's last donation in 2011 included her seven Harry Potter books...)
Linda video-recorded her first distribution of books to kids in this class. They are speaking Swahili.
SAA is striving to become self-sufficient. They have their own farm and they are teaching their students how to help work it. Emmanuel is also a skilled safari guide. His independent side business called Karma Kenya (Linda came up with this name for him!) provides extra funds for his school.
Just as a side note, Karma Kenya does not make enough to cover teacher salaries or school supplies, so if you would like to sponsor a child in addition to the classroom fund, please visit One Way Out Kenya to identify a child who is waiting for you! OWO was founded by another alumna volunteer specifically to help everyone coordinate sponsorships.
You have many options to make your financial contribution! All donations are tax-deductible for U.S. citizens. We will receive regular reports from VV of the name and amount of every contribution.
Write a check made out to Village Volunteers and write your email address and "for Linda & Dan" in the memo line. Mail the check directly to Village Volunteers. This is the preferred method.
Village Volunteers5100 S. Dawson St., Suite 202Seattle, WA 98118USA
Visit http://www.villagevolunteers.org/donate/ to donate online. Choose "Namunyak Maasai Welfare NMW" in the dropdown box and write "for Linda & Dan" in the Other field. Note that Paypal deducts a 3.7% transaction fee from the total amount.
Wire directly to Village Volunteers. Contact info@villgevolunteers.org, or call (206) 577-0515 for VV's account information. Then notify them of the amount deposited and the fact that it was "for Linda & Dan" after you have sent something.
If you have any questions about SAA, NMW, VV, or any other acronym (!), we would be happy to discuss it in the reply field below.
We sincerely Thank You for giving this project your serious consideration.
