2018 PROGRESS IN EDUCATION

2018 was a very good year for the Sasamani Foundation, specifically under the education program. We were able to increase the number of sponsored students from 31 in 2017 up to 56 in early 2018. Our goal is to break the cycle of poverty reaching even more girls to ensure health and education needs are met.

Our service to the community was recognized twice in 2018 by the government and schools we serve. This recognition motivated the education department in their daily activities to achieve Sasamani's vision. Helen Keller is credited with saying, "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." These achievements are due to the whole Sasamani team, to include staff, teachers, parents, and students. We received recognition because we work together.

As we find more generous sponsors, I would love to see the number of girls we support increase to 100 in the next 2 years. In the coming year, I will work to incorporate meaningful vocational education (e.g. computer classes) in order to empower students with practical employment skills. These activities, plus the ongoing provisions such as school/hostel fees, uniforms, shoes, bags, hygiene (soap and sanitary pads), social interaction activities etc., will enable the Foundation to reach more students in need and truly break the cycle of poverty.

Of our current sponsor students, ten students are expecting to join high school/college (depending on their national exams scores), five are in high school, and three are in college and university already. The other 38 students are in Ordinary secondary education level (middle school).

"We make a living by what we get...but we make a life by what we give." -Winston Churchill

Special thanks to all the sponsors, donors, Sasamani board of directors, colleagues, school administrators and teachers, parents, and students, for their support empowering the Sasamani Foundation and all our beneficiaries to thrive! I am excited to continue our work together in 2019. [Note: You can read my report summarizing our 2018 activities by clicking here.]

Warmly,
Gladness
Sasamani-Education Director