Hello UBers -- From Kenya

[drz]

As many of you guys know, I am in the middle of my visit to Kenya (Nairobi and the neighboring areas). I started a threafd to say hello jut because I want to draw special attention to the reason I am here.

I am volunteering with an organization called African Education Resource Center. We came to renew and award scholarships for girls to attend high school. The government here pays for primary education, but there is no free secondary studies.

I will come back and update with more information about the sityation here, our work, and how you can help; however, I must go now, as we have an interview scheduled in 35 minutes.

I will check in soon.

Peace,

Daniel

(pics to come soon)

[Dudesky]

Hello from the US It's a great thing you're doing, and I'm sure it's a great experience for you, too. What's the weather like over there?

[Linds]

That's so awesome! Wow, that must have been a long plane ride.

Just wondering: what organization is it through?
Edit: I know you said African Education Resource Center, I mean, like, if it's through a larger one? lol, sorry

And good luck with everything!

[drz]

Linds:

My friend, who is a Kenyan, started AERC with some local friends in 2004. We are a very small NGO that is looking to have some significant growth in teh near future. We (the non-Kenyans) have come and seen first-hand what the situation is like. We are seeking to create awareness and fidn support first trhough our personal networks (which is why I am including all of you), and perhaps later branching out into other arenas.

I am a strong believer that in order for societies to prgress, everyone has to be involved. I beleive we should seek out the best of tthe best to perform the different jobs available. As a result, I believe everyone benefits from women taking a strong role in leadership positions at all levels.

We at AERC are looking to help out. Education opens many doors. The girls we have met are incredibly brillinat and have wonderful dreams, which are competely achievable if tehir talent and determination is augmented with opportunity.

$500 pays for a full year's tuition and fees and room and board for a girl here in Kenya. That is not much in the US, but it can make a world of difference here. Not only are these girls educated, but going to school many times removges tehm from bad home atmospheres, where many are exposed to unsafe environments, with crime and abuse headlining such environment.

Lastly (for now), I believe that when one kid is educated, the entire word somehow benefits.

Even during our short stay here in Nairobi, we have already had three or four people come forward and donate scholarships that we will be awarding soon. Please stay posted, since I will bring updates and provide access to better, more complete, information regarding our work.

I apologize for the lack of structure in my posts -- I am just typing as these things come to mind.

Take it easy.

I will be back in full force soon.

Edit: Dudesky -- weather is nice; in the 70s at teh moment, although cold mornings and hot afternoons are not uncommon.

[witeshark]

What a great thing you're doing

[Cellardoor]

that is great man, u are really doing a wonderful thing! keep up the good work and stay safe. cant wait to hear more of it!

-Hutch-

[nick_318is]

Thats a cool thing to be doing, I know a friend who spent a semester in africa. She was helping teach kids and such and sounded like it was really cool place.

Keep up the good work.

[drz]

We are registered as a 501c3, and almost finalized with the process of acquiring not-for-profit status. You can see where I am going with this: At a later time, I will come back and seek support from the community. I assure you this is legitimate, and any and all information necessary to prove that will be provided. Donations to not-for-profit organizations are tax deductible, and you would indirectly be helping the entire world.

I am not asking for money now, but I very likely will later. If you are interested in contributing right now, please let me know. PM me and we can then speak on the phone or whatever.

Before I come a post asking for support, I will ensure to inform UB authorities and seek authorization to do it.

[c1apton]

Right on "Doc"! We need more like you promoting positive growth on this godforsaken planet...