Jifu-what?! You may recall that my daughter, Annie, and I blogged about Jifundishe last year.
Jifundishe means "teach yourself" in Swahili, and this small NGO is working hard in Tanzania, East Africa, to help villagers do just that. Jifundishe supports literacy, education and community health through a variety of programs, including the Free Library it built.
Jifundishe Free Library
We hope you'll be able to join us to learn more about the organization, ways to help and volunteer opportunities.
When? Saturday, July 17, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Where? At our home, 406 E Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003.
Why? Annie says: "I spent a month last year volunteering with Jifundishe in Tanzania, spending time getting to know the friendly, caring people we had the pleasure of working with. In the entire time we were there, I don't think I met anyone unhappy or in a bad mood, and it was truly amazing to me that the people who seemed to have the least were always smiling the most. Coming from a world where every slight hitch in our day causes stress, it changed my understanding of the word gratitude to spend time with people for whom a day with rain meant unparalleled happiness, because it might help their crops grow.
"Having grown to love these people, so different and yet in so many ways the same as we are, it would break my heart to miss any opportunity to cause the radiant smiles so plentiful in Tanzania. Please help us in any way you can, bearing in mind that even the simplest contribution can truly change lives. Clichéd as it may seem, I've learned firsthand that with determination, the smallest crack of opportunity can be a gateway to a vastly improved life."
And this is one charitable contribution you'll know isn't going to be eaten up by the organization's administrative costs.
In fact, Annie is hosting this fundraiser now so you can meet Debra Kelly, executive director of Jifundishe, with whom Annie and I stayed in Tanzania. Deb's personal ethics don't allow her to take money from Jifundishe, so she's here for the summer earning money to continue living in Tanzania.
Chrissy Burnham, Jifundishe's treasurer and volunteeer coordinator, also will be on hand to tell you more about the amazing villagers Jifundishe helps (ask about the kids who sneak INTO school!), discuss the volunteer program and answer questions.
There will be crafts for sale that were made in Tanzania by Jifundishe's women's co-operatives, as well as backpacks for Jifundishe's "Buy a Backpack" program to support a struggling student. Jifundishe's programs are simple, direct and effective.
We hope you'll be with us for a fun afternoon, in support of friends an ocean away! Karibuni sana ("you're all welcome")!
Please RSVP (with the number of people accompanying you) to
[email protected].
If you're unable to attend but want to help these villagers, please send your tax-deductible check payable to Project ABLE, c/o Ann Hanin, 175 Riverside Drive, #5L, New York, N.Y. 10024.
Many thanks to those of you who already have contributed.
Click
here to learn more about Jifundishe.