Newsletters: Volume 11 - Fall 2003
From the President
This has been another most successful year for Growth Through Learning. The total number of scholarships granted grew to 117 - an increase of 13 over the previous year. Truly, we have come a long way since our initial efforts in 1998, when we were able to offer just 12 scholarships.
This means, of course, a greater outlay for school fees. At the same time we are making every effort to keep our overhead expenses to a minimum - just 18% of total income this past year. This is only possible through the almost total reliance on volunteerism.
Clearly, there is a need for educational assistance in East Africa. All of our investigation, correspondence, and experience indicates that; 1. Women are often left behind where there is limited family income 2. There is overwhelming gratitude from our students and their families, and 3. The sponsored students are trying hard to make the most of their educational opportunity. In fact, in Arusha, Tanzania I recently met four of our girls who have completed post-secondary courses in teaching, computer technology, and hotel management. All are currently gainfully employed in decent jobs.
It is so gratifying to realize that we are beginning to experience "the fruits of our labors." Jennifer Sadawa has completed her advanced diploma computer program, and is now happily employed in the Arusha, Tanzania area. Eunice Tondi and Rosada Shayo have completed their specialized training in teaching the hearing impaired and are now teaching at the Patandi Practicing School Special Needs Unit. There are many other success stories as well. And we have yet to encounter either students or parents who are not totally grateful for the opportunities that GTL has offered these deserving and eager students.
Last summer I traveled to East Africa again where I visited several schools and colleges, our scholarship recipients, and scholarship coordinators. Following are some of my journal observations: "What an exhilarating experience! The girls are always so anxious to see me, and many of the orphans consider me as they would a parent. Every girl is strongly encouraged with kind words, and a hug - possibly the only hug she has ever received. Unquestionably the visits are worth all of the time, effort, and exhaustion involved."
Other than meeting them personally, one of the most satisfying results of our efforts is to receive thank you notes from our students. Below are a few excerpts from the many communications we have received from East Africa.
From Our Students
Dear Sir
I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your help during my high school. I'm glad to say that I sat for my exams last year and attained a mean grade of B+.
Victoria Bitok - Kenya
A Letter of Gratitude
Indeed, I want to thank you heartily for the exact assistance you have accorded me during my training. Had it not been your kind attention to me surely I could not have become the way I am now.
Jane Mungai - Kenya
The Good Samaritan
Once we had a dream,
And we thought of our future
Help has been seen in the GTL program
Thanks for thinking of our future
As you have made our determination alive,
We will use this opportunity towards our success
Samaritan, Samaritan,
We begged for your help,
We are proud of your plan,
Because you didn't close your hands,
But you opened them full for us.
May God be your light in whatever you do.
Mercy Mende - Tanzania
Two Special Students
We are most fortunate to have seven girls enrolled in two- or three-year programs at post-secondary schools and colleges in Uganda - four at Makarere University, two at the National Teacher's College, and one at the Nyambya Nursing School. I have personally visited all three of these institutions, and was quite impressed with them. These are serious schools for serious students. Below are thank you letters and pictures of two of these girls. Edith Takumanyi will become a qualified teacher this year, and Agnes Namirembe will enter the field of mass communications (journalism) after one more year.
Dear Mr. Roger
Thank you for coming to visit us here at the college this year. I completed my teaching practice and I passed well. I promise to continue praying for your living to help more girls who will be in need.
Your daughter, Edith Takumanyi - Uganda
From Agnes
Firstly, I thank you for coming to visit us this year. We were very happy to meet you. If it was not your kindness to me, the poor one, I would not be in class now.
Agnes Namirembe - Uganda
GTL Welcomes Richard Jenson
We are most fortunate to have Richard Jenson of Lexington, MA join us on the Board of Directors. He has been an Associate Professor of Mathematics at Boston College since the early eighties with a mathematical interest in algebraic coding theory and computer science. He graduated from Dartmouth with a BA and earned his PhD in mathematics at the University of Illinois in Chicago.
After bringing his family to Tanzania in the year 2000, he has returned to the country twice: each time to assist two primary schools in the Arusha region by supplying computers and textbooks, and by teaching math to a group of 13-year-old Tanzanian children during their school vacation. Richard's extensive contacts and knowledge of East Africa will add a significant dimension to our efforts.
Behind the Scenes
Beyond the obvious people of any well-run organization there are always those who play key roles by undertaking the necessary work to produce the required visibility and ultimate success. Ever since the inception of Growth Through Learning, Troy Thompson has been indispensable in the design and maintenance of our Web site, formatting semi-annual newsletters and stationery, etc. His ideas and suggestions are nearly always taken, as Troy's "critical" eye and imaginative thinking far exceeds that of the average person. His mastery of the computer is nothing short of magic.
Troy is currently the full-time web designer for Worcester Polytechnic Institute here in Worcester, MA. Twelve years ago he founded Daedal Creations, a web design business for companies and non-profits whose size does not warrant a full-time designer. His pattern of success is well evidenced by his being honored with several Mary T. Holland awards for his superior efforts in web site design. It is with great gratitude that we salute Troy Thompson.
GTL Speaks Out
Last spring one of GTL's donors asked a Board member whether the war in Iraq and the subsequent uncertainty in the world situation will affect the operation of GTL. Indeed, in a world which is truly a global community, it is difficult to ignore the impact conflicts in any part of the world may have on other locations. The donor's question was a serious one and GTL's Board feels it deserves a thoughtful reply.
First of all, the countries in which GTL sponsors scholarship students in East Africa - Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda - have very stable governments. This assures relative ease of operation. Secondly, from GTL's beginning, Mr. Whiting has recognized the need for reliable local contacts in each of the countries. That is the role played by the scholarship coordinators. Because it is an issue of paramount importance to GTL that the money our donors contribute be used for the purpose intended, Mr. Whiting makes regular trips to East Africa. These trips complement the work of the coordinators by allowing him to visit the schools GTL scholarship students attend and to meet with the headmasters and these worthy and needy girls.
Finally, it is more important than ever to support causes such as GTL. To take an isolationist approach in a time of world conflict suggests a loss of hope. It is hope that GTL offers its scholarship recipients whose education will allow them to work for the betterment of their nations. And it is hope tempered by practical realism that guides GTL's operations.
Barbara McCarthy, Clerk
Last modified: Mar 07, 2004, 22:12 EST