Newsletters: Volume 6 - Spring 2001
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Where We Are
As this issue of the Newsletter goes to press, eighty-three GTL students are attending classes in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. This number is something that all of us can be proud of. "All of us" includes, in the first place, you who have continued your generous contributions to the scholarship fund that makes the work of GTL possible. The "all of us" includes also President Roger Whiting and his helpers who have worked hard to raise money and to see that it is promptly and safely transferred to the various schools in East Africa.
But this "all of us" includes as well, and most importantly, the girls and young women who are studying in their cities and villages in Africa. It includes, for example, Asha Ramadhani and Imelda Leonidas of the Zanaki Secondary School in Dar es Salaam (pictured below with President Whiting).
The "all" includes also Eriosi Nakayiza and Erinah Nakakande, two bright young Ugandans attending the St. Noa Girls' Secondary School. And as we continue our efforts the "all of us" will hopefully include in the future some of the very young students who are now attending a nursery school in Arusha, Tanzania.
 Eriosi Nakayiza and Erinah Nakakande |
Post-Secondary Education?
As Growth Though Learning continues to grow challenges come not only from the numbers of girls needing assistance, but also from the kind of assistance needed. One example of a new challenge has come in the form of advice expressed by all four of our co-ordinators in East Africa. In recent months the four have, independently but unanimously, expressed the view that post-secondary education is becoming more and more necessary. If our graduates are to find jobs that will enable them to help others, some of them will need education beyond high school. In this regard the situation is similar to that in our own country. Investigations conducted to date indicate that support for young women seeking certificates in nursing, teaching, business administration or computer science will not be significantly more costly than support for secondary education. Responding to this request from the "front line" the scholarship committee has approved the applications of three students to pursue post-secondary education.
Good News for Mass Donors
Good news for you donors who live in Massachusetts. A change in the tax law now makes charitable contributions made after January 1, including those made to GTL, exempt from state income tax. We know, of course, that your chief reason for contributing has always been to help the young women involved, but we rejoice that you can now have the tax deduction.
From the President
This has been another remarkable period for Growth Through Learning. In October of last year I visited East Africa once again and talked with 31 of our 57 students in 19 different schools. That involved a lot of travel in three different countries, but it was well worth the effort.
 Future scholarship recipients? |
The following is an excerpt from a thank you note that we received from Mercy Wanjira Mwangi in Kenya: "It's of importance to note that I had never thought in my life that someone loved me. Also, it never occurred to me that God would appoint you to assist me. I believe education is the best asset you can give to someone and raise an educated woman thus educating the nation."
Those are powerful thoughts! Here is a nineteen-year-old orphan who has never felt love before. Yet, she is determined to make the most of her life and she realizes that education is the key to her future. Her goal is to study special skills to assist children with problems and to eventually become a lawyer in order to serve others that are so needy and underprivileged, yet so eager to learn.
Recently I received a "ghost written" letter from Olga, a young lady that I had met in Kampala, Uganda. She is employed at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel with few prospects for advancement, as she cannot read or write. Olga is not satisfied with her position in life. Yet, she is one of the most intelligent and introspective people that I have met in all of my journeys to Africa.
Olga has two children, and is trying her best to be a good mother and provider for her family. While talking with her I asked how she came to speak such good English. Her answer was simple, but yet extremely insightful for a young person with so little formal education, "Everyday, I try to learn something new - perhaps a new word, a new phrase, or a new idea." What a thrill it is to meet people who are so anxious to learn and to grow! Growth Through Learning - that's what it's all about, isn't it?
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I then discussed Olga's situation with Sr. Immaculate Nassuuna, our scholarship coordinator there. Was there a test or a course in order for this young lady to obtain a secondary school diploma? "No, there is no such opportunity here in Uganda." Is there a school that she could attend in order to acquire the basic knowledge of reading and writing? "No, there is no such school, but I could find her a tutor!"
Wonderful! Sr. Immaculate and I discovered a way to perhaps "save another star fish." I am absolutely thrilled to tell you that Olga is now receiving instruction in basic reading and writing at the Y.M.C.A. in Kampala.
Here is yet another example of a young person striving toward a better futureÉ perhaps any future at all. How do we fit into this pattern? We give! We give of our time, our concern, our effort, our understanding, our tolerance, our moneyÉour love. Giving is better than getting - it's more fun.
The following is a quote from Mother Teresa that certainly applies to Growth Through Learning:
"I never look at the masses as my responsibility; I look at the individual. I can only love one person at a time - just one, one, one. So you begin. I began - I picked up one person. Maybe if I didn't pick up that one person, I wouldn't have picked up forty-two thousand. The whole work is only a drop in the ocean. But if I didn't put the drop in, the ocean would be one drop less. The same thing goes for you, the same thing in your family, the same thing in your church, your community. Just begin - one, one, one."
 Ngaronaro secondary school. Headmistress and students - Arusha, Tanzania |
This past year our total cost per student scholarship averaged $528. We anticipate that post-secondary training will be only slightly more. Could you support a year's education for a student - just one?
Of course your tax-deductible donation in any amount is greatly appreciated by those who value education so highly. The amount isn't as important as the thought and concern for the Mercy's and Olga's of the world.
That is how we will make a difference - one, one, one.
Roger L. Whiting, President
Growth Through Learning