Newsletters: Volume 3 - Spring 1999
 Babby Halahala, Hedaru Secondary School, Hedaru, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania |
How Are We Doing?
We are proud and excited with what we have been able to accomplish since GTL came into existence less than two years ago. So far this year 17 scholarships have been awarded to girls who simply would have had to drop out of school were it not for your generosity. Soon there will be 6-8 more.
Increased Cost Of Schooling
The increase in the number of students funded this year is all the more remarkable in view of the higher cost of schooling in many parts of East Africa. Each application that GTL receives contains a breakdown showing the expenses incurred by the girl in her particular school, the amount that the family can contribute, and the amount requested from GTL. Because of inflation generally in East Africa we find that for 1999 the average scholarship grant is $435, up twenty percent from last year's average of approximately $360.
Checking Up On Ourselves
The decision to assemble a committee to review the work of GTL (see President's letter) did not grow out of doubts about our mission. The decision reflects the desire to make sure we are on the right track and that we are not neglecting opportunities that are within reach. As a new organization, we feel that we can surely profit by seeking the advice of knowing counselors who are not caught up in the day to day activities of the organization, and thus have sufficient distance to take an independent look at our work.
Joint Statement On African Needs and Gains
At their 9th meeting, held in February, the Chief Executives of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the African Development Bank (ADB) issued a joint statement stressing, among other things, the need for continued cooperative work between African countries and the international community.
Speaking on a topic of immediate relevance to the work of GTL, the Chief Executives emphasize the importance of women in the current economic and social efforts of the countries of Africa: "We underscore the important role African women play in contributing to social and economic development. We will continue to mainstream gender perspectives in all policies and programs of our institutions."
A matter of significant concern to us all is the recent killing of tourists in Uganda. The joint statement "views with great concern the continuing conflicts in certain regions of our continent resulting in loss of lives and the destruction of economic and social infrastructures." Far from allowing the murder of tourists in Uganda, including two Americans, to dampen our enthusiasm, we need to double our efforts to further education and training opportunities. We are attempting to enhance the efforts already being made by many, many people in Africa to build stable communities free of violence. Our sympathy goes out to the families of the victims--and also to the brave persons, there and here, who struggle to build peace.
 Sr. Immaculate Nassuuna, Sisters of the Immaculate Heart Scholarship Coordinator for Uganda |
The Need Continues
Each week, without fail, brings new requests for assistance into the Paxton headquarters. Sometimes heart-wrenching, sometimes filled with hope, these letters tell us that GTL is becoming known by its work in East Africa. Here is a typical quote: from Justine Kasagga, born in 1968. "I hereby greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. My dear brothers, sisters, friends, wherever you are I am on my knees crying for help from you." The letter goes on to recount her life, flowing from one catastrophe to another, until she finds herself alone with two young sons and two daughters and no means of educating them. Then she tells how after visiting her local church she "found a gang of white brothers where I got one brother and told him all about my life in order to be helped. So he called to his friends to listen to my sad story. After I had finished my story one of them told them that he had the address of people whom he was sure they could help me. He drew a notebook from his hand bag and showed it others.....they all accepted and gave me the address of yours and told me to tell you all about me and my family...I pray that you are going to help me and get out of all these problems...."
From Florence in Nairobi: "Greetings from Africa! The four girls who received scholarships are very happy and their relatives too. Thank you so much and may God bless you for thinking of helping people you have never seen...The situation in Kenya is pathetic as the poverty level in this country is very high and schooling very expensive."
Letter from the President
This is indeed a time of celebration for GTL contributors, Board members, and me personally. Since our inception on July 1, 1997, we have conducted two successful fund raising campaigns, and awarded two groups of scholarships - 12 the first year, and 17 this year. Currently we are awaiting several more applications, and hope to be able to accept 8 of them for scholarships. I am determined to reach our goal of 25 scholarship awards this year.
I am most pleased by our financial situation. Total expenses have been reduced to 16% of our total income, and this puts us among the truly elite of non-profit organizations. Our advantage, of course, is that we have no paid employees. Everything is accomplished with volunteer labor. Printing and postage are our largest expenses, and we are currently working to reduce those costs even further. As our income grows I have no doubt that our expenses as a percentage of income will be considerably less than 15%.
 Esperance N. Masabo, Age 14, Student at Edmund Rice Secondary School, Tanzania |
This summer I am planning to return to East Africa to visit with our students and contacts there. While there I will make stops in Nairobi, Kenya, Dar es Salaam and Arusha, Tanzania, and Kampala, Uganda. This trip is a follow-up to a visit I made to Tanzania in September of 1997 that was very beneficial to GTL. Hopefully I will renew old relationships and establish new ones with our scholarship coordinators as well as meet as many of our scholarship recipients as possible.
We are continually in search of ways in which we can improve our program, and currently we are in the middle of a review of Growth Through Learning's procedures, methods, and printed material. We are most fortunate to have Dr. Richard Ford, Professor of History and Director of International Development at Clark University as the Facilitator of our review committee. He is totally committed to the issues of East Africa, and is in full agreement that education of women is vital to the growth and development of these countries. Dr. Ford has been involved there for over 30 years, and returns to East Africa at least 2-3 times per year. So far, it appears that GTL is "right on track." There will be some minor changes to our procedures, brochure and newsletter, but otherwise everything seems to be in order.
You will note that there is now a return envelope enclosed with this newsletter. Perhaps it will make it that much easier for you to send a contribution of any amount to GTL. We, and the women and girls of East Africa need and appreciate your support. The need for worldwide educational opportunity is obvious. The Board of Directors of GTL is working hard to assure you, that in fact, we are a non-profit charitable organization worthy of your consideration.
In addition, how about sending us your views, opinions, and suggestions? We welcome your input - either positive or negative. Any comments you have will be considered most seriously.
Roger L. Whiting, President
Last modified: May 11, 2003, 19:07 EDT