Witten by: Corey Reid, Founder of Passion Projects Intl.
Hello!
As many of you know I have just returned from Arusha, Tanzania where I completed a check-in visit with Afroplan Foundation and our sponsorship program. I am very excited to be able to provide all of you with an update of the Passion Projects Afroplan Sponsorship Program. Further, I am also going to update you on the new developments at Afroplan Foundation, the local Tanzanian NGO we work very closely with.
Sponsorship Program
Each visit I would see a large amount of the children, however some would be too busy playing with friends or in the classroom that I would miss them. However, over the combinations of all my visits I can say that I got to see each kid and spend a little time with them. Part of my work throughout this visit was ensuring that each child had sufficient supplies for the next little while. This is frequently monitored by Sadie Clarke, our sponsorship communications manager, it just turned out that I was in Arusha around the same time as she planned to do her check in on the supplies. We ended up buying a large list of different supplies and necessities for many of the students. They are always so excited to get new gifts or supplies, especially when its shoes and sweaters! This was very exciting for me to see. With the program fees being the way they are, we are able to have some emergency funds to cover these expenses. This is very special as it keeps the program sustainable. Further, it allows us to provide even more care for the children as they have the support from the program to be able to have the supplies they need to excel!
There were no surprises around the Passion Projects Afroplan Sponsorship Program. That’s always the best result you can get. Living in Tanzania has taught me to be prepared for anything. Things going good and as expected is the best kind of news you can get. I always say this but I will say it again, Mr. Frank is an angel and the work he does is honest, humble work. I am so happy to be able to work with him and support his local Tanzanian NGO, Afroplan Foundation.
Maua School Update
It was also very exciting to see the new developments that were being worked on at Maua English Medium School. They have continued to complete a more modern kitchen, and have started and are close to finishing three new classrooms. Lastly, they will build a large modern hall which will be used for dining and activities. This is very exciting because completion of these developments will get them to the point of being completely done with development of the primary school. This will allow them to start on the secondary school which is planned to be ready by the time our children start looking to enter into the secondary school system. Great news! There are more pictures of some of the developments on each of your sponsorship program database accounts.
How will Passion Projects be involved?
As per the fee structure for sponsorship, the emergency fund is allotted for two things. One was the supplies the children need, as discussed above. The second was meant to circulate back into the local Tanzanian NGO as it is part of Passion Projects' mission to support local NGO’s. This means that over the three years the sponsorship program has been operating, some money has been saved for instances like this.
The total cost of the new land and a few buildings to start development will likely be upwards of 15,000 USD. There plans to be contributions from Passion Projects International and from Nafasi Project (Emily Lyons American non-profit organization). However, even together the amount of money will definitely not cover the total costs. Therefore, I will look to fundraise in the future to help this fund become more attainable. The details are not certain yet, however, the time is coming.
Passion Projects International has submitted it's CRA application documents. They have been submitted for two months, and from what colleagues in the non-profit sector have told me is that I likely won’t hear anything for four months at least. My hope is that the CRA approves first time around, however that is not commonly the case. It is very common for more back and forth communication throughout the process prior to them finalising the approval. I have been advised that the timeline looks more like 8 months to a year. So, in short, the timeline is in the hands of the Canadian government. The wish is that I can obtain CRA approval prior to fundraising for the land. However, if that does not happen then the fundraising will have to continue, it will just be more difficult.
I want to be clear that I don’t tell you this in hopes that you will be interested in fundraising. I tell you this as I see the sponsors as being part of the core of Passion Projects International. For that reason, I think that the sponsors should be informed on the details of what is going on within the organization. Besides, you are already providing so much support through the sponsorship program and the model we have created over the years.
Pictures!!
Well, that’s the news for this trip! Sadie will continue to frequent both Afroplan and Maua English Medium School as the Sponsorship Communications Manager, so be sure to connect with her! Lastly, and probably the most important, there are a few new pictures on the database for your enjoyment!
I highly encourage you to check them out as it makes it all much more special. Let me know if you forget your log-in information! Also, continue to follow and join our cause on Facebook. You spreading the message of the gifts you give can really go a long way! If you share the sponsorship with your family or friends, please provide me with their emails so they can receive updates as well!
Thank You!
I thank you all for the involvement and support in Passion Projects International - Afroplan Sponsorship Program. Each child is truly grateful for the opportunity you have given them. It is very regular for them to ask about you. “And where’s my friend sir?", "Can I see a picture of my sponsor?”. It is very beautiful the curiosity they have for you and your families.
On the last day I was there, there were many tears and sad faces. It’s always a sad goodbye. It doesn’t get easier, especially as the trips get shorter. However, I have found comfort in knowing that although I can’t be around all the time, I am truly fighting for the best life for each of the children. I hope that gives you comfort in knowing that your support is with the right organization.
Asante Sana,
Corey Reid
Afroplan Foundation Project
Passion Projects International