The Rafiki Thabo Foundation has come a long way in its few years of existence. The beauty of our small organisation is that as trustees, we know exactly where money donated is spent, and we know directly how much difference your generosity has made in the lives of individuals. This first official newsletter is a way of keeping you, our supporters, informed about where your money has and will be going, and to publicly thank you Every penny really does make a difference and we are extremely grateful.
The year 2011 looks was an exciting one. As an organisation, our structures and processes are settling and refining as we find by experience the best ways of providing practical assistance within local communities in Africa. Indeed, we doubled our efforts to reach a greater number of individuals and communities, including setting up a committee in Uganda. We look forward to 2012.
Jon Uglow, Chairman
Excerpts from our newsletters
Uganda
On the 6th September 2011, one of our trustees, Susannah Evans will be leading a photography project in South West Uganda. Rafiki is delighted to be able to commission photographer Jane Baker to capture the lives and stories of the students we are currently supporting.
Kenya
In 2008 Rafiki Thabo helped two young Kenyans in their professional training. Joesph Fundi needed his fees topping up so he could complete his final year at Bishop Hannington Institute, a prestigious theological training college in Mombasa. He had been orphaned and was without family support. Rafiki Thabo Foundation paid £481.00 to meet the shortfall, and now on graduating, he will be qualified to find employment within the Church of Kenya or as a school teacher.
Emy Mwanganyi achieved the necessary grades to go to university and was accepted on to a course at Jomo Kenyatta University to study Clinical Medicine. Although she could find money for one semester, she has applied to Rafiki Thabo Foundation for ongoing support throughout the rest of the course. University fees are near impossible for the average Kenyan family to afford – around £1000 a year.
Emy’s education will allow her to provide much needed support to her family and younger siblings in the future.
Lesotho
Following the visit of a group of students from Cokethorpe School, Witney, work has continued at quite a rate at Ha Fusi. A bore-hole has been sunk, giving pupils a constant, safe water supply, and an office has been constructed using local labour and materials. The Rafiki Thabo Foundation has also sponsored the employment of the Principal of the School, ensuring the pupils are given a quality education. This is going to be enhanced still further when school reopens in January, when Elizabeth Dunford, a Mathematics teacher from Nottingham will be joining the staff for a two-year period. This is very exciting, and her influence will, no doubt, have a great impact upon the future of the School. Projects for the coming year include buying class sets of text books, and getting enough desks to allow for the rising number of pupils to sit and work comfortably through their school day.
Coast to Coast
Trustees Emma, Peter and Annabel were joined by friends and family for an epic cycle ride across England this summer.
The team completed the 130mile long “Coast to Coast” trail in 3.5 days, raising hundreds of pounds in sponsorship.
The group started at Workington on the Irish Sea and took in many steep ascents through the northern Lake District and the Pennines, before finishing at Newcastle in the pouring rain!
Thank you to everyone who sponsored us, and special thanks to the Hicks family who provided much encouragement.
