I have been finding much inspiration in the words of this great man lately, and, so, I offer these:
"This call for a worldwide fellowship that lifts neighborly concern beyond one's tribe, race, class, and nation is in reality a call for an all-embracing and unconditional love for all mankind." -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Thank you for joining Guinea Kids in "worldwide fellowship." Guinea Kids Education Fund (GKEF) currently has members, Sarah Lee and Karim Koumbassa and Ilona Berzups, in Guinea who are visiting with the Sabadou school community and checking in with their building progress and the well-being of the students at the school. Thanks to GKEF donations, the school now has new classrooms and bathrooms. A portion of the funds from this year's benefit concert will go toward fulfilling the needs of the school. We will soon have more information on what those needs are. But the majority of the money will continue to sponsor the 20 students. The top priority for GKEF is to ensure these 20 students a complete education. Thus far we have the funds to provide 4 years of schooling of which they are in their second year.
Back in Seattle, GKEF members, Marissa Baratian and Kim Copeland, organized a project at the schools where they teach to have their students make friendship bracelets for the students at Sabadou. These bracelets, plus a photo album of Seattle students and GKEF events of the past year, were sent to share with the Sabadou school in an effort toward that "worldwide fellowship."
We will have more current photos of the school and students in Guinea once GKEF's members return.
This year one of the most exciting happenings for GKEF has been a partnership with Fabric of Life Foundation.
"Our projects focus on improving the quality of life for women and their families through sustainable, appropriate technology that respects and honors local traditions and cultures. Our philosophy is to form cooperative partnerships that promote self-help and that build people's self-esteem and independence." - www.fabricoflife.org
I highly recommend checking out their website and their store in Edmonds, Wa. Along with mouth-watering gorgeous handmade fabrics from Mali, West Africa, they are currently selling GKEF Art Cards with collaborative artwork by the students of Sabadou School in Guinea and New Discovery School in Seattle! A portion of the proceeds goes back to GKEF! Check out a sample of these beautiful cards:
Fabric of Life Boutique
now open!
Tuesday-Saturday 10:30am-4:30pm
523 Main Street
Edmonds, WA. 98020
Phone: 425.563.3925
1 comment:
Hi Mris -- I googled your name and came up with this blog! I hope you're doing well, and from the sound of it, you are! I'd love to reconnect if you have a few minutes to spare!
Becky Corte
redgirl502@aol.com
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