Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Pictures from Tanzania
I am pleased to report that Kerri and Ryann ascended Mt. Kilimanjaro successfully and are now enjoying some relaxation at Olduvai Gorge. We are expecting pictures of their climb as soon as they have internet access! In the meantime here are some more pictures from their travels:
Kerri teaching
Msimbati
Mnolela students
Interviewing micro-loan applicants
New friends
Kerri teaching
Msimbati
Mnolela students
Interviewing micro-loan applicants
New friends
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Micro-loans and Business Planning
The last few days were spent driving around the beautiful rural Mtwara countryside, assessing micro-loan applicants and hosting a Business planning workshop for the 86-member conglomerate of farmers in Mchepa.
The first was a women's group of 10 in Mitambo, who had built and were running a small poultry business. They had requested a micro-loan in order to fortify the walls and floors of the chicken coop to protect the birds from disease and roaming leopards and lions. True story! We interviewed the women, asking about their current assets, projected increase in production, plans to sell the meat and eggs, and repayment plans.
The second entrepreneur we visited was a fish farmer who had applied for a loan to build a second fish pond in order to double his productivity and ability to harvest.
Third on our list of applicants were the Mtwara Wood Carvers. The chairman, (in orange) had prepared a very comprehensive business plan, outlining the group's proposed projections. They were in need of several new power tools and wood in order to produce beds and cabinetry.
AAF has helped set up a 25-acre farm in Mchepa, providing employment to 86 farmers, currently. The goal of this project is to teach the group to become a sustainable and viable business, harvesting enough vegetables to support the purchase of seeds and farming equipment, feed their families, and save.
Kerri and Ryann led a workshop for 46 of the group's members, whereby they drew on their respective business backgrounds, to help build a basic plan for improved efficiency and earnings.
Ryann and Kerri met with 2 individuals and 2 groups who had applid for micro-financing through the Artumas Africa Foundation.
The first was a women's group of 10 in Mitambo, who had built and were running a small poultry business. They had requested a micro-loan in order to fortify the walls and floors of the chicken coop to protect the birds from disease and roaming leopards and lions. True story! We interviewed the women, asking about their current assets, projected increase in production, plans to sell the meat and eggs, and repayment plans.
The second entrepreneur we visited was a fish farmer who had applied for a loan to build a second fish pond in order to double his productivity and ability to harvest.
Third on our list of applicants were the Mtwara Wood Carvers. The chairman, (in orange) had prepared a very comprehensive business plan, outlining the group's proposed projections. They were in need of several new power tools and wood in order to produce beds and cabinetry.
Lastly, our final applicant for the day was a local flour-producer who was interested in purchasing a large number of bags of maize in order to sell to shop-owners in the area.
AAF has helped set up a 25-acre farm in Mchepa, providing employment to 86 farmers, currently. The goal of this project is to teach the group to become a sustainable and viable business, harvesting enough vegetables to support the purchase of seeds and farming equipment, feed their families, and save.Kerri and Ryann led a workshop for 46 of the group's members, whereby they drew on their respective business backgrounds, to help build a basic plan for improved efficiency and earnings.
AAF Hockey Fundraisers in Tanzania
Team Artumas at Shangani camp have begun a new 'Canadian Tradition' here in Mtwara... hockey! Games are organized by Artumas Group staff to have a bit of fun and bring everyone together. They also pass around a collection jar to raise money for AAF's School Sponsorship Program. In a short period of time they have raised over TSH. 800,000 (~$800) and plan to continue for as long as they have (unbroken) sticks. Each child can attend Secondary School for approximately $200/year. Thank you to Team Artumas for such hard work in 30 degree heat!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Kerri and Ryann united!
Mitambo Village
Kerri and Ryann are together now in Tanzania, Ryann having landed in the wee hours of Sunday morning, after a 36-hour journey. Kerri has been in rural Tanzania working with the Artumas Africa Foundation in various capacities, since early December, and jointly, the two will be filling their next few days working with the Entrepreneurs Business Development Program, assessing micro-loan applicants for suitability, and in Mchepa, helping the farmers’ conglomerate with individual business plans, to further increase accountability and sustainability.
Kerri’s roles over past weeks have included teaching English in the schools built by Artumas in Msimbati and Mnolela (see her update below); instructing workshops for business owners seeking help in creating and updating their business plans, driving around the country-side interviewing prospective families for AAF's year-long sponsorhsip (half of the funds we have jointly collected will be used to sponsor 10 families in Mtwara in 2009), and assessing micro-loan entrepreneurs for AAF's Enterprise Development Program.
Kerri and Ryann are together now in Tanzania, Ryann having landed in the wee hours of Sunday morning, after a 36-hour journey. Kerri has been in rural Tanzania working with the Artumas Africa Foundation in various capacities, since early December, and jointly, the two will be filling their next few days working with the Entrepreneurs Business Development Program, assessing micro-loan applicants for suitability, and in Mchepa, helping the farmers’ conglomerate with individual business plans, to further increase accountability and sustainability.Kerri’s roles over past weeks have included teaching English in the schools built by Artumas in Msimbati and Mnolela (see her update below); instructing workshops for business owners seeking help in creating and updating their business plans, driving around the country-side interviewing prospective families for AAF's year-long sponsorhsip (half of the funds we have jointly collected will be used to sponsor 10 families in Mtwara in 2009), and assessing micro-loan entrepreneurs for AAF's Enterprise Development Program.
$10,000 Goal Surpassed!
Our fund-raising goal was to raise $10,000 prior to beginning our ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro on December 21st. With your outpouring of support and financial contributions, we were able to raise $10,700, as of today, and the donations continue to roll in! Our Platinum sponsors, Best Buy and Future Shop helped tip the scales with a generous cash donation and electronics for 3Women. Glentel, our Gold sponsor, also gave kindly and provided Ryann and Kerri with an Iridium Satellite phone so they can call home when they summit Kili on Christmas Day/Boxing Day (depending which hemisphere you’re in!).
Please continue to contribute to 3Women's Artumas Africa Foundation project. It is eye-opening just how far even $10 will stretch: http://www.3women.org/Donate.html
Please continue to contribute to 3Women's Artumas Africa Foundation project. It is eye-opening just how far even $10 will stretch: http://www.3women.org/Donate.html
Latest Corporate Sponsors!
We are excited to announce our latest Silver Sponsor: Fresh Headies, as well as our Bronze Sponsors: Michelle's Place, Parade Organics and Eric Rasmussen. Please take a moment to check out our corporate sponsor page!
Teaching English at Mnolela and Msimbati Sec Schools
Mnolela Secondary School
and Msimbati Secondary School
Well Kerri's last day of teaching english was yesterday and what an awesome experience it was.
"The kids were amazing and so happy to attend classes even though it was through their holiday break. They were excited to learn and always had smiles on thier faces. The communication at first was challenging due to my English accent but we perservered and it was well worth it. Neema with AAF was a great help in some necessary translation but once we got our basic teaching structure set and once the shyness melted away... it was all good. And so much fun for all of us! I spent the most time teaching at Mnolela Secondary School so these kids in particular will hold a very special place in my heart. I got pretty choked up on my last day... I would love to come back and teach again."
and Msimbati Secondary School
Well Kerri's last day of teaching english was yesterday and what an awesome experience it was."The kids were amazing and so happy to attend classes even though it was through their holiday break. They were excited to learn and always had smiles on thier faces. The communication at first was challenging due to my English accent but we perservered and it was well worth it. Neema with AAF was a great help in some necessary translation but once we got our basic teaching structure set and once the shyness melted away... it was all good. And so much fun for all of us! I spent the most time teaching at Mnolela Secondary School so these kids in particular will hold a very special place in my heart. I got pretty choked up on my last day... I would love to come back and teach again."
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
3women in print!
The 3women are RE/MAX celebrities! Please check out this link and forward it on to others: http://www.remax.net/stories/mainst/20081124/8897.htm
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
AAF Family Sponsorship Program - continued
Dismuss and Sijali:
Mr. Sheba was not at home so we spoke with his eldest son, Dismuss (16). Together, with their father, the three boys live in Njumbuli Village - Sijali (7) and Tawala (11).
Unfortunately their mother passed away a few years ago. Since then Dismuss has been unable to attend school as he is required to look after his siblings and the house while his father cultivates the farm to feed his family. His father grows cassava and maize. Tawala was helping him at the farm.
Dismuss has become the family care giver – cooking, cleaning, collecting water etc. Dismuss is also responsible for checking in on his grandmother once every few days. Dismuss wishes to return to elementary school and continue on to Secondary School in the future.
The Lulenge Family:
Mr. Ali Mohammed is 56 years old. He lives in Dhihimba Village with his wife Salum Samoe (40); his children Abdulai Ali (18), Maruwa Bi Ali (16 year old girl) and Yahya Ali (13). Mr. Lulenge is physically disabled and uses a wheelchair received from the Department of Health in Mtwara. All of his children go to school – Abdulai is in Secondary School, Maruwa and Yahya attend Primary School. In Mtwara it is common for families to do with (even) less to send a child to school. Such is the case with the Lulenge Family as they will not eat until this evening.
He and his wife run a small café in one of the rooms in their home. They sell tea and cooked rice and beans. After all expenses they make $2 per day from their café. Mr. Lulenge would like to have more capital to increase his café business and open a grocery shop selling flour, beans, rice. This would greatly help the entire village as the cost of food (uncooked) would be less expensive. It is also common for the villagers to run out of food altogether. It is also his dream to be able to send all of his children to Secondary School.
Siwengi and Mwijuma:
Mrs. Mwanamkulu Nanyalika is a 75 year old grand mother who looks after two grandchildren left behind by her daughter who passed away. Siwengi is eight years old and Mwijuma is ten years old. In her household Mrs. Nanyalia lives with her eldest son, daughter-in-law and their four children. The total number in the household is 8. The day we visited Grandma Nanyalika she was away at her farm with her eldest son. We interviewed her middle son (who lives nearby). He said that his mother has problems keeping a home with 8 family members and as the grand mother she carries the responsibility of two young grandchildren.
Mr. Bakari Bungala is a 50 year old father of 7 children. he lives with his wife Habiba (40) in Nanguruwe Village. Mr. Bungala’s oldest child is a 27 year old disabled woman (in photo) with who is also pregnant with her first baby.
The other 6 children are under the age of 10. Two children are supposed to attend Primary School however the family can only afford one school uniform. Mr. Bungala is also taking care of one grandson as his mother (his second born daughter) passed away. On the day we visited the family, Mr. Bungala together with all 7 children had gone to the farm with the exception of their eldest daurghter who is mentally and physically challenged. They own a 0.5acre farm in which they grow cassava and maize for the family.
Mr. Sheba was not at home so we spoke with his eldest son, Dismuss (16). Together, with their father, the three boys live in Njumbuli Village - Sijali (7) and Tawala (11).Unfortunately their mother passed away a few years ago. Since then Dismuss has been unable to attend school as he is required to look after his siblings and the house while his father cultivates the farm to feed his family. His father grows cassava and maize. Tawala was helping him at the farm.
Dismuss has become the family care giver – cooking, cleaning, collecting water etc. Dismuss is also responsible for checking in on his grandmother once every few days. Dismuss wishes to return to elementary school and continue on to Secondary School in the future.
The Lulenge Family:
Mr. Ali Mohammed is 56 years old. He lives in Dhihimba Village with his wife Salum Samoe (40); his children Abdulai Ali (18), Maruwa Bi Ali (16 year old girl) and Yahya Ali (13). Mr. Lulenge is physically disabled and uses a wheelchair received from the Department of Health in Mtwara. All of his children go to school – Abdulai is in Secondary School, Maruwa and Yahya attend Primary School. In Mtwara it is common for families to do with (even) less to send a child to school. Such is the case with the Lulenge Family as they will not eat until this evening.He and his wife run a small café in one of the rooms in their home. They sell tea and cooked rice and beans. After all expenses they make $2 per day from their café. Mr. Lulenge would like to have more capital to increase his café business and open a grocery shop selling flour, beans, rice. This would greatly help the entire village as the cost of food (uncooked) would be less expensive. It is also common for the villagers to run out of food altogether. It is also his dream to be able to send all of his children to Secondary School.
Siwengi and Mwijuma:
Mrs. Mwanamkulu Nanyalika is a 75 year old grand mother who looks after two grandchildren left behind by her daughter who passed away. Siwengi is eight years old and Mwijuma is ten years old. In her household Mrs. Nanyalia lives with her eldest son, daughter-in-law and their four children. The total number in the household is 8. The day we visited Grandma Nanyalika she was away at her farm with her eldest son. We interviewed her middle son (who lives nearby). He said that his mother has problems keeping a home with 8 family members and as the grand mother she carries the responsibility of two young grandchildren.
Mr. Bakari Bungala is a 50 year old father of 7 children. he lives with his wife Habiba (40) in Nanguruwe Village. Mr. Bungala’s oldest child is a 27 year old disabled woman (in photo) with who is also pregnant with her first baby.The other 6 children are under the age of 10. Two children are supposed to attend Primary School however the family can only afford one school uniform. Mr. Bungala is also taking care of one grandson as his mother (his second born daughter) passed away. On the day we visited the family, Mr. Bungala together with all 7 children had gone to the farm with the exception of their eldest daurghter who is mentally and physically challenged. They own a 0.5acre farm in which they grow cassava and maize for the family.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
AAF Family Sponsorship Program
Hello all... sorry it's been a while but we've been very busy here in Mtwara. On our first day we visited 5 villages all over the region in order to interview the families for the AAF Family Sponsorship Program. It was sad yet inspiring. The family names were put forth by village leaders after the village members voted for families who need the most help. In turn they were provided to the Artumas Africa Foundation by social services (in Mwtara town).
Ms. Hadija Ali Mohammed Mpepa:
Ms. Mpepa is 42 years old and is a single mother caring for 3 children. Rukia is 14 years old, Zena is 12 years old and Sieno is just 1 month old. Rukia and Zena attend Elementary school which is paid for by the Tanzanian government. Secondary school costs about $200 (CAD) per year per student. Neither child is expected to continue their education without assistance from the Artumas Africa Foundation. Due to Rukia's responsibilities at home (minding the house and taking care of Zena) she started school very late. She and Zena are now in the same grade however it is expected that it will be necessary for Rukia to take care of 1 month of Sieno.
Even though Ms. Mpepa has recently given birth, when we visited her on December 2nd, she had just arrived home from work. Ms. Mpepa farms her neighbour's land for .50 - $1. This is not enough money to feed her children everyday. Ms. Mpepa owns the hut she and her daughters live in and she also has a two acre piece of property that she could farm however she does not have the strength or time in a day to farm at both locations. Since she is paid daily by her neighbour this is Ms. Mpepa's primary goal.
When asked how she will be able to solve her family's problems she said, "at the moment she would just like to get enough food to feed herself and her daughters then she will have the energy and clear worry-free mind to figure out what other opportunities are available to her."
More family stories to follow shortly!
We're Getting Closer!
We're getting close to reaching our goal thanks to all the support of our family, friends, colleagues and business associates.
It is our pleasure to announce our first Platinum Sponsor - BEST BUY CANADA AND FUTURE SHOP! Please check them out on our Corporate Donor page!
It is our pleasure to announce our first Platinum Sponsor - BEST BUY CANADA AND FUTURE SHOP! Please check them out on our Corporate Donor page!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Latest Corporate Sponsors
Hi everyone! We just wanted to thank our newest Bronze Sponsors: UNIGLOBE TRAVEL, the CERTIFIED STAGING PROFESSIONALS and RE/MAX FIRST. In addition we have our first Gold Sponsor... Thank you very kindly GLENTEL!!!!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Kerri has arrived!
Kerri arrived in Dar Es Salaam safe and sound (and very tired). She reports that she is starting to learn Swahili already. More to come in the next few days!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
First Corporate Sponsor!
Hey everyone - we just wanted to take a sec to thank you for all of your encouragement and well wishes. Support has been amazing and seriously inspiring! Donations have started to trickle in and we hope you’ll continue to spread the good word! Our goal is to raise 10K by mid December… lofty but we think it's doable. Remember that every single penny donated will go straight to the people of Tanzania who are in need. Your contribution will reach many, no matter what the amount.
Please take a moment to acknowledge our first corporate sponsor:Kombi Design Ltd. out of Vancouver, http://www.kombihomes.com/. Yay Kombi!
Please take a moment to acknowledge our first corporate sponsor:Kombi Design Ltd. out of Vancouver, http://www.kombihomes.com/. Yay Kombi!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
It's official... Let the fundraising begin!
Dear friends, family, colleagues and clients,
As many of you are aware, we (Alex, Ryann and Kerri) have formed an organization called 3women because we are interested in improving the quality of life for our people, our animals and our planet.
In December of this year, Ryann and Kerri will travel to Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity. This climb represents hope for thousands of women, children and families in Tanzania!
Why brave the elements and altitude? It’s simple. We will be volunteering with and raising funds for the Artumas Africa Foundation. We've set a personal goal to raise $10,000 by December 15 and we are asking for your support with a pledge or a sponsorship donation.
Not only are we fundraising to sponsor 10 African families but your donations will help with many other great projects in 2009 as well. We chose to partner with the AAF because they are dedicated to making positive change in the area and they are innovative and committed. Calgary-based Artumas Group provides access to heavy equipment in the region and they also cover ALL of the Foundation’s administrative expenses. This means that 100% of the funds raised, every penny, will go directly to the projects and people in Africa who need it the most.
Ryann and Kerri will also be working in Mtwara, Tanzania prior to our Kilimanjaro trek, helping Artumas in their various endeavours and we are looking forward to seeing our collective donations in action. Be sure to subscribe to our blog at http://3women-org.blogspot.com/, in order to receive updates throughout our trip.
We thank you, in advance, for your kind contribution and we will keep you posted on our progress.
PS – Feel free to forward this letter or our website details to anyone who may be interested in supporting or following us on this amazing journey!
The 3Women
As many of you are aware, we (Alex, Ryann and Kerri) have formed an organization called 3women because we are interested in improving the quality of life for our people, our animals and our planet.
In December of this year, Ryann and Kerri will travel to Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity. This climb represents hope for thousands of women, children and families in Tanzania!
Why brave the elements and altitude? It’s simple. We will be volunteering with and raising funds for the Artumas Africa Foundation. We've set a personal goal to raise $10,000 by December 15 and we are asking for your support with a pledge or a sponsorship donation.
Not only are we fundraising to sponsor 10 African families but your donations will help with many other great projects in 2009 as well. We chose to partner with the AAF because they are dedicated to making positive change in the area and they are innovative and committed. Calgary-based Artumas Group provides access to heavy equipment in the region and they also cover ALL of the Foundation’s administrative expenses. This means that 100% of the funds raised, every penny, will go directly to the projects and people in Africa who need it the most.
Ryann and Kerri will also be working in Mtwara, Tanzania prior to our Kilimanjaro trek, helping Artumas in their various endeavours and we are looking forward to seeing our collective donations in action. Be sure to subscribe to our blog at http://3women-org.blogspot.com/, in order to receive updates throughout our trip.
We thank you, in advance, for your kind contribution and we will keep you posted on our progress.
PS – Feel free to forward this letter or our website details to anyone who may be interested in supporting or following us on this amazing journey!
The 3Women
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Slow...but ready to go!
Well it’s taken sometime and while we’re not master bloggers, we have managed to get a bit better. Our website is finally ready to go and our first fundraising email will be sent out this weekend! We’re excited (and anxious)….
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Blog Debut
Here we are...the 3Women, learning how to blog. Currently a bit sketchy, but we'll get there. A bottle of wine, a chocolate zucchini cake and a cherry pie later...maybe we'll try again tomorrow.
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