Lindsay’s Blog

Secondary Schools are a Primary Focus!

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 07:14:42 -0400

Throughout our stay in Uganda this summer, we have spent a lot of time traveling around the district to visit the various secondary schools where we have our sponsored children. Paying them a visit is always a lot of fun and it also allows us to check on their schools, deliver gifts from sponsors, and gather information on unsponsored children in hopes of finding them sponsors in the near future. There are many former BPS students who are working at the secondary schools to attend classes- a deal that the Fred’s have made with the schools to keep the kids in class. Many of the schools allow us to set up such program if we send multiple children to their school.
Overall, our students are really excelling at their schools and we are very proud. Many of them fall among the top students in their class and many have recently been voted into leadership positions at their school. At Centenary High, out students were recently voted to be the head prefect, school time keeper and student guidance counselor.
We are thankful to all the secondary sponsors who sent along gifts, letters, and photos for your children. They were so excited to receive the wonderful things from you.
Thank you again for supporting the 31 sponsored students we have in secondary schools!

Reconstruction of Last Classroom Block has Begun!

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 07:08:40 -0400

A few weeks ago we were able to start the reconstruction of the last of the existing buildings at the Bethlehem Parent’s School and Orphanage that needed rebuilding. We started the first phase of the construction, which includes cementing the walls to reinforce the aging brick walls, building the walls up to the ceiling to make each classroom more private, and cementing the floors. The next phase will include replacing the wood ceiling beams with metal beams and adding a base structure around the perimeter of the building. We hope to finish this project in the next few months.
For the first time, we were able to save costs by having BPS employees do the construction work. Pictured above is “Uncle Trainer,” a new employee at the school who helps out with everything including teaching, construction, training soccer, and organizing the school’s music, dance and drama program.

Electricity Reaches Teacher Apartments

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 06:51:12 -0400

Over the past two years, Embrace it Africa has been working on bringing electricity to the school. Last year, we were able to put outlets and a light in each classroom and the children’s dorms. This year, we finished extending the electricity across the campus back to the teacher apartments, which were built by Embrace it Africa four years ago. The teachers were so excited. For all their hard work at the Bethlehem Parent’s School, they certainly deserve lights in their rooms!

Upcoming EIA Events

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:36:04 -0500

It is a busy time of year for Embrace it Africa! Take a look at some of our upcoming events in your area!

Boston
On Wednesday, November 30th, Zach will be giving a presentation at Boston College as part of the Boston College Episcopal Chaplaincy Series. The honorarium is focused on kids who are interested in volunteering abroad. All our welcome. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Multi-faith Chapel located behind the residence hall at 66 Commonwealth Avenue. Any questions? Feel free to e-mail Zach at Zachary.rodriguez1@gmail.com.

St. Bonaventure
The Embrace it Africa team at SBU is in the midst of their biggest fundraiser of the year- the 3rd Annual $3 Campaign. This project is an effort to get as many students, faculty and community members to donate $3 to go toward our programs in Uganda. This idea is that everyone giving a little can make a big difference! The campaign will last until this Friday, November 15th.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=193297647417524

On December 8, the SBU team will be hosting their second annual Volleyball Tournament. Teams of 6-10 people will participate in the evening competition to raise funds for Embrace it Africa.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=173818916042535

Proceeds from both events will go toward buying a new truck for the Bethlehem Parent’s School & Orphanage.

NYC
SBU Alumni- make sure you attend the Annual Metro Area SBU Christmas Party on December 10! The price is $50 and $5 of each cover fee will go toward Embrace it Africa. Thank you SBU Alumni!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=263991123647140

Everyone
At the beginning of December, keep an eye out for our Holiday Newsletter to arrive in your mailbox!

Sponsors
Just a friendly reminder that your 2012 payments are due by December 10. Payments can be sent to:
Embrace it Africa
P.O. Box 25
St. Bonaventure, NY 14778

New Motorcycle for BPS

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:16:58 -0400

We are excited to announce that earlier this week, the Bethlehem Parent’s School & Orphanage was able to purchase a new motorcycle thanks to Embrace it Africa donations. This is the first step in our plan to have adequate means of transportation at the school; the second step is to buy a truck. We are more than half way to our goal of $10,000 to purchase a pickup truck and hope to reach our total amount by early December. Thank you to all of you who made donations toward BPS transportation or attended our summer events.
To learn about the terrible incident that made transportation a top priority, take a look back at Zach’s Blog from July: Motorcycle Stolen, 2 People Injured.