#1
We recently heard from Mama Lucy that her school has placed #1 out of 117 schools in their district on their national exams. #1. Ahead of an internationally-led school with millions in funding.
These results were beyond our wildest dreams. In truth, though, I expected no less. Just after the exam, I received a text from Leah, a student in the fourth grade, who proudly wrote “I promise we will win the exam.” Her teacher, Nancy, wrote:
“Having the first class at our school to sit for the national examination, made me struggle and surrender all my energies together with my colleagues to see our students succeed. When I reached in the room [to deliver the exams] I looked on my beloved students and I felt tears rolling from my eyes. Not that I was sad, but because I had faith and trust that they will make it.”
Just over a year ago, this school nearly closed its doors. Children like Leah who may not have been in school this year, or who may have been transferred to some of the poorest schools in their district, are now the best students in Arusha. The best.
You did that. Your hope for their futures. Your belief in their potential. Your investment. Whatever you gave, whatever you did, whomever you told, whatever little seed of hope you carried in your heart – it’s working, in concert with the incredible dedication of Mama Lucy and her committed teachers and students, to make miracles possible.
In the current economic climate, this year is likely to be tough for small nonprofits like Epic Change. Undoubtedly, though, this school, which now has only the capacity to serve through the 5th grade, deserves our continued support to ensure that some of the brightest students in the country have a great place to continue to learn and grow.
So I’m asking you to make a commitment for 2009. At Shepherds Junior, tuition is about $60 USD per term. While these costs are sustainably funded through fees paid by the hard-working parents and siblings of many students, I’m asking you to consider making a commitment matching that amount next year – $20 a month – to be invested in new classrooms, the school’s first library, kitchen and cafeteria and, if we’re really successful, a boarding facility for the school’s orphans and other students.
As you know, our goal for this school is to create new funding streams to ensure their continued self-sufficiency. Therefore, instead of asking for a donation, I’m asking you to join the new Epic Change gift club. For your monthly payment of $20, you’ll receive a beautiful, newly-designed gift each quarter that shares a hopeful story from Shepherds Junior. Your gift may be stationery, apparel, a gift item or some other surprise that you may keep or share with a friend. Because you’re purchasing products, your payment will not be tax-deductible, but I hope you’ll participate in this unique opportunity to build a marketplace for hope.
If you have any questions, feedback or suggestions for me or Epic Change, I hope you’ll email or call my cell at 415.630.0631.
As always, I am so grateful,
Stacey
PS: We recently also received our first (albeit tiny) retail order from a small gift shop in Sonoma Valley, and already, in just a year since our first loan was disbursed in Tanzania, over 10% has been repaid. It’s really working…and I can’t wait to see what’s possible in 2009 with your continued support!
PPS: Congratulations, Mama Lucy, Teacher Nancy, Leah and all the teachers and students at Shepherds Junior from all of us at Epic Change!!! It’s truly an honor to be able to support the incredible work you’re doing. We are so proud. Kudos on yet another amazing accomplishment!!
Posted: January 30th, 2009 under The Foundry.
Comments: 14
Comments
Comment from Melissa Pierce
Time: January 30, 2009, 2:35 pm
WOW!!! I’m so happy for all of you! What an honor. I’m so proud of you, of everyone involved, of the teachers, or the donors, but of the children especially. What a bright future you have.
Comment from Anna
Time: January 30, 2009, 2:50 pm
That’s truly incredible progress over 1 year. Very inspiring! Thanks for the good news!
Comment from Mario Olckers
Time: January 30, 2009, 2:51 pm
What an incredibly positive story, may this inspire more hope for Africa’s children.
Congratulations to Mama Lucy, Leah, The Epic Change team and Stacey for all your hard work and commitment.
This is what being human is all about :)
Comment from Tori Tuncan
Time: January 30, 2009, 3:24 pm
Wow! Good for you, boys and girls of Shepherd’s Junior! I am a mother of a 6-year old girl and a 4-year old boy who are working very hard at their schoolwork, too, so I know how proud your families, friends, teachers, and neighbors must be of you! That feeling of success and satisfaction after working so hard will carry you far. Enjoy this moment, and know that many, many other people like me are cheering you on!!
Tori
Comment from Kaushal
Time: January 30, 2009, 3:58 pm
Congratulations Mama Lucy, Stacey and Watoto wa Shephard’s Junior Academy. You deserve to be #1 for your hard work and dedication.
We all support you wherever we are in the world :)
Comment from David Chamberlain
Time: January 30, 2009, 5:23 pm
Dear Mama Lucy-
Thank you for all your heart and soul.
With Love,
David
“If you are coming to help me, you are wasting your time but if you are coming because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” -Indigenous Saying
Comment from Avi Kaplan
Time: January 30, 2009, 6:01 pm
Alright Shephard’s Junior students! Way to go. You should be so proud of this accomplishment. I never liked exams, but I always felt great looking back at what I had learned. Wish I could be there with you to celebrate.
Love and affection from Washington DC,
Avi
Comment from Tracy Pell
Time: January 31, 2009, 12:38 am
Congratulations! What great work from all of you, the students, the teachers, Mama Lucy, Sanjay and Stacey… Great to see such a wonderful success!
Comment from Christine Egger
Time: January 31, 2009, 1:04 am
Congratulations to each and every student! What an incredible accomplishment, something to be proud of and to carry in your heart always!
Comment from Iamthepan
Time: February 5, 2009, 12:09 pm
The example you have set reaches far beyond one community, the love you have shown encircles the globe. I am grateful and proud to be a part of such a selfless endeavor. Thank you so much for teaching and nurturing the beautiful spirits entrusted to you. And to those beautiful spirits… you are the gift.
Comment from Zoe
Time: February 15, 2009, 6:40 pm
Mambo warafiki,
I just wanted to say how PROUD I am of all you guys!!!!!!! I new you could do it and so I am not surprised, I am just so proud to know such an amazing group of kids. I miss you all so so so so much! keep up the studying!!!
~Zoe
Comment from Zoe
Time: February 15, 2009, 6:43 pm
Mambo warafiki,
I just wanted to let you all know just how PROUD I am of you! I knew you could do it an so I am not surprised. I just am so happy that I know such an amazing group of kids like you! I miss you all so so so so so so much! Keep up the good work!
~Zoe
Comment from lucy kam[toni
Time: February 17, 2009, 11:50 am
Our most gratitude are sent to you all. Thank you for your support and encouragement. You are part of our success. You made this possible in one way or another. Let us join hands to change the future of these children. Thank you!
Comment from Maye
Time: February 20, 2009, 5:05 am
Well done you have a very good achievement for the year! I am delighted by the people who help the needy!
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