As you know, we weren't able to hold a fundraiser in 2011. This does not mean we don't have a need to raise funds!

The majority of our original 12 boys have moved out of the village to attend quality schools in Mzuzu, Lilongwe and Blantyre. All of these schools command high fees. Due to increasing costs of supporting our boys in high school, and three college students, we've had to reduce the number of our other scholarship students to five. We'd love to be able to support more students, but for the last couple years the gap between funds raised and funds needed is shrinking.

Fundraiser-free years like this are particularly problematic just to deal with the students we already have. Tuition costs keep rising, and the remaining funds from 2010 are stretched thin. We currently only have enough in our account to finish out 2011. When funds run out, programs get cut. The problem is, our "programs" are actually students. Some students may not be able to finish out their schooling. Some students may have to switch to the inadequate government schools.

Our current costs:

Private school in Mzuzu: $510 per year x 6 students
Boarding school in Lilongwe: $2,165 per year x 2 students
International-level universities: $2000 per year x 2 students
Junior college: $940 per year x 1 student
Government high school: $930 year total for 5 students

Although we had a very successful fundraiser in 2010, this total of $13,260 per year for all students combined only covers school fees. Other than the boarding school in Lilongwe, students still need food, clothing, school supplies, which certainly adds up. We also try to take the boys on occasional educational trips, but even with a strict budget, we have a lot of boys!

We are striving to ensure school fees are not another barrier for these students to maintain focus and finish their education. Any amount you can donate will help! WE ARE ONE, as a registered 501(c)3 organization, helps us invest in the future of our country.

You can donate easily and quickly online using Network for Good. You'll receive a tax receipt by email.

We are also happy to take your tax-deductible donations by mail:

WE ARE ONE Malawi c/o Kip Myers (check payable to WE ARE ONE)
305 Bergen Street Apt. #1D
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Thank you as always for all your help!

Posted by Rosemary in ESF , Our boys , 04:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hi dear friends,

Just wanted to let you know that Uledi Banda, another boy beyond our 12 that we have raised for 10 years and that now we are sponsoring to go to Blantyre International University, was elected to the post of President of his Student Body. This is quite an accomplishment for several reasons: he is only a sophomore and was running against others who were older than himself; he had no funds for campaigning, while others were spending quite a lot; he is already spending a lot of his time as a member of several organizations, as well as volunteering at an orphanage. As you can imagine, we are very proud of him and see this as a first step for him as he grows into more leadership opportunities. It is also great because he is an example for all the other boys on what you can accomplishment through hard work, discipline and good character (as well as a great sense of humor!)

Thanks to Tim Ayers who contributed to his welfare by giving in the name of a friend who was getting married. That also encouraged him a great deal, to know that you care!

Posted by Rosemary in ESF , Our boys , 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I often say that I now live in the "land of the giants". Most of the twelve boys we are raising are my height or taller. It is truly amazing that because of nutritional food and nurturing -- they have grown and developed physically to their potential. We have carefully and consciously steered them away from salt and sugar, since high blood pressure and sugar diabetes are two of the predominant illnesses in Malawi. We have also encouraged good behavior and rewarded high achievements in education. Most importantly, though, we have shown them love.

Continue reading "Holiday update for 2010!" »

Posted by Rosemary in ESF , General , Our boys , 12:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As many of you know, in September we sent Eston, Happy, Hamilton and Humphrey to a private school in Mzuzu called the Wukani School. There, they now receive a much higher standard of education. Rather than being intimidated by living in the big city for the first time, we are so proud to say that they are still excelling. In fact, Eston is still #1 in his class!

In this photo taken by Rosemary, the boys are joined by ESF student Uledi Banda.

From left: Uledi, Eston, Happy, Hamilton, Humphrey

Posted by Nancy in ESF , Our boys , 05:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Dear Friends,

We have arrived back in Malawi after having a great time in the US attending a seminar, visiting friends and relatives and eating a lot of ice cream! When I am there, it is hard to imagine that Malawi really exists and when I am here it's hard to imagine that the USA exists. It is like two different planets. We are experiencing the start of winter with temps in the 60's at night. Without heaters in the houses, it can feel chilly, so we put on layers of clothes in order to sleep comfortably.

Continue reading "Back in Malawi..." »

Posted by Rosemary in ESF , General , 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)