Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Session 6 Assignment - Development Letter

July 23, 2013


Dear Bre,

Congratulations on your college graduation in a field near and dear to me - education!  I am honored to know you and appreciate the mission work you have done in Africa and Haiti to help students and schools.  As someone passionate about working with an organization that helps with education in Haiti, I want to share information with you as you plan for your future endeavors.

As you probably saw on your last mission trip, Haiti is still struggling and corruption is rampant.   Even though Americans gave billions in relief aid, only 38 percent of it has been used for recovery and rebuilding in 2011.  While most money raised, by reputable organizations, has been spent needs continue.  See the article from The Chronicle of Philanthropy:  http://philanthropy.com/article/Charities-Have-Spent-Most-of/130223/

There are many great organizations working in Haiti, but I’d like to suggest that you look into the school started by The Power of Education Foundation.  They are a non-profit organization started in 2009 from people in our community.  Their mission is to provide long term educational opportunities for impoverished children at their school in Fontamara, Haiti, a neighborhood of Port au Prince.  Next year they expect to serve 180 K-6 students.  They believe in a holistic approach to education, not only providing access to free quality education, but also medical and nutritional support, teacher training and parent education.  They have school to school partnerships to raise students' awareness and sensitivity to global issues by developing compassion and empathy through interactive lesson plans and meaningful service projects for the school in Haiti.  They also have teacher resources available, in case you decide to get a job in a USA school district.

The cost to educate one child is $300 for the year.  PEF seeks to partner with donors to support the education of these students.  They are having a fundraiser on Aug. 8 at the Bistro Chloe Elan in Ada.  You can learn more about the organization and how to purchase a ticket for the fundraiser, find teaching resources, school partnership information or support a student at their website:  http://www.powerofeducationfoundation.org/

They have also put together a great video showcasing their work:  http://youtu.be/qTf-PPp-agM

A friend of mine is the executive director and I’m sure would love to talk to you about the opportunities!  I would be happy to introduce you to her at the event.  If you are not able to make the event, let me know and I will email introduce the two of you.  I know you would be a great asset for them and it is one of those charitable organizations that can be trusted with your time and money!

I look forward to learning what you do with your future and how you assist students from around the world.  The world could really use more educators like you to lead the changes that we need to educate all students.

Best wishes for continued success,

Julie Mushing

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