tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11390159673879733772024-02-20T20:33:48.012-05:00The African Orphan Education FundMeredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-46879509783174939972010-05-11T09:13:00.002-04:002010-05-11T09:21:17.618-04:00Hathaway Brown Alumni Profile<div align="left">I am posting because Hathaway Brown (my Alma mater) recently published an article about my experiences in Africa. It is a lovely article and I was honored that they wanted to include my story in their magazine. The article gives a link to this blog - in order for people to read more about The African Orphan Education Fund. This site is my blog, which I used mostly while I lived in Tanzania this past year - but it doesn't have info on the Fund. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">The website for The African Orphan Education Fund is:</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.africanorphanfund.org/"><span style="font-size:130%;">www.africanorphanfund.org</span></a></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">If you are reading this, hoping to learn more about the Fund, please follow the link about to the actual site. Your interest is truly appreciated!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">I am very grateful to HB for helping to raise awareness about the current situation in Tanzania and Africa. Orphans around the word deserve to go to school!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Thanks - Meredith</div><div align="center"> </div>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-56843766137417894492009-09-04T04:31:00.002-04:002009-09-04T04:35:21.461-04:00Introducing Caroline ...<p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SqDQ0Kc44kI/AAAAAAAAAjY/7U8hpZcFsxo/s1600-h/DSC00225.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377527549657670210" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SqDQ0Kc44kI/AAAAAAAAAjY/7U8hpZcFsxo/s200/DSC00225.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">This is Caroline Epe (with Addie and Coleton), the new FAME Volunteer Coordinator! </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">We are thrilled to have her here, she is already fitting in so well!</p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">If anyone has inquiries about FAME and their volunteer program, Caroline is now the one to ask - <a href="mailto:famevolunteer@gmail.com">famevolunteer@gmail.com</a></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center">Karibu Caroline!</p>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-6437427925812921072009-08-27T06:07:00.003-04:002009-08-27T06:17:33.199-04:00Under Construction!FAME has broken ground! Take a look at the newest construction projects:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpZbRYQAObI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/bGctTblmZsg/s1600-h/DSC00220.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374583559438743986" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpZbRYQAObI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/bGctTblmZsg/s200/DSC00220.JPG" border="0" /></a> House for the generator!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpZbG84REMI/AAAAAAAAAjI/ZLZeSUfbRgs/s1600-h/DSC00219.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374583380292735170" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpZbG84REMI/AAAAAAAAAjI/ZLZeSUfbRgs/s200/DSC00219.JPG" border="0" /></a> Volunteer House #1<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpZbGdZQGCI/AAAAAAAAAjA/N0jzCt2Em6M/s1600-h/DSC00218.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374583371841148962" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpZbGdZQGCI/AAAAAAAAAjA/N0jzCt2Em6M/s200/DSC00218.JPG" border="0" /></a> Volunteer House #2<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpZbF5UXv5I/AAAAAAAAAi4/qV9iu5gE8Ic/s1600-h/DSC00217.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374583362157002642" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpZbF5UXv5I/AAAAAAAAAi4/qV9iu5gE8Ic/s200/DSC00217.JPG" border="0" /></a> Both Volunteer Houses<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpZbFcOJy2I/AAAAAAAAAiw/To7VQoD4fYI/s1600-h/DSC00216.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374583354346294114" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpZbFcOJy2I/AAAAAAAAAiw/To7VQoD4fYI/s200/DSC00216.JPG" border="0" /></a> Garage and workshop!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpZbFK6tBqI/AAAAAAAAAio/ELlTUAWHkMU/s1600-h/DSC00215.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374583349701314210" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpZbFK6tBqI/AAAAAAAAAio/ELlTUAWHkMU/s200/DSC00215.JPG" border="0" /></a> Laboratory<br /><br />Exciting new projects underway!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-73510783723052700612009-08-24T07:28:00.004-04:002009-08-24T07:39:41.056-04:00Weekend at Rift ValleyWith September 10th fast approaching, I took this weekend off and went up to Rift Valley for some quality time with India and the kids. Everyone is doing so well, but boy is it different now with 60 kids at the Village. Having started at Rift Valley back in 2005, at first with only 11 kids, it is amazing how things have grown in the past four years!<br /><br />A couple of new pictures ...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ6pXWqn9I/AAAAAAAAAig/h8hIT_k7It0/s1600-h/last+RVCV+(53).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373492156468731858" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ6pXWqn9I/AAAAAAAAAig/h8hIT_k7It0/s200/last+RVCV+(53).jpg" border="0" /></a> India with the kids!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ6pBw3AWI/AAAAAAAAAiY/f4xcJ5ytfWQ/s1600-h/last+RVCV+(54).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373492150673015138" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ6pBw3AWI/AAAAAAAAAiY/f4xcJ5ytfWQ/s200/last+RVCV+(54).jpg" border="0" /></a> Danielle, the Volunteer Coordinator, and Baby Ema<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ6AXFn3oI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/l2ZoMVDHjjM/s1600-h/last+RVCV+(49).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373491452022611586" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ6AXFn3oI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/l2ZoMVDHjjM/s200/last+RVCV+(49).jpg" border="0" /></a> Nice big group shot!</div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ6AMegobI/AAAAAAAAAiI/I49GMhybulQ/s1600-h/last+RVCV+(43).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373491449174204850" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ6AMegobI/AAAAAAAAAiI/I49GMhybulQ/s200/last+RVCV+(43).jpg" border="0" /></a> Little Gabriella<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ5_37PL0I/AAAAAAAAAiA/MSagiBl8E1Y/s1600-h/last+RVCV+(42).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373491443657551682" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ5_37PL0I/AAAAAAAAAiA/MSagiBl8E1Y/s200/last+RVCV+(42).jpg" border="0" /></a> Nada, making the transition to life at RVCV like a pro!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ5_TtVhII/AAAAAAAAAh4/N5DvXPTtmjE/s1600-h/last+RVCV+(34).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373491433935570050" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ5_TtVhII/AAAAAAAAAh4/N5DvXPTtmjE/s200/last+RVCV+(34).jpg" border="0" /></a> Kids playing ball in front of one of the new houses<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ5_PhXWoI/AAAAAAAAAhw/frxgfad3Y84/s1600-h/last+RVCV+(26).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373491432811616898" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ5_PhXWoI/AAAAAAAAAhw/frxgfad3Y84/s200/last+RVCV+(26).jpg" border="0" /></a> Baby January -super cold up there, and he was dressed accordingly!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-85040832823728405102009-08-24T07:05:00.004-04:002009-08-24T07:18:19.439-04:00Such a Success Story!<p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ0JGXEYiI/AAAAAAAAAho/RKJGFQNbfcU/s1600-h/Josephat+1+(3).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373485005081436706" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SpJ0JGXEYiI/AAAAAAAAAho/RKJGFQNbfcU/s200/Josephat+1+(3).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><div align="left">Here is the update I just received about our AOEF Scholarship Recipient Josephat, from Andy Trotter, the Education Director at RVCV:</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">***<br /></div><div align="left">This kid's a star! First time I met Josephat was in May when he was up at Gyetighi helping to lead a community health seminar with village leaders. He wrapped up Form 6 earlier this year and got Division 1 (the highest possible) on the Form 6 exam. He hung out here at RVCV for a few weeks while he was looking for part-time work and applying to universities. Helped so much! </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Was the lead teacher in setting up a tuition program (review course) for 4 weeks at Gyetighi for all our sponsored secondary schools and expanded it to most of the kids in the area who were home on vacation (more than 50 students). Taught classes five days per week from 8:00-4:30 for a small stipend and laid the groundwork to continue the program to keep these kids engaged in learning and away from negative influences during long school vacations. He even included counseling with the students to give them advice about staying out of trouble and handling peer pressure. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">He's a pro-active leader, studious, respectful, and a great critical thinker. Now he's helping out with maize harvesting, etc at home until he starts university on Oct 17. He got accepted to multiple universities but decided on Dar University for a BA in Education. His dream is to start up a school of his own! I have no doubt we'll be sending kids to his school in the not so distant future. Dynamite and driven student! Worth every penny of investment. Asante sana for giving him a chance to shine!"</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Thanks Andy for the update. And CONGRATS to Josephat on getting into COLLEGE!!!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">We are so proud!</div>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-25577669593542606912009-08-08T03:39:00.002-04:002009-08-08T04:17:54.025-04:00Winding DownDear All,<br /><br />I apologize for not posting a blog in a while but things have been crazy here. I finalized my daughter's adoption at the beginning of July and it has been a whirlwind since then to get all of the paper work completed.<br /><br />The babies and I (and our friend Ashley, without whom we would be lost!) then traveled to Dar to the American Embassy to file all of the paperwork so that we can come home! On September 8th I will have been here for a full year - one whole year abroad - without my family - so the time has come to go home! And luckily, the process in Dar went well and we have passports and visas for Addie and Coleton! One month and they will be American citizens!<br /><br />My replacement here at FAME Medical will be arriving in a few weeks, a lovely girl named Caroline. I will get her settled and then head HOME!<br /><br />My year here in Karatu has been an amazing one - filled with highs and lows - but the time has come to return to my family and friends!<br /><br />One more month of work - hopefully some additional blogs - but I just wanted to share the good news with everyone!<br /><br />Lots of Love, MeredithMeredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-52693733338902003552009-07-02T09:09:00.002-04:002009-07-02T09:19:16.391-04:00Whats New<div>First of all, it is SO good to have Frank and Susan back in Tanzania and back at work here at FAME! It was a long seven weeks without them!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>A couple of weeks ago I met a man in town, who approached me - knowing that I work at a clinic - because he is in need of a prosthetic foot. His leg/ankle/foot were cut off by a neighbor during a dispute of some kind. And although the injury is healed, he can't work because he can't walk.</div><div> </div><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SkyyCioQBoI/AAAAAAAAAbs/pVdINpmJ3j8/s1600-h/DSC00111.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353849813761787522" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SkyyCioQBoI/AAAAAAAAAbs/pVdINpmJ3j8/s200/DSC00111.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><div> </div><div> </div><div>I took my friend Amiri to see him. Amiri works for an organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities. With my very limited Swahili I wasn't much help, but this gentleman and Amiri had a good talk about what was required - cost, travel, etc. And the plans are in the works to get this man to a rehab center where he will be fitted for a prosthetic foot. Hopefully, he will then be able to work and help support his family.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SkyyC0dSWcI/AAAAAAAAAb0/zUL3AYRt6-s/s1600-h/DSC00112.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353849818547640770" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SkyyC0dSWcI/AAAAAAAAAb0/zUL3AYRt6-s/s200/DSC00112.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-66657795363123563942009-06-20T05:09:00.005-04:002009-06-20T05:17:44.956-04:00MORE!!!<p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjynd3K2FPI/AAAAAAAAAY4/Aa56hALVxVU/s1600-h/new+kiddos+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349334588876788978" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjynd3K2FPI/AAAAAAAAAY4/Aa56hALVxVU/s200/new+kiddos+007.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">The next four additions to Rift Valley came down to the clinic today for check-ups!<br /><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjynd9cmRFI/AAAAAAAAAYw/GXZrsh6HtvQ/s1600-h/new+kiddos+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349334590561862738" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjynd9cmRFI/AAAAAAAAAYw/GXZrsh6HtvQ/s200/new+kiddos+004.jpg" border="0" /></a> Caren<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SjyndnIKExI/AAAAAAAAAYo/RkHjAyy2SLA/s1600-h/new+kiddos+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349334584570549010" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SjyndnIKExI/AAAAAAAAAYo/RkHjAyy2SLA/s200/new+kiddos+003.jpg" border="0" /></a> Emanuel<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjyndc0OYpI/AAAAAAAAAYg/Ae4_TyxLKWM/s1600-h/new+kiddos+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349334581802590866" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjyndc0OYpI/AAAAAAAAAYg/Ae4_TyxLKWM/s200/new+kiddos+002.jpg" border="0" /></a> Nada<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SjyndJkNVJI/AAAAAAAAAYY/h_x6EnvIaCQ/s1600-h/new+kiddos+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349334576635139218" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SjyndJkNVJI/AAAAAAAAAYY/h_x6EnvIaCQ/s200/new+kiddos+001.jpg" border="0" /></a> Elias</div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div>All four of these kiddos are about 7 years old. Emanuel is Jackson's older brother (who came yesterday).</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>And I also found out that Dixon, who came yesterday, is the older brother of January! (see older post) Even though they look NOTHING alike! Gotta love it!</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SjyoMNaq0eI/AAAAAAAAAZA/sz7lhPno390/s1600-h/new+kiddos+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349335385122722274" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SjyoMNaq0eI/AAAAAAAAAZA/sz7lhPno390/s200/new+kiddos+009.jpg" border="0" /></a> Caren and Dr. Frank!<br /><br /></div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SjyoMcW6m1I/AAAAAAAAAZI/uRsHpILDcG0/s1600-h/new+kiddos+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349335389133511506" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SjyoMcW6m1I/AAAAAAAAAZI/uRsHpILDcG0/s200/new+kiddos+017.jpg" border="0" /></a> Emanuel getting things checked out!</div><div> </div><div><br />And again, the good news is that all four are HIV negative!</div><div></div>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-54195531799463432862009-06-20T02:37:00.002-04:002009-06-20T02:42:20.301-04:00Day of the African ChildLast Tuesday, June 16th, was the International Day of the African Child. I attended an event outside of Karatu, in a town called Changarawe. All of the local primary school children were invited - to sing and dance, make presentations. And then prizes where given out to children at the top of their classes. There had been a soccer game on Monday, in honor of The African Child, and the winning team was given a trophy! The winners happened to be the team from Rift Valley Children's Village - although, the adults, not the kids play on this team.<br /><br />Anyway, here are a couple of pics:<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SjyD8ZzIRkI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/vvofwRS3N8k/s1600-h/DSC00058.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349295531150034498" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SjyD8ZzIRkI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/vvofwRS3N8k/s200/DSC00058.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"> </p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SjyD8fIyHsI/AAAAAAAAAYI/cXBZbtJY4DY/s1600-h/DSC00057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349295532583034562" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SjyD8fIyHsI/AAAAAAAAAYI/cXBZbtJY4DY/s200/DSC00057.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SjyD8BiuyBI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Vof3XrowCuc/s1600-h/DSC00056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349295524638803986" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SjyD8BiuyBI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Vof3XrowCuc/s200/DSC00056.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-2620633794141380212009-06-20T02:11:00.003-04:002009-06-20T05:09:01.529-04:00Yohane, Jackson, Dixon and Bonaface!<div align="center">I am pleased to introduce the four newest additions to Rift Valley Children's Village!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjx-N-IH3EI/AAAAAAAAAXg/6NC6GnYzS9E/s1600-h/DSC00065.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349289235889773634" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjx-N-IH3EI/AAAAAAAAAXg/6NC6GnYzS9E/s200/DSC00065.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Jackson and Yohane</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjx-NlTv3GI/AAAAAAAAAXY/pg8AxIUKsXU/s1600-h/DSC00064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349289229227646050" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjx-NlTv3GI/AAAAAAAAAXY/pg8AxIUKsXU/s200/DSC00064.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />Dixon </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Dixon marched around the FAME clinic like he owned the place! Posing here with his hands on his hips - too cute! He was all smiles and laughter!</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjx-NZ95g1I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/KcGRopcXM2Y/s1600-h/DSC00066.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349289226183213906" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjx-NZ95g1I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/KcGRopcXM2Y/s200/DSC00066.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And last but not least, little Bonaface (with one of the Rift Valley Mamas).</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjx-NIXKdtI/AAAAAAAAAXI/ME2O2-e0rsI/s1600-h/DSC00067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349289221457344210" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjx-NIXKdtI/AAAAAAAAAXI/ME2O2-e0rsI/s200/DSC00067.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Bonaface!<br /><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjx-Mz9d9tI/AAAAAAAAAXA/9PLhLkL-eeU/s1600-h/DSC00077.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349289215980861138" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sjx-Mz9d9tI/AAAAAAAAAXA/9PLhLkL-eeU/s200/DSC00077.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">Here is Bonaface being weighed by two of our nurses, Siana and Safi. Skinny little guy!</p><p align="center"></p><p align="center">We don't know the ages of these kiddos (my guess is 5, 4, 2, 1 1/2) But who knows! They are all so underweight. But the good news is that they are all HIV negative!</p>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-39954701990951896532009-06-08T02:18:00.004-04:002009-06-08T02:30:28.644-04:00AND ANOTHER!!!They just keep coming!<br /><br />Introducing the newest addition to RVCV ... January (aka Janu)!<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Siyt24mgcyI/AAAAAAAAAW4/uDPgCwv1AvA/s1600-h/ema+and+janu+(5).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344838016200373026" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Siyt24mgcyI/AAAAAAAAAW4/uDPgCwv1AvA/s200/ema+and+janu+(5).JPG" border="0" /></a></p>Five months old and a big boy! Legs like Coleton!<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SiytjZIF9dI/AAAAAAAAAWg/HVzq2Yt6hNY/s1600-h/ema+and+janu+(2).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344837681333794258" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SiytjZIF9dI/AAAAAAAAAWg/HVzq2Yt6hNY/s200/ema+and+janu+(2).JPG" border="0" /></a></p>Here is January with Ellie, getting his first check up at the FAME Clinic.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Siyt2iVLn2I/AAAAAAAAAWo/qg9U0qKPDwM/s1600-h/ema+and+janu+(3).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344838010222124898" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Siyt2iVLn2I/AAAAAAAAAWo/qg9U0qKPDwM/s200/ema+and+janu+(3).JPG" border="0" /></a></p>This is Ema (see older post) who is now seven months and doing so well!<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Siyt2-GexPI/AAAAAAAAAWw/ia_PVtgvm50/s1600-h/ema+and+janu+(4).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344838017676657906" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Siyt2-GexPI/AAAAAAAAAWw/ia_PVtgvm50/s200/ema+and+janu+(4).JPG" border="0" /></a></p>Side by side, two months apart but you would never know it!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SiytjD-E9sI/AAAAAAAAAWY/HoR66eRSr0E/s1600-h/ema+and+janu+(1).JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344837675654641346" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SiytjD-E9sI/AAAAAAAAAWY/HoR66eRSr0E/s200/ema+and+janu+(1).JPG" border="0" /></a></p><div>Ema came in (here with Elissa) to get a malaria test, wasn't feeling great - but he was negative!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SiytixblY9I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/CFo3HzAdSwo/s1600-h/ema+and+janu.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344837670678127570" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SiytixblY9I/AAAAAAAAAWQ/CFo3HzAdSwo/s200/ema+and+janu.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><div><br />Happy Boy!!!<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-52780075743039372952009-05-27T02:18:00.001-04:002009-05-27T02:20:13.880-04:00Go Cavs!<p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShzbfkcJsmI/AAAAAAAAAWI/DM7PBGhKE8Y/s1600-h/upload.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340384593558745698" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShzbfkcJsmI/AAAAAAAAAWI/DM7PBGhKE8Y/s200/upload.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-48326577588475401242009-05-27T02:03:00.003-04:002009-05-27T02:16:58.062-04:00Yet ANOTHER addition to RVCV!<p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShzYAArz-RI/AAAAAAAAAVg/l_mZOHQPmN8/s1600-h/DSC00022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340380752849926418" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShzYAArz-RI/AAAAAAAAAVg/l_mZOHQPmN8/s200/DSC00022.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"> </p><div align="left">Introducing Baby Grace! Only one month old, her mother died shortly after childbirth. Grace comes from the same region as Mika, Gabriella, Natalie and Maria - called Mong'ola. She came into the clinic on Monday with two repeat volunteers - Elissa and Ellie! Dr. Mshana thoroughly checked her out and reported that she is in great shape - a little skinny, but everyone at Rift Valley will quickly change that! More good news, she is HIV negative!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShzYA2dNXZI/AAAAAAAAAWA/QcHcgr4zI0Y/s1600-h/DSC00036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340380767284190610" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShzYA2dNXZI/AAAAAAAAAWA/QcHcgr4zI0Y/s200/DSC00036.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here is Elissa and "her" new baby!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShzYAmXZniI/AAAAAAAAAV4/pglMD6BhNDk/s1600-h/DSC00034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340380762964860450" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShzYAmXZniI/AAAAAAAAAV4/pglMD6BhNDk/s200/DSC00034.JPG" border="0" /></a>Proud mamas! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShzYAfaDqTI/AAAAAAAAAVw/qHd45f7RSas/s1600-h/DSC00030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340380761096956210" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShzYAfaDqTI/AAAAAAAAAVw/qHd45f7RSas/s200/DSC00030.JPG" border="0" /></a> Grace getting her eyes checked.<br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShzYALBtS1I/AAAAAAAAAVo/d-egu03HiAY/s1600-h/DSC00023.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340380755626117970" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShzYALBtS1I/AAAAAAAAAVo/d-egu03HiAY/s200/DSC00023.JPG" border="0" /></a> Dr. Mshana giving her a physical.<br /><br /><br /></div>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-28948194181944385382009-05-25T04:44:00.001-04:002009-05-25T04:57:36.257-04:00CorrectionWanted to let everyone know that Grace and Peter's baby is not in fact named Joan.<br /><br />Her name is JoAnn.<br /><br />Spelling Western names is tricky here!<br /><br />Thanks!Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-27062480811738760182009-05-19T06:10:00.001-04:002009-05-19T06:13:14.814-04:00Peter and GraceFor those of you who have volunteered with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">RVCV</span> in the past, I wanted to share the good news on behalf of Peter and Grace. Last night Grace gave birth to a healthy baby girl! They have named her Joan. Congratulations to the new mom and dad!Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-74903551434990874682009-05-19T03:17:00.002-04:002009-05-19T03:23:52.923-04:00Tumaini Health Screenings at FAMELast week, here at FAME, Dr. Ivan and Dr. Mshana did health screenings on 80 children from Tumaini Primary School. FAME and Tumaini have worked together before, doing health screenings at the school. But now, with the FAME clinic completed, the new students who have never been screened before, were brought to the clinic for their checkup!<br /><br /><div align="center">Here are a few pictures of the kiddos!<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShJdRC_649I/AAAAAAAAAVY/6clq2aYXX5g/s1600-h/tumaini+041.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337431055831589842" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShJdRC_649I/AAAAAAAAAVY/6clq2aYXX5g/s200/tumaini+041.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShJdQz9TRWI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/ymxm38e_q88/s1600-h/tumaini+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337431051794072930" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShJdQz9TRWI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/ymxm38e_q88/s200/tumaini+040.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShJdQ6n60FI/AAAAAAAAAVI/b9i2QZFf60M/s1600-h/tumaini+012.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337431053583437906" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShJdQ6n60FI/AAAAAAAAAVI/b9i2QZFf60M/s200/tumaini+012.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShJdQiiPGlI/AAAAAAAAAVA/VI-WFybgHMQ/s1600-h/tumaini+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337431047117150802" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShJdQiiPGlI/AAAAAAAAAVA/VI-WFybgHMQ/s200/tumaini+011.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><div align="center">We love healthy kids!<br /></div><div align="center">ps - Frank and Susan are in the US at the moment, on their fundraising tour - we miss them here, but we hope that all is going well!<br /><br /><br /></div>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-5715322727626044852009-05-19T03:05:00.002-04:002009-05-19T03:15:48.201-04:00AOEF Scholar Success!Yesterday I went up to Rift Valley Children's Village to visit one of AOEF's scholarship students. Josephat (in the blue and white striped shirt) has just finished secondary school at Makumira. At the end of secondary school, all students take an exam. Your score puts you into one of four divisions, one being the highest and four being the lowest.<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShJawRsqFWI/AAAAAAAAAU4/f_DSt0HlPLs/s1600-h/ss+boys+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337428293818389858" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShJawRsqFWI/AAAAAAAAAU4/f_DSt0HlPLs/s200/ss+boys+002.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"> </p>Josephat received a Division One score!!! We couldn't be more proud of his accomplishments. He has always been extremely bright and very hard working. <br /><br />The reward for scoring so high is that Josephat can apply to government colleges and universities and will likely be picked for a scholarship!<br /><br />Here are Josephat, Julius and Edward (previous student teachers at RVCV, back from school - who also just finished secondary school and did extremely well!) working at RVCV over the summer.<br /><br />All three will find out where they will be headed to college (fingers crossed!) in August. <br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShJawDkfsKI/AAAAAAAAAUw/Lc2k2eERzr0/s1600-h/ss+boys+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337428290026057890" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/ShJawDkfsKI/AAAAAAAAAUw/Lc2k2eERzr0/s200/ss+boys+001.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center">I will keep you posted!</p><p align="center">But a big congrats to Josephat on all of his hard work!</p><p align="center"> </p>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-78808241442731304272009-04-22T06:29:00.003-04:002009-04-22T06:54:34.596-04:00Update<p align="left">It has been a while since I gave a general update, so here we go! The rains are here - occasionally - but when they are here, boy does it get muddy! Luckily I know how to drive in snow and sleet, with black ice - which is the equivalent to the kind of mud we have here. The corn is growing but everyone is still holding their breath to see if the rains will last long enough to have a good harvest.</p><br />Last weekend, Minnesota International Health Volunteers (who have an office here in Karatu), held their second annual Run for Malaria - a half marathon aimed at raising awareness about malaria prevention and treatment. The Olympic teams from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda all came to Karatu to run from the gate of the Ngorongoro Crater into Karatu town. <br /><br />It was tons of fun! I was at the finish line to cheer everyone on! Dr. Frank and one of our nurses were there as well, providing medical attention to those in need!<br /><br />Here is a picture of me (with our friend Paula) and a local "crazy woman" - there is no better way to describe her. She wears goat skin and this tribal mask, and tries to frighten small children. She found Paula and I to be fascinating. I was wishing her goat skin skirt didn't smell quite so much!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Se7zbEb5yoI/AAAAAAAAAUo/P3O_I_QRr_o/s1600-h/Meredith+and+the+crazy+lady.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327463055598668418" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Se7zbEb5yoI/AAAAAAAAAUo/P3O_I_QRr_o/s200/Meredith+and+the+crazy+lady.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="left">Other than that, things here are great! Frank and Susan depart this Friday for 7 weeks of fundraising in the U.S.. The FAME staff and I will hold down the fort while they are away! We will miss them, but we wish them luck!!!</p><p align="left">People have been emailing me and sending me messages inquiring about the adoption process. First of all, THANK YOU to everyone for your love and support. Especially to those of you able to support my parents back home! Things are going well - so far, so good - slowly, but that was to be expected. No return date as of yet. The rest of April and all of May will be important - lots of court dates. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers!</p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left">Lots of love, Meredith</p><p align="left"> </p>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-80163686249144758462009-04-14T04:15:00.004-04:002009-04-14T04:25:29.622-04:00Yet another new scholar<p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SeRGaeaWaJI/AAAAAAAAAUg/BN31jhqWdV4/s1600-h/zawadi+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324458080112896146" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SeRGaeaWaJI/AAAAAAAAAUg/BN31jhqWdV4/s200/zawadi+007.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Thanks to the amazing generosity of Emma Olson and her mother, Dr. Mary Ellen Shields, yet another Tanzanian child in need has been granted a full scholarship to secondary school!<br /><br />This is Zawadi (which means 'gift' in swahili). Zawadi was accepted to Edmund Rice, a very prestigious private secondary school in Arusha. Zawadi is 15 years old and just began Form One in January, after completeing government primary school in Karatu.<br /><br />Just this past weekend, Zawadi visited me while on his Easter week of vacation. He presented me with his report card for the last 3 months of classes. He is doing exceptionally well! His teacher reports that he is doing "fantastic work," and that he "has a great way about him!"<br /><br />Zawadi is excelling in math, one of his favorite subjects. But most impressive of all of his scores were the ones for creative thinking, independence, cooperation, responsibility, and attitude! We couldn't be more proud of his performance!<br /><br />Thank you Emma and ME for making this happen!Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-42850484643850080012009-03-26T04:28:00.003-04:002009-03-26T04:36:13.213-04:00GodlistenLast week we hosted a clinic, here at FAME, for children with disabilities.<br /><br /><div><div></div><div>I met a young man named Godlisten.</div><div></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Scs8zsU7DwI/AAAAAAAAAUY/NP0IWiwngqs/s1600-h/clinic+061.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317410643810914050" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Scs8zsU7DwI/AAAAAAAAAUY/NP0IWiwngqs/s200/clinic+061.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div align="center"> </div><p align="left">Godlisten has graduated from primary school and scored well enough on the National Exam to attend a local secondary school. </p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left">Godlisten suffers from paralysis of the legs, most likely caused by meningitis as a younger child. His secondary school is further away that his primary school was and is unable to find reliable transport (via bike or taxi) and has missed a lot of school so far because of that. </p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left">Both of Godlisten's parents died of AIDS and he now resides with neighbors. </p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left">What Godlisten needs is a special wheel chair (available locally here in Tanzania) in order to get to and from school. This wheel chair only costs $350. </p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left">If everyone who reads this blog donated a small amount, just a few dollars, we would have the funds for this wheel chair. </p><p align="left"> </p><p align="left">Please help Godlisten by donating. Go to <a href="http://www.africanorphanfund.org/">http://www.africanorphanfund.org/</a> and click on the Network for Good link!</p></div>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-720769438155166782009-03-23T08:34:00.002-04:002009-03-23T08:37:28.201-04:00New picsJust a few new pics of the clinic at work!<br /><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SceCBM2jX8I/AAAAAAAAAUI/08cavtkz-yM/s1600-h/clinic+051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316360842275676098" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SceCBM2jX8I/AAAAAAAAAUI/08cavtkz-yM/s200/clinic+051.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SceCA7Pf_MI/AAAAAAAAAUA/28y7dQZvKxw/s1600-h/clinic+046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316360837548473538" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SceCA7Pf_MI/AAAAAAAAAUA/28y7dQZvKxw/s200/clinic+046.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p align="center"><br /> </p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316360830449752578" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SceCAgzCGgI/AAAAAAAAAT4/xh1VZSQxDqs/s200/clinic+040.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p align="center"><br /> </p><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SceCAlVklwI/AAAAAAAAATw/CjiuAUm1s8M/s1600-h/clinic+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316360831668360962" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SceCAlVklwI/AAAAAAAAATw/CjiuAUm1s8M/s200/clinic+003.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-70306389281727501882009-03-16T06:40:00.005-04:002009-03-16T07:08:23.833-04:00Introducing ...<p align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Jasmin Ramadhani Mohamed<br /></span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sb4ssvarcGI/AAAAAAAAATA/EiN8W1fnrIk/s1600-h/Jasmine_Ramadhani_Dec_08.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313733757497995362" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/Sb4ssvarcGI/AAAAAAAAATA/EiN8W1fnrIk/s200/Jasmine_Ramadhani_Dec_08.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span> </p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Jasmin is AOEF's newest scholarship recipient! </span></p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><p align="left"><br />Jasmin is 16 years old. Born in 1993, her parents and three siblings moved to Karatu in early 2003. Later that year, both of her parents passed away due to AIDS related complications.<br /><br />After the death of her parents, Jasmin and two of her siblings were taken in by their aunt. Her third sibling went to live with their grandmother in Moshi. Although her aunt wanted to care for Jasmin and her siblings, economic resources were scarce. Their aunt had six children of her own.<br /><br />Shortly thereafter, Jasmin and her siblings were referred to Rift Valley Children's Village. Jasmin and her brother Rajabu were too old for RVCV, but their younger sister Fatuma was not and now lives there. That is how AOEF came to know about Jasmin, because I have know Fatuma since she arrived at the Terengire House! </span></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Jasmin, is a very shy and quiet girl. She loves Math and English. She loves to read, and her favorite game to play is a game called ‘Ready’, which is very similar to Monkey in the Middle. Her favorite color is green. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Although Jasmin is a lovely and bright young woman, her primary schooling did not prepare her well enough to attend Secondary School. It is unfortunately so often the case here in Tanzania. Primary school is in Swahili, and English is taught among all of the other subjects. However, Secondary School is purely in English. So if a student has not mastered English by the time they graduate from Primary School then Secondary School becomes futile.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;">So, as opposed to Secondary School, Jasmin is attending Leguruki Vocational School to study economics. Luckily, vocational training is in Swahili.<br /><br />AOEF is proud to sponsor Jasmin! Thank you to everyone who has so generously and graciously supported AOEF - despite the doom and gloom of the US economy - You have made this possible for Jasmin! </span></p>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-47075498778332993142009-03-12T04:20:00.002-04:002009-03-12T04:26:16.548-04:00Message from Frank and Susan<div align="center">Dear Friends of FAME,<br /><br />It is that time of year again! We are gearing up for our Spring fundraising tour! Despite the challenging times we live in, we have learned that when people passionately and unwaveringly embrace a cause, there is nothing that can get in the way! We have been experiencing an absolutely staggering level of commitment and generosity from our supporters. THANK YOU for standing with us, over the long haul … through think and thin!!! THANK YOU for helping us to make a difference in this corner of the universe.<br /><br />Please contact us if you are interested in hosting a benefit for FAME. It can be a small, very casual gathering, a black tie affair, or anything in between. We leave Tanzanian on April 24th for roughly 7 weeks. We look forward to hearing from you!<br /><br />Love & Blessings! - Frank and Susan </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">(email Susan at <a href="mailto:sgusty@gmail.com">sgusty@gmail.com</a>)<br /><br />FOUNDATION FOR AFRICAN MEDICINE & EDUCATION </div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.fameafrica.org/">www.fameafrica.org</a></div><div align="center"> </div><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SbjGhVgkqRI/AAAAAAAAASw/voopdJnD3B4/s1600-h/clinic+095.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312214036495247634" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SbjGhVgkqRI/AAAAAAAAASw/voopdJnD3B4/s200/clinic+095.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SbjGhWKkvII/AAAAAAAAAS4/-5WHPeuZFvs/s1600-h/PICT0123.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312214036671413378" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SbjGhWKkvII/AAAAAAAAAS4/-5WHPeuZFvs/s200/PICT0123.JPG" border="0" /></a></p>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-18753094412220898572009-03-06T04:30:00.003-05:002009-03-06T04:40:04.498-05:00Request for LaptopUpgrading to a new PC?<br /><br />Switching from a PC to a Mac?<br /><br />Got an extra laptop sitting around?<br /><br />Here at FAME, we are in search of a <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">donated laptop for a medical student here in Tanzania</span></strong>. Unfortunately, the laptop has to be a PC, not a Mac, and can't be more than 3 years old. It needs to be already set up with Microsoft (word and excel) and a modem - otherwise just the basics - but "ready to go" per se.<br /><br />If anyone has such a laptop and would be willing to donate it to a worthy Tanzanian medical student in need, please email me at<br /><br /><a href="mailto:famevolunteer@gmail.com">famevolunteer@gmail.com</a><br /><br />We would be able to have it hand carried to Karatu via an upcoming volunteer.<br /><br />Please ask with friends and family too - you never know who might have one just waiting for someone who needs it!<br /><br />Thanks so much!Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1139015967387973377.post-28532714965904348922009-02-28T03:04:00.001-05:002009-02-28T03:06:32.071-05:00I would like you to meet ...<p align="center"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Winnie Nixon </span><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0pt" align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SajwQ6h5S0I/AAAAAAAAASk/ezCbvIoVY60/s1600-h/tumaini+029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307756334236126018" style="WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_AsSbpop0iLk/SajwQ6h5S0I/AAAAAAAAASk/ezCbvIoVY60/s200/tumaini+029.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0pt"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break"></p><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></span><br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Winnie is AOEFs newest scholarship recipient! <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0pt"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Winnie is 10 years old. Winnie’s mother, Lillian, passed away in 2002, due to HIV. Winnie’s father subsequently fell ill and passed away in 2006 (probably due to HIV as well, although he was undiagnosed, which is so often the case). Lillian's sister took Winnie and has raised her ever-since, here in Karatu. <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0pt"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Winnie is currently in the fifth grade – referred to as Standard Five in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region st="on">Tanzania</st1:country-region> – at <st1:placename st="on">Tumaini</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Junior</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Academy</st1:placetype>, here in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Karatu</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Tanzania</st1:country-region></st1:place>. At the end of the 2008 school year (just this past December), all the children in the Karatu District take government assessment tests. Winnie scored <em><span style="font-family:Georgia;">the highest score of any child in the District</span></em>, out of thousands of children. To say that she is bright is an understatement! <o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0pt"><span style="font-family:Georgia;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><st1:country-region st="on"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">Asante</span></st1:country-region><span style="font-family:Georgia;"> <st1:city st="on">sana</st1:city> (thank you) to Mr. Robert Olson, of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Bellingham</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Washington</st1:state></st1:place> for being Winnie's sponsor! Your generosity will guarantee the best education available here for a little girl so full of potential!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="MARGIN: 0pt"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><br /></span>Meredith Bowenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04912645469984787087noreply@blogger.com0