In this season of giving, many of us are looking for different ways to honor the spirit of the season and the sentiments of birth, hope and illumination - bringing light to our lives and the lives of others. Certainly there are many ways to do this depending on beliefs and spiritual path, one's resources and where we are in life. Some of us know family and friends who have everything they need and don't really want or need another material thing. But still, we'd like to give something that makes a difference.
I suppose because of my time in Peace Corps and some hands-on experience with organizations whose stated mission is to help relieve suffering, improve education, health etc. friends have asked me for input. So this blog is - in part - a response to those questions. We are all aware, that just because an organization intends or proposes to do "good works," not all of them do. Many fall short simply because of the challenges of delivering goods and services in a third world country. Others spend too much on administration and housing their staff. Then there are those that are inept or just outright dishonest. I have my own experiences with the challenges of well-intentioned giving with complicated results.
The bottom line is you need to KNOW your organization. It - and its governance need to be vetted. It helps to have some first hand experience or stories regarding the effectiveness of those organizations and how the monies/goods donated are managed and delivered. And DO they make a difference?
I know two such organizations that really do work by contributing in organic, demonstrable ways to education and training or the delivery of goods that translate to on-the-ground economic development and sustainability. They absolutely change lives in tangible ways.
1. A friend recently asked me about Heiffer International, an organization I've contributed to in the past. I'm happy to say I do have a first-hand story of success from Uganda. Denis, one of our favorite Peace Corps language trainers shared his story of how the gift of a cow from Heifer International changed his family's destiny, which - in turn, contributed to changing the community's destiny. Every family uplifted in a developing culture, uplifts the community. Because of that gift, Denis is well-educated, has a sought after job and also has a chicken hatchery. Because of the goodwill represented by that gift, Denis continues to be an ambassador himself - giving back to his community and assisting foreigners who are in Uganda to help. It's a gift that keeps on giving you might say. A goat, bee-hive, water-buffalo, cow, clean water equipment, business launch - the options are endless! All improve the quality and sustainability of life in profound ways that most of us would have a hard time even imagining. To access their wide range of options, choose a country or a cause or give a gift: http://www.heifer.org/
2. Another organization, with which I have first hand knowledge, is the Family Copeland Foundation: "...established in May 2014 to provide support to the students, teachers, and administrators of St. Mary’s Midwifery Training School
in Kalongo, Uganda, in the form of educational scholarships,
facility improvements, teaching aids as well as promotion of the
school itself." Launched by Peace Corps friends Bill and Holly Copeland, the foundation is an outgrowth of their time spent in service at St Mary's and their witness to the integrity, mentoring and commitment present at every level of the school, which also serves as a hospital for the area.
The school itself was established in 1959 and it is a testimony to the founders, the staff and the community of Kolongo that it was sustained throughout the 18 years of war in northern Uganda.
It's important to know that the girls who attend St Mary's have already been
vetted, as has their family's commitment to their daughter's
education. It's hard to overemphasize how critical that is the
student's success and the success of the program. The statement: "It takes a Village" is true and this commitment is continued at the school.
As some of you know, I've had my own experience with
funding the education of two young men in Uganda. My efforts were fraught with obstacles and challenges that
are almost impossible to describe or anticipate. I tried to do it on an individual basis without established oversight and on-site mentoring in place and the experience taught me a lot in terms of what to look for when thinking of providing a scholarship. Family Copeland Foundation is the "real deal."
More information that might be useful if you are considering a donation to this organization:
- Over 97% of donations will go directly to St. Mary’s to provide student and teacher scholarships or in some cases teaching aids.
- Holly and Bill Copeland pay for all foundation administrative costs such as website hosting fees, accounting expenses, mailing, promotional material and marketing. The only exception is credit card processing fees which are less than 3 percent.
- There are no paid staff and Officers and Board members do not receive compensation.
- Accounting for the receipt and disbursement of donations will be provided on request.
- The Principal of St. Mary's, Sister Carmel Abwot, along with her staff will decide which students and teachers will receive scholarships.
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| Agnes, Gloria, Agness and Sister Godliver |
However you celebrate and choose to share in the holidays, I wish you each and all the warmth of home, family and friends and an awareness of the blessings inherent in freedom, choice and the options we enjoy.
Blessing to you all.
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