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"... to begin always anew, to make, to reconstruct, and to not spoil, to refuse to bureaucratize the mind, to understand and to live as a process - live to become..."

Paulo Freire

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"The grandest of all laws is the law of progressive development. Under it, in the wide sweep of things, men grow wiser as they grow older, and societies better."

Christian Nestell Bovee

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"All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual."

Albert Einstein

Greetings from the Develop Africa Board, Teams and Members - in the US,  Africa and worldwide.  We want to take this time to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a bright and happy 2010.

Phasing out of the Old - Phasing in of the New

The start and recognition of a New Year varies from culture to culture and religion to religion.  Regardless of when you celebrate your new year, its our hope that it would be a special time of renewal, refocus and re-calibration. 

Leave the old behind and step into a new future.

• Renew :  Make time to refresh, renew and recharge yourself - in ways that are unique and meaningful to you.  Open up to receive new life and new vitality.
• Refocus : Take time to review and re-organize priorities - personally and in terms of your overall vision and dreams. 
• Re-calibrate : Get back on track.  Make plans and put into action simple, small steps that will together move you closer, one step at a time towards your dreams.  "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step".

That said - how about also doing likewise for Africa.  What's your big dream for Africa?  How would you like to effect change?  Are you also sending your money if you are not able to go yourself (immediately)?  Take a small step today towards this and commit to donating regularly ... or at least once next year.  Send us an email making a commitment and we'll remind you - if you want us to do so. 

 Our best wishes towards a better you and a better Africa in 2010

Sylvester Renner and the Develop Africa Team.

 Develop Africa 2009 Volunteer  of the Year - Avis Dillard-Bullock

Volunteers are very special and important people! Without them, Develop Africa would quickly fall short of the impact it is making in enriching the lives of individuals in Africa.

It would be difficult to acknowledge all of the invaluable assistance that our many volunteers have provided in one form or the other over the year - 2009. The volunteers have selflessly given many, many, many hours of their time. Their contributions have made a great difference, and today many lives have been touched.

To all Volunteers: The Board and Staff at Develop Africa wishes to say: "thanks for your confidence and willingness to assist a compelling vision. We value and appreciate your willingness to invest into Africa's future by engaging in the various projects. We are truly grateful and wish to acknowledge your excellent investment for the people of Africa."

This year the Board is pleased to announce Develop Africa's “2009 Volunteer of the Year.” This noteworthy award is given to a dedicated, excellent and outstanding volunteer who has invested substantially into the organization throughout the year. This award for 2009 goes to Avis Dillard-Bullock for her outstanding work as our Project Liaison, coordinating book and school supplies drives. Through her efforts in collaboration with many individuals, businesses and schools, Develop Africa received a thousands amount of books and miscellaneous school supplies. Congratulations Avis !! We are proud of you!  Read more...

Presenting Hope/ Promise of Hope Scholarship Award 2009 - Sierra Leone

The future offers the possibility and hope of ending suffering as it was known in the 20th century. The future of Africans can now be colorful and bright. They no longer have to be locked in a vicious circle and “destined” to a dismal future of frustration and powerlessness. They deserve hope and a much better life.

Together we can change the face of Africa forever by investing in the development of lives in Africa.

Each year Develop Africa awards several scholarships based on merit, demonstrated excellence and evidence of a productive and promising future in Africa. In October 2009, Develop Africa again awarded 15 (fifteen) tuition scholarships to deserving youths and children in Sierra Leone. The occasion was graced by the parents, friends, teachers and staff of the school and the recipients of the scholarship award. The scholarship award ceremony took place in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
As you all know strategic and sustainable education is a key component of development. To this end, Develop Africa continues to expand its commitment to empowering the future of Africa, by supporting education and development. Develop Africa's Promise of Hope Scholarship Program continues to provide assistance and increase educational opportunities and access to children and youths who families lack the economic power to afford tuition fees and costs.

Thank you partners, donors and sponsors. Your investment is truly making a difference!!!

Read more about the 2009 scholarship award and view pictures...

  Food For Thought

Constant development is the law of life, and a man who always tries to maintain his dogmas in order to appear consistent drives himself into a false position.
Mohandas Gandhi
 

Bravo to Support Groups Who Ran Books / School Supplies Drives... 

We had an incredible year of active involvement of individuals, support groups , businesses and organizations who conducted ongoing school supplies drive during the year.

We wish to acknowledge and thank the hundreds who were involved in one way or the other donating money, book, miscellaneous and school supplies. View updated list of all individuals and groups

Selfless Sacrifice and Servant Leadership Displayed - Unicoi UMC Church Volunteers at Develop Africa

On Saturday October 10th, Members of the Unicoi United Methodist church volunteered their time and energy in helping Develop Africa sort out and pack books and school supplies for shipment to Africa.

They also assisted Develop Africa in other miscellaneous office tasks such as scanning and digitizing of office documents, painting, repairs etc. What a tremendous display of diligence, sacrifice, hard work and selfless service!

Thank you Pastor Todd and Unicoi UMC Church you are truly an example of “servant leadership”.  Together, we are truly making a difference in the lives of children in Africa.

Read more :::: View Pictures of the Volunteers in Action

Did you know that...?

• You can create your own Facebook cause and run a campaign to benefit DA? Any Facebook user with a little passion and initiative can create a cause, recruit their friends into that cause, keep everybody in the cause up-to-speed on issues and media related to the cause, and, most importantly, raise money directly through the cause for any U.S. registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit or Canadian registered charity. Facebook will process the donations automatically via credit card, tally the results, and report the donation activity via a public "scorecard" in the cause.     Read more...
   
• You can sell an item on eBay and donate a percentage or all of the proceeds from the sale to Develop Africa?  Read more...
• GlobalGiving Fundraisers allow you to easily raise money for any of DA's project(s) on GlobalGiving. Their email tools and widgets that make it easy for you to share your fundraiser with friends.  They are great tools through which we can together change Africa one donation at a time. http://bit.ly/byfFn
• You can set up convenient small donations to occur monthly or just once a year?  See how and sign up here
• We welcome donations of school supplies all year around.  These supplies are warmly received in Africa
• You can make a donation in honor of someone special and they will receive an acknowledgement directly from Develop Africa - during the month of December - within 24 hours!  Read more...

We consistently receive requests for assistance in setting up computer labs that will be used for training and supporting education.  These labs could also double as a community resource, generating income for upkeep from use as an internet cafe in the evenings.

We are looking for people who are interested in helping to set up several of these computer labs in a number of countries in Africa.  At this point we are focusing on equipping the lab with consistent computers (rather than an assortment of computers / laptops) - as this would be easier to maintain.  If you are interested in donating towards purchasing equipment for this, we would love to hear from you. 

Thank you friends, supporters, donors and fans for your continued investment.

Thanks for reading and ... best wishes as you phase in the new..

The Develop Africa Team