A Friend, Half a World Away

- by Therese Tennessen

The Hope of the Community is the Mind of a Child

The phrase above lies at the heart of the philosophy of the Tesfa Foundation. Usually this phrase is associated with the children and communities in Ethiopia served by the Foundation. But over 7500 miles away in Minneapolis, USA, Anthony Campanola is another example of a child who represents the hope of a community.

During the Christian season of Lent, Anthony practiced daily awareness of the struggles much of the world faces to obtain their most basic needs. Every time Anthony took a drink of water, he set aside 10 cents. This was to remind him of how difficult it is for many people around the world to find clean drinking water.

Anthony met Dana Roskey, executive director of Tesfa, for this first time this month. Dana personally delivered a letter from Anthony’s pen-pal, Ermias. Ermias is a second grader in the Foundation’s Shiro Meda School.

Dana and Anthony reading Ermias' letter

Like Anthony, Ermias is a very talented eight-year old. The Tesfa Foundation hopes to be able to sponsor Ermias throughout his education. Without our help, Ermias may not have the opportunities that Anthony has available to him in the U.S.

Anthony was curious about Ermias’ life in Addis Ababa. Dana and Anthony looked at some video tape which included footage of what a student’s typical home looks like. The corrugated roofs and straw and mud walls are, of course, very different from the homes in Anthony’s neighborhood.

In other ways, 8 year-old boys in Ethiopia are similar to their American counterparts. They like sports, soccer in particular. They would prefer that their sisters do most of the chores. And like most kids, they are always looking for a way to earn some money. The big difference is that kids in Addis Ababa raise money so their families can survive. Kids in the US usually raise money to spend on toys.

But thanks to Anthony Campanola, this is not always the case. Anthony says that it is very tempting to spend money he receives on toys and games. But he contributes all the money he raises for charity, and a good portion of other money he receives to make the world a better place.

The Tesfa Foundation is honored to be the beneficiary of Anthony’s fundraising and we are proud to have him as a friend. Anthony is an excellent example of the best that is to come in our world!

Announcements

As you've probably noticed, this edition of the Tesfa Birhan Newsletter looks somewhat different than it has in the past. No, there's nothing wrong with your computer - the Tesfa Foundation in the U.S. has unveiled a new website, developed by our good friends at Level, one of the premier branding and reputation firms in Minneapolis. Tesfa would like to take this opportunity to express how grateful we are to Level for their amazing work and tireless dedication to our organization. Please consider partnering with Level for your company's next strategic development/brand-building project, and be sure to come experience Tesfa's exciting new look and updated program information at www.tesfa.org!

Please join us Friday July 11 2008 for the 5 Schools Benefit to celebrate five years of work in Ethiopia, opening five schools and providing over 700 children with early childhood education. This family-friendly event will be held between 5:30 and 7:00pm at the offices of Level at 724 North First Street in Minneapolis. There will be wine and hors d’oeuvres, as well as video, photos, and presentations about all of our community-enrichment programs in Ethiopia. We are all honored to have had a hand in the realisation of Leeza Woubshet's Spirit and Dream and we would love for you to join us in celebrating this important Tesfa milestone.

In accord with the spirit of Ethiopia’s great athletes, Tesfa supporters continue to fundraise and support by running. UK runners raised £1,000 at a half marathon in Bath, England in March, and they'll be at it again on October 5 in London for the Run to the Beat Half Marathon. On the same day, Tesfa athletes will be running the Medtronic TC Ten-Mile in Minneapolis. And of course, on Saturday November 1st 2008 Minneapolis runners will gather for the Third Annual Tesfa 5K. Pre-registration is required for the Tesfa 5K, more information is available on our events page at www.tesfa.org.

Team Tesfa

Child Sponsorships Are Key To Keeping Schools Open

Tesfa Foundation kindergartens are funded almost exclusively by private donations. For $21 per month, you can pay the entire cost of one child’s education for one year. You'll have the opportunity to correspond directly with and to get to know the child you sponsor. You will see for yourself the positive impact your support has on their life, and more importantly, in their future.

And the need for sponsorships has never been greater: this summer, Tesfa will admit nearly 500 new children into our schools! They all need your support. Please consider becoming a recurring sponsor today. Thank you.

Art Aid Benefit for Tesfa

- by Stephanie Timmerman

An 'artful' Stephanie with children at Tsegereda school

On May 17, Art Aid International hosted its second annual wine tasting and art auction fundraiser for Tesfa schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Stephanie Timmerman, (featured here with the kids at Tsegereda school, Addis Ababa in February) is a Grand Rapids artist and the founder of Art Aid. She’s been twice to Ethiopia to work with the children in Tesfa schools. Her specialty: art lessons in which the children create beautiful paintings, large and small. Some of this art was up for auction to help fund school programs. Stephanie has a real talent with the kids, and she’s very devoted to their well-being.

I have been blessed with wonderful opportunities to fulfill my heartfelt desire to provide art education to young children in developing countries. Two years ago, I founded Art Aid International, an organization influenced by the principles of Reggio Emelia, which teaches that all forms of communication, including art, are used to contribute to whole brain thinking and learning.

I traveled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where I had the privilege to work with the beautiful children of the Tsegereda Memorial School. Initially I worked with several NGO’s within this capital city, but very quickly I decided to channel my efforts exclusively toward the Tesfa Foundation, which stands apart from other organizations in terms of the quality of its schools, programs, staff, and, of course, the children!

The children! They come to school each day dressed and groomed with pride, eager to learn, with bright smiles and sparkling eyes. One would never imagine the hardships in their lives, coming from economically destitute families and from neighborhoods where early education was previously not possible. Because of Tesfa’s work, these kids not only get the best education that Ethiopia has to offer, but they also develop a strong sense of pride and self respect that, in turn, impacts their community.

The teachers! Training them is such an important part of what I do. The Tesfa Foundation ensures that these individuals get top quality training in a nurturing environment – quite a contrast from the the many other substandard government schools with large classrooms (up to 80 kids). The teachers have an amazing desire to learn that quickly transforms into making lovely art of their own, as well as with the children. What they accomplish is remarkable!

Although the environment in Ethiopia can be harsh and uncomfortable at times (i.e. no hot water for days, homesickness, etc), it is offset by the delight of working with these children! The many hugs, kisses, handshakes, songs and dances – the hokey pokey is a favorite – and especially the joy and laughter we share when we paint together, make it evident how blessed I am to teach art to these special children!

From my personal experience in working closely with Tesfa, I can wholeheartedly reassure anyone who is a part of this organization (or contributes to it financially or in other ways), that you can be proud of the schools – in their quality and in the profound impact they are having on the lives of Ethiopian children and their communities!