All Jokes Aside

April Fool’s Day turned out to be a blast for ASAP and there were no jokes surrounding the hard work and determination of the Y.E.S. volunteers. Ten volunteers from Y.E.S. gave their time yesterday morning to assist ASAP in organizing our books for the Book/ School Supplies drive to ship to Zimbabwe and helped to get many of our office projects off of the ground. They brought so much energy that we actually finished more than expected. ASAP would like to offer a big thank you to all of our volunteers. You truly help to carry out a mission that changes lives one step at a time.

Congratulations Stephanie Marienau

ASAP Africa’s Stephanie Marienau will graduate from Vanderbilt University this May with a degree in English and French. She was overjoyed with the latest news that she was accepted into George Washington University where she can continue her education in international development. Stephanie will also travel to Malawi after graduating from Vanderbilt to develop ASAP’s contacts and research for our expansion projects.

Stephanie will celebrate her 22nd birthday tomorrow the 31st of March. HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHANIE! This is going to be one BIG celebration.

Field Work/Community Work – A Work of Love

Being an ASAP Field Officer (Community worker/ Social worker) must be rooted in deep love for what you do for yourself and for the clients or community you serve. “He being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one, being a force of nature instead of feverish, selfish, little clot of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy”. George Bernard Shaw once wrote this statement referring to it to be the true joy of life, meaning that community work/field work is not the best for somebody with complaints, grudges, and ailments, or some one who should only focus on project benefits to himself.

All knowledge is in vain when there is no work. All work is empty when there is no love. Working with love can best be symbolized to weaving a cloth with threads drawn from the heart as if your beloved were to wear that.

To work with love would be likened to sowing seeds with tenderness and reap the harvest with joy, as if your beloved were to eat the fruits.
By: Manjoro Lovemore- Field Officer, Sakubva

Spring Forward with ASAP

ASAP is springing forward with some of our newest activities and latest accomplishments. We have prepared our spring newsletter for our friends to take a look at some of the newest births at ASAP as well as the growth of some of our older projects. This is truly an exciting time for all of the ASAP family. We are expanding our work into Malawi and bringing forth new partnerships in the United States. Enjoy the spring breeze while reading the ASAP Newsletter!

Improving Lives One Drip at a Time

In observance of World Water Day March 22, 2007 ASAP Africa has set a goal of providing 300 rural families directly affected by HIV/AIDS with the ability to extend the limited water available for year-round farming through home Drip Irrigation Kits. “We only need 240 more like-minded people, each donating $70, to reach our goal!”, according to Shannon Dunn, ASAP Africa’s Fund Development Coordinator. A single drip kit will allow a family of five or more to harvest crops all year-round - year in and year out. Located in Zimbabwe, the project will improve the lives of some of the neediest families living on Earth today.

There is no life without water. Nowhere is this more true than in the subsistence farming communities in rural Zimbabwe. Along with the ASAP training in Permaculture techniques, a home Drip Irrigation Kit creates a drought resistant family that will endure regardless of the rains. It enables them to use a relatively small amount water to produce abundant crops throughout the year. This enables the community to not only to better care for themselves but also to care for the increasing number of HIV/AIDS orphans in their community.
Your $70 donation today will bring new life and hope to a family, enabling them to sustain themselves throughout the year. Some may think that one person can not make a difference, but they are wrong! One person can make a difference. Just Imagine - the amount you may spend on one nice dinner ….only $70…. will help a family of 5 or more eat for a year!

For more information on how you can help ASAP Africa in their efforts to help people in their efforts to improve their own lives, call 770-632-7451 or e-mail shannondunn@asapafrica.org. You may also make your donation on-line at www.asapafrica.org or by mail to:
ASAP Africa, 189 Fulton Ct., Peachtree City, GA 30269

Don’t wait...Do it now!

Giving Back

Tom Arsenault and Elizabeth Bara were recently highlighted in The National Peace Corps Association Worldview Magazine as “Giving Back” to our countries and communities through service. Tom and Elizabeth joined the Peace Corps and served in Swaziland from 1989-1991 where they actually met and married. After returning to the United States they devoted their life to service and co-founded ASAP Africa. Today, they have built an organization that serves well over 25,000 Zimbabweans working to bring themselves out of poverty.

-Shannon

New Partnerships for ASAP

ASAP Africa and Catholic Relief Services have joined forces to bring the Out of School Adolescents project to Zimbabwe along with four other consortium partners including Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT), Lead Trust, ORAP, and Practical Action. The goal of this project is to improve the economic, food security, health and psychosocial well being of out-of-school adolescents in Zimbabwe. The three objectives of this project are 1. To improve the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of OSA within an environment that respects and supports the rights, citizenship and responsibilities of each adolescent 2. To enhance the capabilities and assets of OSA and 3. To strengthen the safety nets of communities and households, especially those headed by OSA.

The fact is that 60% of the targeted adolescents have lost one or both parents and now have the responsibility of taking care themselves and other siblings. What about their EDUCATION? Many of these youth are resorting to drugs, prostitution, and other crimes to find means for survival. This just adds to the cycle of poverty and AIDS/HIV.

The mission of the OSA-SP project in to reach 42,000 youth in the 5 provinces and 12 districts of Zimbabwe by 2009. Once becoming a part of the project OSA will obtain vocational training and skills, positive role models, and an abundance of resources to ensure a chance of a healthy productive life.

The Study Hall's International Festival

ASAP Africa had an awesome experience at the Study Hall’s International Festival. We were invited to share our organizations history with the scholars that attend the Study Hall this past Friday. The event was developed to give students the opportunity to experience other countries and cultures. They were encouraged to ask any question that would help them get a better grasp on international awareness. I was amazed at some of the questions I was asked like “Why aren’t there any books in their library, wouldn’t their feet hurt really bad without shoes, and what do the kids eat on the weekend?” I reminded the children of how fortunate we are to live in the United States and some even asked me if they could donate their shoes or get their parents to give money. The concern that these students gave for other students around the globe was almost overwhelming.

The day was also filled with a village market that included: crafts, photos, international food, and memories that they will hold for a lifetime.

Thank you Google Grants

ASAP Africa was recently honored by receiving a Google Grant of up to $10,000 a month worth of advertising ads for one year. We are so thrilled to have been chosen for this grant. Now, ASAP can really get the word out about all of the programs that we are implementing in rural Zimbabwe to eliminate poverty.

What this means… when you are browsing on the internet and type in some key words such as Zimbabwe charity ASAP Africa will appear in your sponsored links on the right side of the page. This promotes the awareness of our organization and makes is that much easier for you to become an active member of our team. Thank you Google Grants!

Mission for Africa Celebration

ASAP participated in the Missions for Africa Celebration hosted by the International Christian Fellowship. The event was the beginning of many to come with hopes of uniting small organizations that have the heart for Africa. The program included the ICF Praise Team, Sis. Susan Pierre, VIRTUE, and many more.

The ICF mission is situated on 500-acres of land in Bong County, Liberia. When the facilities are fully completed the campus will be able to host over 300 students.

The ICF Ministries will host their 2^nd Annual African Experience Cultural Festival on Saturday April 28, 2007 11am-10pm at the Lakewood Amphitheater. For more information call 404-363-3300.

Working Together Today for a Brighter Tomorrow

This past weekend ASAP took part in “The Gathering”, a wonderful event bringing together people of all beliefs for the common goal of restoring communities. The event began on Friday night with a reception and continued Saturday with guest speakers, workshops, and even free massages. ASAP was honored to be a part of such a positive event. We had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Mike Weaver, Senator Fort, Derrick Boazman, and Stedman Graham just to name a few.

We will be setting up a booth this Saturday the 24^th at the Mission of Africa Celebration from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. This will be a wonderful opportunity for those interested in ASAP's mission to come down and meet with us personally. The location for this event is:

Fountain of Faith Missionary Baptist Church
6712 West Fayetteville Rd.
Riverdale, Georgia 30296.
Admission is free

Attention: The Meet or Beat Challenge Deadline has been extended!

The Meet or Beat Sandy Creek High School deadline for registration has been extended. Due to a sudden increase of interest in the Meet or Beat challenge ASAP is officially extending the deadline for registration. We are welcoming student and teacher volunteers that would like to spread the challenge throughout your schools and communities. Keep in mind that this is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to combine team work and international education to enhance the learning experience for the entire student body. Are you up for the CHALLENGE? For more information please contact Shannon at 770-632-7451 or e-mail shannondunn@asapafrica.org.

A + Light

Yesterday, ASAP took part in National Black AIDS/HIV Awareness Day with events hosted by CW Network. It was an absolutely amazing experience! The event was held at CW Midtown Music Complex and featured a screening of A + Light produced by Keisha Williams. Many organizations such as Someone Cares, Inc., Radio One, and Campaign to End Aids came out to show support and share information on the growing epidemic of HIV/AIDS in communities. As many people spoke on AIDS/HIV in the US we all came to the conclusion that this disease does not discriminate. This is a global problem and in order to fight it we must educate…educate..educate indiviuals across the board. We cannot sweep this under the rug. WE must be the solution to the problem and support each other on this crusade.

-Shannon

A Call to Action

“In every community there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it.” -Marianne Williamson

I have learned that whenever I give of myself and help someone else I always seem to have a feeling of joy afterwards. Sometimes we can only do a little, but knowing that you gave of your heart and touched the heart of someone else is priceless.

ASAP is currently expanding our volunteer opportunities for anyone that may be interested in working towards a brighter Africa. We encourage individuals to become a part of your communities in whatever area your specific interest may be. If you would like to step out and make a global impact please contact ASAP and request a list of our current volunteer opportunities.

-Shannon

Motivating the Mind

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. “
-Nelson Mandela

As I was looking for something new to share on this blog I ran across this quote. I thought that it was rather interesting considering that the past few blogs have been centered around education and most of the conversations that I have had lately were also geared in a similar direction. I sat back and thought about the power and meaning of each of these words education…weapon…and change.

This quote very eloquently sums up the entire mission of ASAP (To cultivate self-reliance in Southern Africa). In order to make a REAL change, a LASTING change, a BENEFICIAL change one must take the initiative to educate themselves. Only then will their work be sustainable.

After reading several news articles and talking to various people about the problems of the world, I must say that this quote reminds me of just why I do what I do. Everyday is a learning experience that you must take with you on this journey. If you learn nothing then you will go nowhere, but an educated man can not be stopped.

-Shannon

Bridging the Gap in Mathematics

Children in Zimbabwe are working hard to become the best that they can be and it is so exciting to see them reach their goals. One child that recently showed enormous progress despite the odds is Nomore. Nomore is born to the second wife, Caster, in a polygamous family. In all, there are 12 children. His father, George, is a peasant farmer and is barely able to meet the children’s educational needs, particularly secondary education. Nomore is likely to go to nearby Crossdale Secondary School for Form 1. His family will struggle to raise the fees, uniforms and stationery.

Nomore participated in the grade 7 cluster quiz competitions, representing Sagonda School and placed 3rd out of 6 participating students. What is exciting about Nomore's results is that he got a distinction in Mathematics, having been active in his SMC. Here is evidence of the impact of the BTG project at such a remote institution. Way to Go Nomore!

The Sky is the Limit

ASAP is pleased to announce that we recently won the ‘Schools for Rural Entrepreneurs’ grants competition hosted by Teach a Man to Fish. This grant will help ASAP to improve our agricultural education projects and we are so excited that we were chosen.

One of our projects that we are working very hard to raise funds for is our Rural Family Nutrition Initiative in Zimbabwe. ASAP is partnered with Global Giving in this initiative. Our goal is to provide 300 rural families with drip irrigational kits.

The future truly looks bright for ASAP and all of the endeavors that we have embarked upon. With the continued support of our friends the sky is the limit.

Education is the Key

ASAP Africa recently received the great news that we have been awarded a grant by the Rotary Club of Borrowdale Brooke and the Rotary Club of Peachtree City for funding to help provide increased literacy and enhance the education of over 41,000 students in 131 schools in Nyanga District, Zimbabwe. It was approved by the Rotary Foundation (TRF).

This is perfect timing as we are currently collecting school supplies to send to Zimbabwe by February 14, 2007. Our wish list includes:

Writing Tablets
Erasers
Felt Tip Markers
Rulers
Spiral Notebooks
Pens
Pencils
Crayons
Book Bags
Text Books

If you would like to support ASAP and the Rotary Club in our efforts to provide the children of Zimbabwe with a better education, please consider making a donation from our wish list. You may also give a gift card from Wal-Mart or Target.

We Shall Overcome

“The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King not only had a dream for the United States of America, but his dream included all men and women that run this human race. He realized that in order to produce a positive change we must come together as one body and lift each other up in the name of brotherly love.

When we think of the atrocities taking place in our world it may seem a bit overwhelming and discouraging. You may ask “what can I do as one person to make this world a brighter place?” That is when we need to realize that “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.” - Edmond Burke

There will always be negative and there will always be positive. We decide on an individual basis which energy we choose to put out into the world. If you believe in the hope for a secure and livable world you must first make the change within yourself. Once we change our hearts and minds and focus on the pursuit of happiness, freedom, and justice a change will surly come.

Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome some day
We'll walk hand in hand
We shall all be free
We are not afraid
We are not alone
The whole wide world around
We shall overcome some day
Lyrics from “We Shall Overcome”

-Shannon

Take the Challenge: Meet or Beat Sandy Creek!

Sandy Creek High School challenges schools, corporations, and individuals to meet or beat their efforts in raising money for ASAP Africa in support of our mission to cultivate self-reliance in Southern Africa. Last year the students raised $933.22 towards eliminating poverty in Africa and now would like to increase the total funds with your help. Give the most sustainable gift possible, meet or beat the efforts of Sandy Creek by joining a team with goals of assisting rural communities improve their own lives.

Sandy Creek High School and ASAP Africa have realized the importance of
working together, sharing knowledge, and most importantly creating sustainable change in the lives of those battling poverty. We ask that you take this opportunity to join with us and create positive change that will continue long after the work of ASAP ends. Contact ASAP by calling 770-632-7451 or e-mailing Elizabeth Bara ebara@asapafrica.org or Shannon Dunn shannondunn@asapafrica.org for more information. Join the worldwide crusade to eliminate poverty and take the challenge to ‘Meet or Beat Sandy Creek!’