News
FULL ACTIVITIES REPORT FOR 2010 NOW AVAILABLE
New York, NY, March 30, 2011 - The full report of the activities carried out last year by Harambee Africa International is now available. The document details all fundraising and educational initiatives conducted by the Harambee network, which Harambee USA is part of. A complete report on the Sub-Saharan projects funded in 2010 is also included. Download the Harambee 2010 Report now.
HARAMBEE USA PRESIDENT TALKS ABOUT INSPIRING TRIP TO CAMEROON
New York, NY, December 12, 2010 – Harambee USA’s first trip to Africa this past September was more than an African safari. It was a learning expedition of another sort and it was worthwhile on so many grounds!
We finally met the Cameroonians first-hand. Some were those who have benefited from our funding in the past and others, those who are hoping for a share in future Harambee generosity.
On this 10-day trip we learned more about whole-hearted African generosity in its own right. Our local coordinators planned and executed an action-packed, highly educational visit. We spoke with local program promoters without whom Harambee initiatives would be impossible. We witnessed their dedication and shared vision for a better Africa. We were able to applaud them for their efforts and share in their joys.
It was gratifying to see the real effects of Harambee funding, relatively small, but producing marked and measurable results: like the increased self-esteem and economic independence of women and their families; the opportunities for women to go beyond their daily struggles for subsistence and recognize their inherent dignity; and above all, the joy of sharing their dreams and plans for the future.
Our visits to schools and other project sites increased our understanding of the routine impediments to learning which even small funding from the United States can alleviate. Imagine for a moment a primary school in Baham in Western Cameroon. Although students are proud owners of big school bags, 99% of those were empty! Books are practically a luxury item. Only one school of the 10 we saw had a library and that library held approximately 50 books. The dedicated teachers are practically the sole source of knowledge for hundreds of young people. Yet, barely $270.00 pays for10 rural children to attend school for one year there. That is right. You and I can help educate a Cameroonian child for $27.00 a year.
We found the people hard working, enthusiastic, and full of interest and history. They are superbly hospitable. We were welcomed in every project site by the director or another high-caliber official presenting us with a formal welcome address; refreshments were always on hand too. They stuffed their farm products, such as peanuts and sugar cane, into the trunks of our jeeps before we could leave. Children especially were genuinely joyful. Their gleeful song filled the soul. We received paintings signed by a local artist showing how Cameroon culture mirrors the Harambee spirit. We are indebted to them and ever so grateful for their generous hearts.
Africa needs Harambee and Harambee needs you! Yes, our efforts may amount to a mere drop in the bucket considering the enormous challenges many Africans face daily. However, both Africans and Americans are very resourceful, determined peoples.
Let me close by saying that this trip helped us to discover the African woman in particular as our biggest advocate and our best asset. She remains a tower of strength and bears much of the burden of development. She needs only a helping hand from you and me to do great things for her family and society. Truly she is a major player in creating sustainable economic independence for Africa.
We look forward to a continuing partnership with you so that “All together for one” we can keep helping Africans to help themselves.
Happy Holidays to all!
Ngozi Agbim