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Would You Trade Your Daughter for a Cow?

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A Cow? You Must Be Kidding?

The very idea seems absurd, but for desperate families in parts of rural Africa, it's an all too common answer to a present-day economic problem. Thus, when a family runs out of food and sees no other solution, they will strike a deal with a neighbor who has cows. What happens to a young girl in this situation? If she was fortunate enough to be in school, she is pulled out, never to return. Sadly, her future becomes one of servitude, usually as a house maid, but all too frequently as a sexual slave to her new owner. The beautiful child pictured here is not likely to suffer that fate. Thanks to the ongoing support of IntoAfrica Ecotourism and Asante Africa Foundation, this young lady is a hard-working student with many opportunities ahead of her.

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Contents at a Glance

Don't Exchange Girls For Cows
Precious Water
Asante Africa Foundation
Erna Tests New Fresh Water Lines
Erna Returns to Africa
New Desks are Delivered to the School
Moving Forward
Students Are Proud of their Schoolhouse,...
Chief Salaton Ole' Ntutu Visits Californ...

Give Them Education

The poster shown here is no joke. It has been widely distributed in a number of Kenyan schools and community areas. The government printed the posters in an effort to discourage local farmers from trading their daughters for livestock.

In many villages, young girls are responsible for fetching water, which is needed for preparing porridge and watering trees and plants. When the closest water source is miles away, the girls spend hours on this vital chore, and are also vulnerable to attack.

The situation is harsh. Even under the best of circumstances, young girls are at risk of being targeted by rapists. According to law and custom, girls are no longer allowed to attend school if they become pregnant. And of course, time spent fetching water is time not spent in class.

Precious Water

Something as simple as watering trees and plants creates huge positive health impacts for a village. In addition to its role in producing food, moist soil prevents dust from circulating and causing eye infections.

Asante Africa Foundation

Humble Beginnings

While on a photo safari in Tanzania, my friend Erna and her husband Mark were troubled by the poverty and absence of such basics as clean water and sanitation facilities in many of the rural areas they visited. Erna and Mark have always been Just Do It! kind of people. Both multi-degreed engineers, they realized that such simple things as fresh water lines and bowls of porridge could dramatically improve living conditions for the people of these rural communities. During their trip they met Emmy Moshi, who owns IntoAfrica Ecotourism and uses profits from her company to build schoolhouses in poor villages. Emmy and her team work with the entire community, with an emphasis on providing safe havens for children to study and learn. When Erna and Mark returned from their vacation, they researched ways to assist this effort, and the Asante Africa Foundation was formed.

Erna Tests New Fresh Water Lines

Erna Returns to Africa

A Vacation Ignites a Cause

Erna returned to Africa a few months later and spent two weeks in Tanzania and Kenya. While there, she initiated several projects, including a nursery school for 300 children, desks, water lines, books and school supplies for two primary schools, and sponsorship for a child at boarding school for one year. Early on it became clear that the children were unable to concentrate with empty, growling stomachs. First priority was potable water and a warm breakfast for the young students. Safety was another concern. In some areas children were simply taught outdoors with no facilities or school supplies. The new schoolhouses were embraced by communities anxious to provide their youngest citizens with education and the opportunity for a more hopeful life.

New Desks are Delivered to the School

Moving Forward

Asante Africa Foundation Projects and Progress

Don't miss the latest newsletter with details about Asante Africa Foundation's progress throughout the year. Erna has a wonderful way with words, and also speaks passionately about a subject dear to her heart. So please take a few minutes to read her quarterly updates and find out how your contributions are making a difference. You can also check out the newsletter archives for additional stories about Asante Africa Foundation's progress in 2006-2007.

Students Are Proud of their Schoolhouse, Supported by Asante Africa Foundation

Chief Salaton Ole' Ntutu Visits California

Maasai Tribal Chief and Warrior

In 2007, Asante Africa Foundation hosted Maasai tribal chief Salaton Ole' Ntutu, visiting from his beloved Kenya. A shaman from the nomadic Maasai tribe, Ntutu is a trained warrior who can survive among wild animals in the harsh and challenging African Savanna. For 7 years, beginning at age 14, Ntutu survived in the African bush with only a blanket and a spear. He now trains young warriors to carry on the Maasai tradition. Ntutu works on social and economic issues pertaining to his tribe. He built a rescue shelter to protect young girls from the common, but illegal, practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) and to promote the idea of alternative rites of passage. He is also involved in education about HIV/AIDS and monogamy, and in health and sanitation projects. Through his tremendous knowledge of African wildlife, he has contributed significantly towards Kenya's community and tourist industry. Ntutu came to the United States to forge a link between his tribal community and ours. His goal is to educate his people on sustainable development and conservation of land to ensure protection of future generations. During his visit, Ntutu conducted several seminars and presentations to youth about the life of a warrior. He is shown with a young American friend, below.

Maasai Tribal Chief Salaton Ole' Ntutu

Interview With Chief Salaton Ole' Ntutu

NBC Affiliate KRON 4

Broadcast October 21, 2007 during Chief Ntutu's visit to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Big White House Winery Fundraiser

Livermore, California

The Asante Africa Foundation fundraiser at Big White House Winery was a huge success. Guests enjoyed an evening of delicious food and wine in a beautiful vineyard setting. The visiting Tanzania team were on hand to share personal experiences, as well as photos of the progress being made in Kenya and Tanzania.

The Asante Africa Foundation board of directors and Tanzania Team are pictured below. From left: Erna Grasz, Board President; Christine Odero, Board CIO, Dennis Lyamuya, Tanzania In-Country Support; Joel Abongo, Board Member; Emmy Moshi, Tanzania In-Country Program Leader; Mary Druce, Board CFO; Gloria Moshi, Tanzania In-Country Support; and Susan Olofson, Board Vice President.

Visit the Photo Gallery

Asante Africa Foundation Board of Directors at Big White House Winery

Delivering Supplies to Remote Narok, Kenya

Ole Pariata Primary School

In 2006, Asante Africa Foundation received generous donations of school supplies, teaching aids, clothing, and shoes. Erna left the U.S. in December 2006 with 360 pounds of supplies stuffed into five duffle bags. The airline agents were very helpful in creative packing and the Tanzania Customs officials were extremely curious as to what she was doing! The Foundation created 160 school bags of supplies for the nursery and primary school children. The bags included crayons, pencils, scissors, beanie babies, and small puzzles. It took Emmy, Erna and the IntoAfrica Ecotourism team over 10 hours to get to this very remote school in Maasai land.

Erna Grasz:

Asante is the Swahili word for thanks, representing appreciation for the rich learning and experiences we achieve,
so much greater than what we are able to give.

From Erna's Travel Journal

January 2007

Upon arrival all studying and class work ceased. The children were too excited about the visitors. We were honored with singing and dancing and each class had something to show us that they had learned. The children were so excited that it is hard to describe with words. We do have it on video though. A very special thanks to everyone who had a part in making those 160 children have an extra special day.

Mark Makes a New Friend

A Piano for Jangwani Primary School

Tanzania

One of Asante Africa's most ambition goals is to provide a piano for the music program at Jangwani Primary School. In 2006, a music teacher from Tracy, California enlisted students, a local music store, and the community to donate simple flutes, called music recorders. Erna personally delivered 127 recorders and a guitar to the school. Julian, the Jangwani teacher, was so elated that he immediately rounded up the local children to start practicing with the new instruments, even though school had not officially opened. Julian has big dreams for the children of Jangwani, and believes that music is a way for them to escape the challenges of their everyday lives.

Water Lines Improve Living Conditions and Benefit the Entire Community

Meet Emmy Moshi

Owner, IntoAfrica Ecotourism

Tanzania Program Manager, Emmy Moshi, is dedicated to building schoolhouses and improving learning conditions for children in poor villages. IntoAfrica Ecotourism directly supports the local communities by hiring local staff, purchasing local food and patronizing locally owned hotels, campsites and facilities. Though charity is appreciated, long-term, sustainable change is only possible by educating and working directly with the people of these rural communities. Asante Africa Foundation is constantly guided by Emmy's phrase, You are thinking like an American, not an African, reminding all partners that despite good intentions we must always work within the local culture and respect their ways.

Erna Grasz Interviews Emmy Moshi

IntoAfrica Ecotourism

Experience the Beauty of Africa

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IntoAfrica Ecotourism: By choosing to come on holiday with IntroAfrica, you'll be supporting the local economy and enabling generous donations to the people of rural Africa.
Safaris & Treks: A variety of trips are offered, many with visits to locally organized activities in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro, and Kenya.

Emmy Moshi:

Asante Africa Foundation is constantly guided by Emmy's phrase, You are thinking like an American, not an African, reminding all partners that despite good intentions we must always work within the local culture and respect their ways.

Meet Hellen Nkuraiya

Kenya Advisor

Hellen Nkuraiya is the principal and lead teacher at a remote school two hours from the town of Narok, Kenya. A Maasai woman, Hellen created a better life for herself through education, and is passionate about educating Maasai girls. To achieve this goal, Hellen has forged relationships with top-tier boarding schools and has been instrumental in identifying academically talented young women in need of sponsorship. Just $500 per year is enough to cover school fees, room, board, and supplies for one student. Thanks to generous supporters of Asante Africa Foundation, four girls are now studying at St. Mary's School in Narok.

Erna Visits St. Mary's School in Kenya

St. Mary's School

Narok, Kenya

The first day of school was exciting, indeed. Each girl was accompanied by her family members, many of whom had never experienced electricity, television, or even such simple things as seeing themselves in a mirror or climbing stairs! The years ahead hold many opportunites for these young women who will become catalysts for change through their developed leadership skills. Though St. Mary's is a top-tier school, it lacks adequate sleeping space for its students. Our goals for this year include added dormitory space and latrines. We are also seeking sponsors for several more students, both boys and girls.

Hellen Nkuraiya:

When I was 9 years old, a nun came to our school and convinced me that I was smart and that I could have choices if I had an education. As a result, I went to college and became a teacher and now I am that person telling young people that they can have choices through education.

Asante Africa Foundation Goals

We Appreciate Donations of Any Size

Complete teachers' houses in Kenya
Build kitchens for several schools
Add classrooms to existing schools
Continue to provide a noon meal for nursery children
Add new latrines to Esilalei Nursery School
Complete water tank & system at Ilkurot Primary School
Continue training for at least 2 teachers
Provide more than 1,000 text books and library books
Provide scholarships for more than 100 Boarding students
Sponsor 26 nursery orphans

A New School Donated by Asante Africa

Thanks a Latte!

Did You Know ...

One latte buys a child the text books required to pass exams for admission to the next grade.

Two movie tickets buys uniforms for a child who is not able to attend school because his or her parents can't afford them.

Dinner at a nice restaurant feeds nutritional porridge to 100 children for a month.

Please consider skipping one of these things and donating the money to Asante Africa Foundation.

Every Penny Counts

Here's What U.S. Dollars Can Provide in East Africa

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$30 buys two school uniforms
$25 provides a child with 6 books
$90 buys 3 desks, bunk beds, or shelves
$120 buys porridge for 100+ kids for a month
$700 sponsors one child in school for an entire year
$6,000 builds a kitchen
$12,000 builds a classroom

A Gift With Purpose

Order a Personalized Desk for a Classroom in East Africa

Here's a great gift idea ... one that will change the life of a child in a remote part of the globe. Honor someone with a personalized bed or desk like the one pictured here. Erna says the greatest need at this time is for bunk beds. How can you help? Make a donation to the furniture fund, which allows Asante Africa Foundation to provide desks, shelves and beds. A desk can be built for only $40. Each one accommodates up to 4 children who would otherwise be sitting on cold concrete or boulders in the classrooms or outdoors. It's also important to note that Asante contracts with local laborers and craftsmen who are then able to provide food for their own families. Last summer, when three of my extended family members graduated from high school, I ordered a personalized desk for each of them.

Honor Someone With a Personalized Desk

Make a Donation to the Asante Africa Foundation Furniture Fund

A Shipment of Books Arrives in Tanzania

Asante Africa Foundation & Friends

Lenses Supporting Charitable Causes in Africa

Do You Love Kenya?

Design Available on Dozens of Customizable Products

I Love Kenya by representmycountry

Books About Kenya for the Whole Family

Your Purchase Supports Asante Africa Foundation

Buy at AllPosters.com

Support the Coffee Farmers in Kenya

Purchase Coffee from Kenya

Support the Coffee Farmers in Kenya

Kenya "AA" Coffee, 1 lb Whole Bean FlavorSeal Vacuum Bag

Amazon Price: (as of 02/14/2012)

Kenya is one of the largest producers of coffee in the world, with production spread among more than 500,000 small farms. An estimated 6 million Kenyans are employed directly or indirectly in the coffee industry. Because they are highly educated in their agricultural practices, thousands of farmers in Kenya are rewarded with exceptional coffee crops. The acidic soil provides excellent growing conditions for coffee plants, and the use of chemicals is rare.

Do You Love Tanzania?

Design Available on Dozens of Customizable Products

I Love Tanzania by representmycountry

Books About Tanzania for the Whole Family

Your Purchase Supports Asante Africa Foundation

Buy at AllPosters.com

Support the Coffee Farmers in Tanzania

Purchase Coffee from Tanzania

Support the Coffee Farmers in Tanzania

Tanzania Peaberry Coffee, Whole Bean, 1 Pound Bag

Amazon Price: (as of 02/14/2012)

Coffee is Tanzania's largest export crop, though getting the product to market can be difficult, given the country's limited infrastructure. Most of the coffee is grown by 400,000 farmers owning small parcels of land, often ten acres or so. Organizations are in place to provide farmers with business skills, which help them to get the best prices for their coffee.

Support the Gem Industry in East Africa

Some of the world's finest and rarest precious gems are found in East Africa. Squidoo gem specialist, Lady_Gotrocks was kind enough to share her favorites from Kenya and Tanzania.

Young Scholars Sponsored by Asante Africa Foundation

Asante Africa Foundation Social Media

Asante Africa Foundation on Squidoo, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube

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Asante Africa Foundation on Squidoo

Learn How You Can Help Asante Africa Foundation

Sunrise Over Mount Kilimanjaro

Asante Africa Foundation Fundraiser ~ November 2010

Asante Africa Photo Gallery

Student Scholars Sponsored by Asante Africa Foundation

Follow AsanteAfrica on Twitter

Asante Africa Foundation

Another Student Scholar Sponsored by Asante Africa Foundation

Asante Africa Foundation on Twitter

Check Out the Latest Tweets About Asante Africa Foundation

Here's how to add a Tweet to this list. Just mention "Asante Africa Foundation" in your 140-character Twitter message. Your Tweet should appear in a few minutes!

Follow Asante Africa Foundation Online

Official Websites and Social Media Links

Asante Africa Foundation

Asante Africa Foundation Blog

Asante Africa Foundation on Facebook

Asante Africa Foundation on Twitter

Asante Africa Foundation on LinkedIn

Asante Africa Foundation on Squidoo

Asante Africa Foundation on Flickr

Asante Africa Foundation on YouTube

Asante Africa Foundation Blog Feed

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Nursery School Students Sponsored by Asante Africa Foundation

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Even Small Actions Spread Our Message and Help Us Educate Kids in Rural East Africa ... and these Won't Cost You a Thing!

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Reply

desa999 Feb 1, 2012 @ 3:18 am | delete

A wonderful heart warming lens full of great moving information.

Reply

Tipi Jan 23, 2012 @ 2:56 pm | delete

I stopped by to bless and discovered my like from 2009 had disappeared...happy to restore it on this very important and heart rending subject.

Reply

whats4dinner Jan 21, 2012 @ 8:09 pm | delete

Touching lens. This is a perfect lesson for persons who believe there life is miserable but out there someone's life is worst, so we must always be thankful for what we have.

Reply

favored1 Jan 17, 2012 @ 11:54 pm | delete

Moving lens, thanks for sharing this with the world. I pray lives will be touched to the point of giving.

Reply

crstnblue Jan 15, 2012 @ 8:13 am | delete

Wonderful lens! Very informative and thoughtful.
If only 1% from people will think same way, we may be far...
Thanks for sharing!
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Asante Africa Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to providing quality education to children in East Africa.

Courtesies

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Asante Africa Foundation Newsletter

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Asante Africa Foundation is a Squidoo Charity Partner

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Thank You, SquidTeam & Giant Squid Organizers!

Would You Trade Your Daughter For a Cow? received a Purple Star on April 16, 2009.

People's Choice Content Winner

May 2007

When this lens was announced a People's Choice content winner, I couldn't believe it! It's truly an honor to be in the company of some of my favorite lensmasters. For the complete list, check out Margaret's By Invitation Only Blog. Thank you, Margaret, for helping us spread the word about Asante Africa Foundation.