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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 often 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.
Don't Exchange Girls For Cows... Give Them Education
The sign shown here is no joke. It was found posted in a number of Kenyan schools and community areas. The government printed and distributed the posters to discourage local farmers from trading their daughters for livestock. 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, they are no longer allowed to attend school if they become pregnant. The good news is that there are people determined to work within these rural communities to create opportunites for children to learn and strive for a better future. Asante Africa Foundation
How it All Began
Erna Tests New Fresh Water Lines
Erna Returns to Africa
New Desks are Delivered to the School
Keep Up to Date with Our Progress
The Asante Africa Foundation Newsletter
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 reports and find out how your contributions are making a difference. In the latest newsletter, you'll meet 4-year-old Antonia, who collected and donated shoes to children in Kenya so they wouldn't have to walk to school barefoot. You can also read the Newsletter Archives for additional stories about our progress. 
Students Admire their Brand New Schoolhouse
Chief Salaton Ole' Ntutu Visits California
Maasai Tribal Chief and Warrior
Last fall, 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
Big White House Winery Fundraiser
Livermore, California
Our fundraiser at the 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 heart warming 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. 
Asante Africa Foundation Board of Directors
Find Out More About Asante Africa Foundation
- Asante Africa Website
- Learn about the Foundation and its ongoing projects.
- Asante Africa Marketplace
- Now accepting payment through Paypal.
- Asante Africa Newsletter
- Download the latest newsletter here.
- Make a Donation Here
- Asante sana, or many thanks for your support!
- Asante Africa on MySpace
- Be our MySpace friend!
- Asante Africa FAQs
- Frequently asked questions answered here.
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.
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. 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 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. IntoAfrica Ecotourism
Experience the Beauty of Africa
- 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.
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 recently began their studies at St. Mary's School in Narok. 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. 
Erna Visits St. Mary's School in Kenya
Asante Africa Foundation Goals for 2008
- Build a new nursery school and toilets
- Build 3 new Primary School dormitories
- Add 4 classrooms to existing schools
- Provide a noon meal for the nursery school
- Add 20 new latrines to St. Mary's Primary School
- Complete Class 8 classroom at Jeremy Academy
- Training for at least 2 teachers
- Provide 1,000 text books
- Sponsor more than 70 students and orphans
A New School Donated by Asante Africa
A Gift With Purpose
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 us to provide desks, shelves and beds. A desk can be built for only $30. Each one accommodates up to 4 children who would otherwise be sitting on cold concrete or boulders in the classrooms or outdoors. It is also important to note that Asante contracts with local laborers and craftsmen who are then able to provide food for their own families. Every Penny Counts
- $20 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
- $500 sponsors one child in school for an entire year
- $6,000 builds a kitchen
- $12,000 builds a classroom
Thanks a Latte!
Two movie tickets buys uniforms for a child kept from school because his or her parents can't afford them.
One latte buys a child the text books required to pass exams for admission to the next grade.
Dinner at a nice restaurant feeds 100 children for a month.
Please consider skipping one of these things and donating the money to Asante Africa Foundation.
2008 Asante Africa Foundation Calendars
Now On Sale... Just $10
Do you recognize the young lady pictured here? Look closely at the calendar. A year ago she posed for the photo used in the introduction for this lens. The 2008 Asante Africa Calendar features beautiful photographs of the people and sights in the communities we serve. Photos were taken by founder and president Erna Grasz during her visits to Tanzania and Kenya. The calendar also includes inspirational quotes that serve as daily reminders of life's joys, challenges, and the difference we can make through education. The calendar makes a great gift, so please consider ordering in quantity for your family and friends, knowing that you're giving twice, as we use your contribution to make education a reality to the children of East Africa. Calendars may be ordered from the Asante Africa Market Place.
Asante Africa Foundation & Friends
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Help Africa Headquarters
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This group supports anyone striving to improve the lives of people living in Africa. We have many hard working and dedicated members, and invite you to view our lenses, rate them, link to them, and help us spread the word.
Books About Kenya for the Whole Family
Headlines from Kenya
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byKenya Marketplace
Tanzania Photo Gallery
Experience the Beauty of Tanzania
Click on any image to enlarge
Books About Tanzania for the Whole Family
Headlines from Tanzania
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byTanzania Marketplace
More Ways to Help Asante Africa
- Give yourself a birthday party with donations to Asante Africa as the gift
- Donate airline mileage for Foundation staff to oversee projects and for African contacts to come to the U.S. for training
- Donate your used digital cameras and office equipment
- Forward our newsletter to your friends and expand the circle of awareness about our work and progress in rural Africa
- E-mail this lens to your friends and family
- Rate this lens... just scroll across the 5 stars near the top of the page, and click
- Learn more about the precious gem and coffee exports that support the East Africa economy
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.-
Tanzanite: Information and Buying guide
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Tanzanite is one of the newest gemstones on the market. Discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills near Arusha in the north of Tanzania it was celebrated as The Gemstone of the 20th century'
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Comprehensive guide to various kinds of Garnet gems
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When most people hear the name Garnet they think red. But Garnets are more then just a cheap red gemstone. Garnets can come in a wide variety of colors and some can be quite valuable. This guide is a comprehensive look at many...
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Zircon a beauiful natural gem not to be confused with CZ's
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The Beautiful Zircon gems' reputation has suffered for the past 30 years due to the introduction of a diamond simulant Cubic Zirconia. A natural mined from the earth Zircon Gem is NOT the same material as the artificial gem material Cubic...
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Rubies
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History Rubies are one of the most expensive and sought after of all gems. Rubies have been loved for thousands of years. In ancient India, stories circulated that God created the Ruby and then created men to own it. The Emper...
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The Fascinating world of Spinel gems
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Spinel is known as the great imposter because has often confused with Rubies and Sapphires. “The Black Prince Ruby” in the English Crown Jewels is a perfect example of a Spinel mistaken for a Ruby. The Black P...
Support the Coffee Farmers in Kenya
Purchase Coffee from Kenya
Support the Coffee Farmers in Kenya
Diedrich Coffee, Kenya, Whole Bean, 12-Ounce Bags (Pack of 3)
Amazon Price: $23.01 (as of 05/12/2008)
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.
Support the Coffee Farmers in Tanzania
Purchase Coffee from Tanzania
Support the Coffee Farmers in Tanzania
Tanzania Kilimanjaro Peaberry, 1 lb Whole Bean FlavorSeal Vacuum Bag
Amazon Price: $11.95 (as of 05/12/2008)
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.
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Asante Sana: Many Thanks for Your Friendship
Please Sign the Guestbook
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Solar-Powered
Trading a daughter for a cow is not new in Africa. If a man wishes to marry a women then he must pay a dowry for her set by the family in the form of livestock. The same if a man rapes a women or if he is caught sleeping with her outside of marriage. Hence why young girls sold in this manner end up as sexual slaves - they are considered wives but probably fall under a 1st wife who may or may not treat them as a servant and with some cruelty! Jealousy can make monsters of us all. Posted May 10, 2008 |
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Graceonline
Hi Kim, I've told you before, but I keep coming back to your lens for inspiration and reminders of the differences each of us can make. Today, I shared this beautiful, heart-wrenching and heart-warming story with the readers of my blog, Realizing Ordinary. Hope it brings you a few new viewers. Posted May 06, 2008 |
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DebbieJohnson
This is a great lens! Posted May 05, 2008 |
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kiwisoutback
Amazing lens! I like the comparison of some of the activities we all do to the cost of what it can provide in Africa...the cost of one dinner being able to feed a hundred children is eye opening. Great pictures, too. Oh, and thanks for the SquidAngel blessing! Posted April 29, 2008 |
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Applyit
Great Lens 5*'s! Come tell me what you think of my lens on Cheap Key West Vacations Posted April 22, 2008 |
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aarondl
I just discovered Squidoo a few days and I am glad to find lenses like these in this community. There is so much great information here to get through. Posted April 18, 2008 |
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enslavedbyfaeries
Your lens brought tears to my eyes. I have two daughters and it saddens me to think of what horrible situations people endure in this world. I love the positive nature of this lens. People can make a difference if they have compassion for others . Posted April 17, 2008 |
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LeslieBrenner
Thank you for drawing attention to a global issue. 5 stars. Posted April 17, 2008 |
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Silver_Lotus
What a wonderful lens! Sadly, it's not only Africa where such problems exist. I found the same when I lived in South Asia. Everything we can do to help, and to help others help themselves, is so important. Posted April 15, 2008 |
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Amanda_Blue
Thank you for this marvelous lens. I have just e-mailed it to a friend who, as head of an NGO, has done a great deal of work in Africa, because I know she will be very interested, Posted April 14, 2008 |
Nominated for Charity Lens of the Month
April 2008
Please stop by and cast your vote!-
Charity Lens Of The Month
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Welcome to Charity Lens of the month. Each month three charity lenses will battle it out to become lens of the month. Entering is easy simply email your chosen lens to me clairwil123AThotmail.com. From the nominations I will select three to face the...
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. Asante Sana, Wanderers Group
Thank You for Featuring This Lens
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Wanderers :: The Travel GroupDo you love to travel? Destinations Tips Inspiration Transportation options Road Trips and more!
501(c)(3) IRS Status
Several people have asked why Asante Africa Foundation does not appear on the Squidoo list of charities. The Foundation incorporated as a non-profit organization in August 2006, and accepts fully tax deductible donations under the Tri Valley Community Foundation's umbrella of Donor Advised Funds. As soon as our 501(c)(3) IRS tax exemption status is approved, we will submit Asante for consideration as a Squidoo charity. In the meantime, all proceeds from this lens are designated for the Squidoo Charity Fund. Asante Sana, Waterwalker Publishing
Thank You for Featuring This Lens
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Want to join? It's as easy as 1,2,3 1. Visit any one of Waterwalker Publishing's lenses or groups ... 2. Sign the guestbook while you're there ... 3. Come back and join up as many of your Rated G lenses as you like. If you've pr...
Courtesies
Creative Commons License
© 2008 Kim GiancaterinoThis work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-
No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
