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.
Don't Exchange Girls For Cows
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 Admire their Brand New Schoolhouse
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
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
Ways to Support Asante Africa Foundation
Every Penny is Appreciated
- 2007 Annual Report
- I could do an entire lens on what's covered in this newsletter! Read about our progress, and see what's in store for 2008.
- 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.
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 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
- 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 for 2009
- 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
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 Asante Africa Foundation 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'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. 
A Shipment of Books Arrives in Tanzania
Every Penny Counts
Here's What U.S. Dollars Can Provide in East Africa
- $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!
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 kept from school because his or her parents can't afford them.
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.
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.
What's the Buzz on Kenya?
Here's What Bloggers are Saying About Kenya
- Sarova Shaba Lodge Samburu National Reserve Kenya Africa
- Sarova Shaba Lodge Samburu National Reserve Kenya. Shaba lodge hotel operated Sarova lodges & hotels information, reservation, availability, price, photo, samburu.
- PlusNews Global | East Africa | Kenya | KENYA: Government protests ...
- PlusNews is an online news and analysis service on HIV and AIDS. Part of the United Nations award-winning Integrated Regional Information Networks IRIN, PlusNews is the largest provider of original and user-friendly reporting on the ...
- PlusNews Global | East Africa | Kenya | KENYA: New survey to ...
- There have been few studies on HIV among MSM in Kenya; a survey of 285 men in Mombasa in 2007 found an HIV prevalence of 43 percent among men who had sex with men exclusively, compared with 12.3 percent among men who had sex with both ...
- PlusNews Global | East Africa | Kenya | KENYA: More education ...
- A study published in a recent edition of the East African Medical Journal found that just 15.8 percent of sexually active Kenyan university students said they used condoms every time they had sex, compared to 22.5 percent who reported ...
Kenya Coat of Arms Shirt
Kenya Marketplace
Kenya Designs on CafePress
I Love Kenya Hooded Sweatshirt
Price: 39.99 
Kenya Women's Long Sleeve Dark T-Shirt
Price: 27.99
Baseball Jersey
Price: 20.39
Kenya Coat of Arms Baseball Jersey
Price: 19.99
100% Kenyan Baseball Jersey
Price: 22.99
Winner: Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award
Books About Kenya for the Whole Family
Kenya ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of Kenya (Country Abcs)
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 11/12/2009)
Mama Panya's Pancakes
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 11/12/2009)
Welcome to Kenya (Spyglass Books)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/12/2009)
Colors of Kenya (Colors of the World)
Amazon Price: $5.95 (as of 11/12/2009)
For You Are a Kenyan Child (Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award)
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 11/12/2009)
What's the Buzz on Tanzania?
Here's What Bloggers are Saying About Tanzania
- 2012info.ca Earth Watch - Landslide – Africa – Tanzania
- 11.11.2009 - 17:22:40 - Landslide event happened in Africa / Tanzania.
- NGO News Africa: Tanzania: Meru NGO Celebrates Decade Of Development
- Posted by NGO News Africa on: Tuesday, November 10, 2009. Arusha ? A Maji Ya Chai-based non-governmental organisation is celebrating 10 years of empowering community groups across Meru District. Tanzania Environmental Development and ...
- NGO News Africa: Tanzania: One Thousand Math Questions
- Tanzania: One Thousand Math Questions. Posted by NGO News Africa on: Tuesday, November 10, 2009. Arusha ? A non governmental organization has produced a booklet that will be distributed to parents and teachers posing "One Thousand Math ...
- East African Jobs and Career Hunting Blog: Chief Internal Auditor ...
- As part of ongoing growth activity in Africa, we now wish to build our team in Tanzania. We are therefore looking to appoint a Chief Internal Auditor to scope, manage and deliver country audits in line with BIA's strategy and ...
Tanzania Heart Shirt
Tanzania Marketplace
Tanzania Designs on CafePress
TEAM TANZANIA WORLD CUP Hooded Sweatshirt
Price: 37.99
TEAM TANZANIA WORLD CUP Women's V-Neck T-Shirt
Price: 18.99
TEAM TANZANIA WORLD CUP Kids Dark T-Shirt
Price: 21.99
Tanzania heart Infant Bodysuit
Price: 14.99
Tanzania heart Bib
Price: 12.99
Blue Ribbon Book
Books About Tanzania for the Whole Family
We All Went on Safari (Travel the World)
Amazon Price: $11.55 (as of 11/11/2009)
Tanzania (Africa)
Amazon Price: $21.95 (as of 11/11/2009)
Welcome To Tanzania (Welcome to My Country)
Amazon Price: $26.60 (as of 11/11/2009)
Fresh Fish: A Tale from Tanzania
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 11/11/2009)
Rehema's Journey: A Visit in Tanzania (Blue Ribbon Book)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/11/2009)
More Ways to Help Asante Africa Foundation
- 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.-
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...
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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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Garnet Buying Guide: A comprehensive guide on various types of Garnets
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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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Ruby Gemstones
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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.&nbs...
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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'
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 11/12/2009)
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 Peaberry Coffee, Whole Bean, 1 Pound Bag
Amazon Price: (as of 11/12/2009)
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.
Asante Africa Foundation on Squidoo
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Asante Africa Foundation - A New Squidoo Charity Partner!
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Asante Africa Foundation believes that every child deserves an education and the opportunity to choose their future, regardless of where they are born. For several years we've maintained a Squidoo presence with the lens, Would You Trade Your...
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Asante Africa Foundation Video Showcase
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Due to a nasty bug, I'm unable to edit portions of this lens. Until the video links are added, please scroll down to the big arrow for the Asante Africa Foundation video library. My apologies for the inconvenience! I'm sure this will be worked...
Asante Sana...
Many Thanks for Your Friendship and Blessings
Spook wrote...
In the end, we come from different worlds. Sometimes it's difficult not to give your heart to Africa. Blessed by an Angel.
Posted October 28, 2009
Kate-Phizackerley wrote...
I'm a passionate supporter of Africa - and Asia to an extent. Thanks for promoting these issues. An Angel's blessing on you.
Posted October 16, 2009
KimGiancaterino wrote...
Happy Birthday Erna... I just donated $46 to Asante Africa Foundation.
Posted October 08, 2009
CherylK wrote...
I'm sorry I didn't see this lens before this. A beautiful lens. I was especially touched by the interview with Chief Ntutu. So knowledgeable, of course, but mostly he seems like a very gentle person. I like him. I'm passing this information on, as well.
Posted October 03, 2009
Squidoo Masterpiece Movement Lens
#1 in Nonprofits & Volunteering, #1 in News
Courtesies
Asante Sana...
Thank You, SquidTeam & Giant Squid Organizers!
Would You Trade Your Daughter For a Cow? received a Purple Star on April 16, 2009.-
Purple Star Recipients
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Purple stars have been the topic of much chit chat for a little while now. And, now they are a reality and the lenses featured here are proof. In the modules of this lens you're going to find the recipients of Squidoo's Purple Stars. These lenses ar...
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 group Headquarters
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Wanderers :: The Travel GroupDo you love to travel? Destinations Tips Inspiration Transportation options Road Trips and more!
Creative Commons License
© 2009 Kim GiancaterinoThis Squidoo Lens by Kim Giancaterino
is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Kenya Photograph by Robert Harding
About the Author
Lensmaster KimGiancaterino, aka Kim Giancaterino, has been a member since October 30 2006, has rated 7,705 lenses, favorited 3,799, and has created 280 lenses from scratch. Kim Giancaterino donates their royalties to Asante Africa Foundation. This member's top-ranked page is "Daylight Saving Time Begins March 14, 2010". See all my lenses
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