Orphans Africa » OA News

Pacific Northwest Writers to the Rescue!

MicheleTorrey — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:56:14 +0000

Not long ago, I asked my local writing community to help Orphans Africa by donating books to OA’s first gala dinner and auction. Two days after I broadcast my plea, I received some beautiful autographed books. But that was only the beginning. Over the next few weeks, autographed books flooded into my local post office, eliciting raised eyebrows from the postmaster as I walked out each day, arms piled high. Picture books, novels for children and adults, self-help books, inspirational books, chapter books for young readers . . . the writers of the Pacific Northwest sent their very best. Their generosity literally brought me to tears.

So this is my official group hug. To each of you who gave, thank you and God bless you. And for those of you who attended the auction and purchased book baskets, wow! We raised over $17,000 at our auction, enough to nearly complete a kitchen and dining hall at our nursery and primary boarding school for orphans! Even now, our official group hug is reaching across the ocean to embrace children who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance at a quality education. It is essential to their well-being to know that people care about them.

The following authors generously donated books. As an extended group hug, I invite you to visit their websites, peek around, and post your accolades and appreciation. They deserve it.

Kobbie Alamo

Andrea Torrey Balsara

Anjali Banerjee

Carole Stevens Bibisi

Heather Vogel Frederick

Craig Orback (illustrator)

Terry Persun

Colleen Reece

Joni Sensel

Welcome to our new accountant!

MicheleTorrey — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 22:58:41 +0000

All of us here at OA extend a hearty welcome to Ashley Bowden, our newest staff member. She will be volunteering as the accountant for Orphans Africa. Ashley graduated Western Washington University with a Bachelors of Arts in Accounting and a Minor is Business Administration. Ever since she can remember she has always wanted to help with orphans in other countries and is excited to be a part of Orphans Africa. Ashley has traveled to over 15 countries and finds experiencing other cultures rewarding. After studying abroad twice, Ashley understands the challenges of working with other cultures. She looks forward to growing in her career with Orphans Africa and assisting with the financial areas of the organization.

Welcome to the team, Ashley!

Hot Off the Presses! OA 2009 FINANCIAL REPORT

MicheleTorrey — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:11:11 +0000

Ever wonder how well charities manage your hard-earned donations? With OA, the answer is astounding. Over 93% of all expenditures in 2009 went to fund our programs in Tanzania. (This is compared to the industry average of 70-80%.) Yup – OA is one lean, mean philanthropic machine and our 2009 Financial Report proves it. Click here to read the full report.

OA Students Passed National Exam!

MicheleTorrey — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:13:24 +0000

We were delighted to receive news from our OA employee, Wilfred, that all of the students in Standard Four at the Marilynn Primary School passed their National Exams! Yippee!!! Now they can all progress into Standard Five. And here’s the cherry on the cake: our school scored the FOURTH BEST in the Ilala District; fourth best out of more than 100 schools! Wow!!

Standard Four students taking their National Examination