2020 is coming fast, and it will be a full year. And we desperately need funds. In February, we will start work in a new District, which invited us the first time many years ago. And in the Fall, we aim to teach more classes AND hold a Jamboree!
A whole lot of people are excited that we will begin work in the Kenema District. We already work in the surrounding Districts, so this will fill a gap in MOMS' map. In February, we hope to teach two classes at the same time in adjacent villages. One of the villages is the home of a staffer and a nearby village was the site of an Ebola Virus clinic.
We have known the Kenema District Health Team leadership for many years and have a good relationship with them. Getting to Kenema has mostly been a matter of logistics, and now we are ready!
This map shows the Kenema District (in pink) next to the yellow Kailahun District, where we started our work in 2006. We also work in the Bo District (orange) where our headquarters is located and in the Pujehun District (green). We cover most of the southeast part of the country, home to the Mende people.
And in the Fall of 2020, we hope to teach two classes again, most likely in the Bo or Pujehun Districts. Then we aim to adjourn to Bo City for a Jamboree.
Jamborees are wonderful!
We held our previous Jamborees in our more remote villages, to give them a chance to host a once-in-a-lifetime event. But, now we are aiming for Bo, which is the second largest city in the country. Access is much easier, and we hope more officials and representatives of other non-profits will come.
Jamborees are important for several reasons. Our Health Workers get to meet and renew friendships with their "Sister MOMS" and visit places they would no chance to go. We also provide continuing education and some supplies to everyone at once.
The Health Workers treasure teaching each other from their own experiences and sharing the songs and skits they use in their communities. The Jamborees are a real celebration of the hard work the Health Workers do every day. And we learn a lot from them about their work, their challenges, and their successes.
At the last Jamboree, one of our Leaders told the government officials who joined us, "Watch us and listen. You will hear what we do. MOMS Health Workers save lives. We make a difference!" And our Health Workers put on a glorious show, with plays and songs and dances they created specifically for this event. Those government officials were gob-smacked!
If any of you wish to attend the Jamboree, let us know. As it will be in Bo, hotel arrangements and such will be more comfortable than when we are out in rural villages. Bo has several hotels that cater to Americans and Europeans. Get in touch with us.
We cannot make a teaching trip this Fall, as we wanted. A lack of finances and time conspired to keep us down This has made me very sad -- it breaks my heart -- but I have recommitted to doing the hard work of raising money. Like St Francis and the Buddha, we will beg.
You are rock stars!
You made it possible for us to train 501 MOMS Community Health Workers, who care for thousands of people. You save lives. You helped end the Ebola Virus epidemic and you reduce hunger, violence, and child marriages. Your generosity accomplishes real things in the lives of individuals and communities. And all involved are grateful.
Our Staff are perhaps among the most grateful. Working for MOMS gives them skills that their communities need desperately and provides them with a sense of achievement. One of our trainers says, "MOMS changed my whole life. I am so proud of my work and MOMS work."
You can still help!
MOMS' work is ongoing; our progress is genuine and important, and it is not a magic bullet. So fundraising is ongoing, as well. To reach more areas, like the Kenema District, and the Kono District and the Bonthe District, we need to safely field a team of trainers. While our local trainers are capable, they still lack credibility. Only time will solve that problem, time spent in continued conversations with decision-makers at all levels in many regions.
What it takes to save lives and educate women
An international teaching team requires about $15,000 to certify 70 new MOMS Community Health Workers. This includes international travel, food, housing, the rental of a 4WD vehicle, and support staff to function effectively and safely. So, in a "simple" trip, it costs about $220 to certify a MOMS CHW.
And of course, we have ongoing expenses to satisfy the requirements of the Government of Sierra Leone and conduct our other work in schools and communities. Including our other work...the Leadership Council, schooling for at-risk teens, events at community centers to teach teens, staff development...our annual budget is about $55,000. So, for the price of a nice car in the US, we educate 140 women, conduct continuing education for them, operate the Leadership Council, reach hundreds of teens, provide housing and a high-school education for four teens, train our training staff, and provide two staff with an adequate living.
What your gifts accomplish
As a result of a year's work, those 140 health workers have a voice in their communities and more effective hands. Hundreds of girls will learn about the importance of education and family planning as a key to getting an education. Our Leadership Council will set strategy and solve problems, Our staff will learn and grow. And women in our villages will survive and thrive.
So please give. And ask your friends to give. Send the link to the
brochure Drew so carefully made. Send your friends this newsletter; tell them to ask us questions -- we're glad to answer them.
If you go to the
Give! page on our website, you can find links to PayPal, Stripe, CarEasy, Amazon Wishlist, and more....
Lives depend on you.
Thank you so much.
Trish Ross and Chris McManus
