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Column: Feburary 2007

Helping the poorest students in Africa

By Dorothy Dorsay

Middle School principal Linda Hooper, the force behind the famous “Paper Clips Project” was the speaker at the recent Jewish Federation Annual Dinner.

Until she visited South Africa, Hooper said, she thought the children in her rural Tennessee town were very needy. Indeed, seventy percent of them live below the poverty level. But after her trip, she realized that her students, like most American children, at least have choices. Children in Africa have none.

Hooper urged the event attendees to help those in poverty, illiteracy, and illness.

I feel fortunate that my husband Richard and I have already had the opportunity to do this. I would like to invite you to join us.

Since 2003, Richard and I have been gathering financial support for Chamabondo School in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Africa. Heeding the words of Linda Hooper, we are hoping to “Change the World One Class at a Time.”

When Richard and I first visited the Chamabondo School in 2003, we found 1,200 children (grades 1-7) who attended in shifts. Half of the school day, the lessons are given OUTSIDE where the students sit on the dusty earth for their lessons, no tree under which to avoid the sun. At all times, half of the school does their learning outside in heaps of dust and dirt. In the rainy season, 100 children are crowded into each room. While the educational system was desperate, children and teachers were inspired and eager to learn.

In the past three years, many have helped Chamabondo School through their donations of both money and supplies. Now, there are three more classrooms, three roofs for three other classrooms and 360 children sitting on benches at new tables. Thousands of used textbooks have also been shipped to the school.

But the task is not done. More books, writing supplies, and learning materials are needed. We know that a decent education for the Chamabondo children WILL make a difference.

Consider Linda Hooper’s words. She believes “The Paper Clips Project” has been an affirmation of her beliefs that education is absolutely essential to change; everyone must study the past so that we do not forget nor repeat our mistakes.

If you feel inspired, please consider a donation for the students of Chamabondo School in Zimbabwe. The Dorsays cover all administrative costs, so 100 percent of your tax-deductible donation will be directed to the school.

Make your check payable to “One World Children’s Fund” and send it to Richard and Dorothy Dorsay at 2120 Saraglen Drive, Saratoga, CA 95070.Questions can be sent to rdorsay@pacbell.net or ddorsay@pacbell.net or (408-252-2963). Thank you.

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