Empowerment and Education Equal Opportunities

The People's Foundation for Sierra Leone is a non-profit organization that was established in 2009 with the primary aims of providing mentoring and counselling services to youth who are struggling with issues such as sexual abuse and HIV/AIDS, enabling them to rise above adversity and pursue their dreams through university education. We sponsored 4 students last year, and with the funds we have raised this year, we will be sending those 4 students back to their 2nd year of studies, as well as enabling 4 new students to start their dreams. Follow our work over the next 4 months as our director Krissi Bucholtz travels back to Sierra Leone to carry out the programs. For more information about our organization, please check our new website.

Monday, July 19, 2010

A Dream to make a Difference!

Hey all,

Life is beautiful and God is good as I enter into my final 2 and a half weeks in this amazing country. Just wanted to give you a brief update. I am still working on the Manual for the mentoring programs, and should have it finished this week. On Friday, I made up our first ever scholarship application forms and distributed them, and I am THRILLED to tell you that we will be interviewing the first 4 applicants EVER for this program on this Wednesday, July 21. I am so amazed and excited that everything came together in time for us to carry out these interviews this week! I am anticipating an exciting time of encouragement, inspiration, and sharing to take place on Wednesday, and I will be sure to update you all with the names of those who have received the scholarships as soon as the final decisions are made. It is simply incredible to think that a dream that began so small could actually take place, become a reality, and really make a difference in the lives of these youth. I wish I could express to you the raw emotion and joy that I saw on these 4 youth's faces when I told them they were to be given an interview for the scholarships on Wednesday. I have never felt so humbled or grateful...it seems impossible that such a relatively small amount of money for those of us in North America, only $4000, could mean so much to 4 youth in Sierra Leone.

We haven't even awarded them the scholarships yet, have only mentioned that they have the opportunity to come for an interview...yet it is as if I have taken the moon down from the sky, wrapped it up, and given it to them as a present. The way their faces broke out into smiles when I told them the time for their interviews is not even something I can express in words...it is a constant reminder of how God continues to humble me and remind me that the work we are doing here is HIS work, and is beyond what is possible for man...who would have thought that such a small thing could bring such incredibly great joy? That is the wonder of our God. I am encouraged and truly inspired to work even harder fundraising once I return to Canada, so that the youth we select this year can continue going to school next year, and we can send even more youth to university. Never underestimate the power of education...it is something many of us in North America and Europe take for granted, but something that literally changes the lives and future of people here in Sierra Leone. And never underestimate the power of our God...impossible things are made possible through Him! I am so thrilled to have been granted the opportunity to do this work, and I sincerely hope that I can continue maintaining my connection with my family and friends here and working in this beautiful community,country and continent for as long as I live, God willing! What a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow, and to recognize that the whole world is one family. Thanks for your love and support, and I will be sure to update the blog on Wednesday or Thursday, as soon as we know who has been awarded the scholarships!

Much love,
Krissi
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