Dear Aura's House Donors, Friends, and Supporters,
While watching some of the horrifying imagery of an underwater New Orleans on the news last night, I asked my favorite (and only) husband Michael if it was really all that wise to launch a well project in India and a school project in Zambia for September 1st. He said with a smile, "It's never really a good time to launch a new fundraising project, is it? So you may as well."
And he's right. Overwhelming as the world's problems are, we at Aura's House still believe that one person can make a huge difference and know with certainty that our donors have.
So, without further ado, Ana and I bring you two more ways you can help change the world for the better:
THE INDIA WELL PROJECT
Rituparna Mandal is 11 years old from Khordanahala Village, about 50 miles south of Calcutta, India. Her father is a street vendor, who earns around $33 per month. She and her family live in a two-room house consisting of brick walls, tile roof and a concrete floor. Several times a day she or her mother and younger sister must make the half-mile round trip to draw drinking water from their village well, which is old and in disrepair. The water the family uses for cleaning and bathing is drawn from a nearby pond, but it is often contaminated which leads to stomach-related illnesses. See Photos and learn more. Visit the main India well page here.
THE ZAMBIA SCHOOL PROJECT
In most countries in Africa, only 5% of all girls ever complete secondary school. The numbers are not much better for boys. This is due to many factors, among them the simple fact that most families cannot afford the uniforms and school supplies their children need to attend the free public schools. This project was inspired by 12 year old Hosiana of Rau Village, Tanzania (Zambia's Neighbor) when Kristen volunteered there in June/July 2005. See photos and details of kids who need your help. Visit the main Zambia School page here.
As of September 1, 2005, Aura's House has raised close to $12,000 in a little over a year for needy families. Here's to two new projects that will hopefully continue to show that us little guys can make a big impact..
THANKS as always and Happy September!
Sincerely,
Kristen Palana and Anastasia Yecke
Rituparna and her mother at the pond. Many villagers bathe in the pond, wash clothes and utensils, and also use the same water to cook. Due to regular usage and no maintenance of the pond, the water is often contaminated which leads to stomach-related illnesses. Visit this project.
Our Zambia, Central Africa project aims to raise $30 each to help kids in Zambia get school uniforms, books, and supplies. Many parents in Zambia make under $1 a day and when they cannot afford to buy these items, their children cannot attend school and are denied even a basic primary education. More details.
Children International worked with Kristen to set up this project after she was inspired from her Summer 2005 volunteer experience in Tanzania. Visit this project.
See photos and details of kids who need your help. We will also soon have photos of the kids in their new uniforms and with their supplies. |
Kristen with Irene, Nelson, and Hosiana in Tanzania -July, 2005.
Video1 (Quicktime 5.8 MB)
Video2 (Quicktime 9.1 MB) |
September's Featured Donor:
Connor Boyack, Provo, Utah.
Connor Boyack is from Provo, Utah and read about Aura’s House while searching on Google about projects in Honduras. He writes, “I think it is great what you guys are doing, trying to help out. Ghandi said that "you are the change you wish to see in the world," and I think that people who make an effort, no matter how small, truly show the love of Christ and are attempting to live His words and be an example to others. I served a two year mission in Honduras in 2002 and 2003 in the cities of Tegucigalpa, Talanga, and Juticalpa. I love it down there, the people are so open and friendly and accepting. I could really see what a difference you can make in one family's life just by giving up some of your time and energy to focus on them and make their lives just a little better. I wish you guys luck and congratulate you for the work you are doing!”
Connor in Honduras.
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The Rojas Family's New Home is currently under construction in Honduras. Thanks to our 
