WHAT: Benefit dinner to support education projects in Africa. Get an update on projects and learn what can be done in Africa with a little help. The projects focus on teaching villagers low-cost and eco-friendly methods of building schools and how to make the schools self-sufficient while serving the needs of rural villages. This year's projects include finishing one school and starting another in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both schools will have capacity for 1000 students in grades 1 - 12 and a technical school with workshops and computer lab. Highly unusual for DRC, the country with the second worst economic decline in recent years and struggling to recover from years of dictatorship, followed by a recent democratic election (their first in 40 years). This success is due largely to our many friends in the Frederick area who have been supporting the projects since 1995.
Mike Tidwell will be a special guest. Mike was a Peace Corps volunteer in the Congo, teaching farmers how to build fish ponds (See his book: The Ponds of Kalambayi). Mike is also is founder and director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. He has authored other books with 5 star ratings on Amazon.com and writes for the Washington Post. His varied talents are a perfect match to many friends of Able And Willing.
Norris Tweah, an Able & Willing board member from Liberia will also share stories. Mr. Tweah has just received a one year Ed Scott Fellowship to work in Liberia.
MENU: Muhongo (cassava), Epinards (spinach), Viazi (sweet potatoes), Pepe Soup (beef stew) Pilipili (hot sauce) and dishes with chicken, beef, fish, and other delectables. WHERE: Way Station, Inc. – 230 W. Patrick St. – Frederick, MD 21701 Google map WHEN: Sunday, May 20, 2007. Serving anytime between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. SPONSOR: Able And Willing International Education Foundation, a non-profit, 501(c)(3), non-denominational, all volunteer run organization with headquarters in Frederick, Maryland http://www.AbleAndWilling.org 301-685-3282 COST: voluntary contributions (Suggested donation $35)