Children in Zimbabwe Hardest Hit By Faltering Economy
By Lisa Schlein Geneva26 June 2007
Schlein report (mp3) - Download 598k Listen to Schlein report (mp3)
The U.N. Children's Fund says it is very concerned by the rapidly deteriorating condition of children and women in Zimbabwe. UNICEF says it needs more than $6 million immediately to address the urgent needs of children in the areas of health, education, and protection. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from Geneva.
The U.N. Children's Fund says the country has entered a new phase of hardship.
With the official inflation rate more than 4,000 percent, UNICEF spokesman in Zimbabwe, James Elder, says the cost of essential goods and services has spiraled out of control.
"A bread has increased from about 8,000 Zimbabwe dollars to around 42,000 Zimbabwe dollars in a fortnight," Elder said. "Now that kind of four, 500 percent increase is taking the real basics out of the reach of moms and dads, much less things like keeping kids in school and keeping them with books and uniforms. So, unfortunately, inflation is really spiked the last few weeks in an environment where people were already finding it very difficult to buffer this falling economy. I think it has just made it ever more difficult."
Elder tells VOA Zimbabwe has two competing emergencies. He says the country is suffering from drought, resulting in serious food shortages. But, he says, the even if a food shortage did not exist, the economic crisis is making it difficult for families to afford basics needs.
Despite the challenges, he says Zimbabwe has been able to maintain its level of acute malnutrition at around six percent. He says this is below emergency levels where children might die.
But Elder says chronic malnutrition, which results in physical and mental disabilities has reached 30 percent, a level not seen for 20 years. He says orphans and HIV are the greatest issues in the country.
"The country has one in four children who are orphaned," Elder said. "That is one-in-four-children who has lost a parent, who have to deal with the psychological trauma of that. And, at the same time, have to deal with the fact that they no longer have someone to provide for them. Maybe they have to live in someone else's house. Maybe they now do not get the three meals a day. They get pulled out of school. A kind of endless stream of traumas that hit a young child immediately after losing a parent."
Elder says Zimbabwe has the fourth-highest rate of HIV in the world. He notes the country has wracked up some success in reducing that rate. But, because of lack of funding, he says UNICEF can no longer carry on with its prevention work.
UNICEF reports more than half of all new infections occur among young people, especially girls. As a result, it says life expectancy in Zimbabwe has dropped from 61 years during the early 1990s to 34 years.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Samantha Young- a very young "grandmother"
Samantha Young is a finalist in the Me to We Awards given by Canadian Living magazine. She has been working hard to raise awareness and money for the 'Grandmothers to Grandmothers' campaign. If she wins, her prize money of $5000.00 would go to the grandmothers. Wow!!
Let's make it happen! Vote at www.metoweawards.com before July19.
Samantha Young
Helping orphans in Africa enriches home town
Alliston, Ontario
Samantha Young, 11 years old, wants to be a part of the 'Grandmothers to Grandmothers' campaign, which is supported by the Stephen Lewis Foundation. When asked why, Samantha said, "The disease (AIDS) is spreading in Africa and all the parents are dying and the grandmothers have to care for the children and the grandmothers are getting sick and then, who will care for the children?"
Samantha got an idea. A local grandmothers' group had just formed and Samantha made wooden bead bracelets. Monies gathered from the sale of bracelets made by Samantha would be passed to the group, who would pass it on to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, for use by the African grandmothers for the children in their care. Giving money to the local grandmothers was important to Samantha. It would strengthen the bond between children and grandmothers in both communities. Samantha said, "We have a lot, they don't have much, we could help the grandmothers take care of the kids. The grandmothers could use the money for medicine, food, clothes and school."
Samantha's commitment led to action. First, at her fall birthday, friends gave monies rather than gifts and this was donated to the 'Grandmothers to Grandmothers' campaign. Samantha's friends were not surprised. Since the age of 7, Samantha's 'birthday presents' have helped The Humane Society, World Vision, and the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.
In the school Public Speaking Contest Samantha talked to her Grade 6 classmates about the suffering in Africa and as a result, two months later, Samantha's classmates voted to send a portion of funds earned from their Entrepreneurial Fair to the campaign.
Samantha continued to make bracelets. These bracelets, bearing a tag with a reminder about the African grandmothers, have been sold at a Valentine Tea and Bake Sale, a Bridge Luncheon, an Awareness Raising Event and local businesses in her home town. In less than 6 months Samantha has contributed over $1000.00 to the 'Grandmothers to Grandmothers' campaign.
Samantha's words are modest, "Anyone can help, if they want to."
Let's make it happen! Vote at www.metoweawards.com before July19.
Samantha Young
Helping orphans in Africa enriches home town
Alliston, Ontario
Samantha Young, 11 years old, wants to be a part of the 'Grandmothers to Grandmothers' campaign, which is supported by the Stephen Lewis Foundation. When asked why, Samantha said, "The disease (AIDS) is spreading in Africa and all the parents are dying and the grandmothers have to care for the children and the grandmothers are getting sick and then, who will care for the children?"
Samantha got an idea. A local grandmothers' group had just formed and Samantha made wooden bead bracelets. Monies gathered from the sale of bracelets made by Samantha would be passed to the group, who would pass it on to the Stephen Lewis Foundation, for use by the African grandmothers for the children in their care. Giving money to the local grandmothers was important to Samantha. It would strengthen the bond between children and grandmothers in both communities. Samantha said, "We have a lot, they don't have much, we could help the grandmothers take care of the kids. The grandmothers could use the money for medicine, food, clothes and school."
Samantha's commitment led to action. First, at her fall birthday, friends gave monies rather than gifts and this was donated to the 'Grandmothers to Grandmothers' campaign. Samantha's friends were not surprised. Since the age of 7, Samantha's 'birthday presents' have helped The Humane Society, World Vision, and the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.
In the school Public Speaking Contest Samantha talked to her Grade 6 classmates about the suffering in Africa and as a result, two months later, Samantha's classmates voted to send a portion of funds earned from their Entrepreneurial Fair to the campaign.
Samantha continued to make bracelets. These bracelets, bearing a tag with a reminder about the African grandmothers, have been sold at a Valentine Tea and Bake Sale, a Bridge Luncheon, an Awareness Raising Event and local businesses in her home town. In less than 6 months Samantha has contributed over $1000.00 to the 'Grandmothers to Grandmothers' campaign.
Samantha's words are modest, "Anyone can help, if they want to."
Monday, June 18, 2007
Message from Ilana at SLF
Dear Galvanized Grandmothers!!
This message from Ilana contains the following subject matters ? PLEASE SEND IT FAR AND WIDE TO THOSE IN YOUR GRANNY NETWORKS:
1) Grandmother infrastructure at the SLF in Toronto
2) October 18th launch of the SLF film on women and AIDS in Africa.
3) SLF grandmother team going to Africa
4) Grandmother speakers? bureau training in Toronto
5) Selling African crafts ? a proposal
6) Advocacy update ? I?ll write about this in the next missive, so that this isn?t so long?
7) September 8th march on Parliament Hill ? again, I?ll write in a day or two about this..
This is really an email with exciting new developments and thoughts that I would like to share with you and to spark a ?conversation? with all of the grandmothers across the country who are in groups and doing remarkable work to raise awareness, focus attention and raise desperately needed funds to support the grandmothers of Africa in the midst of the AIDS pandemic and the children in their care!
All of this is open for discussion ? so I?m hoping that you will all discuss and debate the merits of each proposal and get back to me with your thoughts and insights!
Warmly,
Ilana
1) Grandmothers infrastructure in Toronto
For some time now, the SLF staff in Toronto have been telling you that we are (happily) inundated with emails and phone calls from all of you out there across the country in grandmother groups! We are receiving approximately 300 emails a day and on average 30 phone calls a day, and it?s a wonderful challenge!
While we?ve been busily attending to this amazing avalanche, we have also been strategizing around managing it ever-better and being in the position to ?service? your needs (insofar as we are being asked to) properly.
SO PLEASE NOTE:
a) Julie had an unfortunate family emergency two weeks ago, as many of you know, and will not be back in the office for two weeks. We are wishing her well and looking forward to her return! (this explains the delay in the Newsletter you got this morning)
b) Melva Snowling, a grandmother (of one, and about to be two children!), is volunteering with the Foundation for the next few months 4 days a week. Melva is an extraordinarily experienced woman (with years of organizing, policy, public administration work, also former Chair of the Niagra Regional Police Board) experience, who, in a calm and comprehensive way is tackling our database and taking over ALL of the EVENT-related communication with all of you and follow-up. This is going to make a huge difference, and we?re so excited to have Melva with us!
c) Mary Anna Beer continues to be our deeply valued colleague - Advisor to the Grandmothers? Campaign, and I know she is in touch with many of you for the SLF and has been traveling extensively around the country meeting with groups, doing presentations on the work we are doing, the difference you are all making in the lives of the grandmothers and children for whom you are fundraising/awareness raising, and talking through any issues/ideas/questions you might have about the Campaign, the SLF, and the work at the grassroots with grandmothers and their grandchildren in Africa
d) Tinyan Otuomagie has joined us (on Wednesday of this week) to assist with all-things Grandmother in Toronto. She?ll be working in the office full-time, assisting us with all aspects of the Campaign, and all of the upcoming initiatives which we?ll be working on with you. Tinyan will be working hand-in-glove with Julie to facilitate your amazing work from our end, and help us speed up the response time, and the substance of our engagement with all of you! Tinyan has much experience working with diverse communities, working with AWID (the Association for Women?s Rights in Development), and runs her own business doing life-skills coaching/workshop facilitation/training, etc. ? she is a gifted and welcome addition to the team!
e) Joanne Page, Marsha Slivka and Marie Marsellus are all volunteering at the moment to be in touch with each and every group to update your contact information, and touch base. You will be hearing from them (if you haven?t already) in the next couple of weeks. We have a host of other volunteers, and are we are so deeply grateful for the contribution they are all making to the work!!
SO ? things are chugging along, and we are soon (once we?ve all got up to speed!) going to be in a position to answer your emails and phone calls and needs around events (tax receipting, materials, speakers, etc.) that much faster and more substantially. It?s a very exciting time, and we can?t thank you enough for your patience, contribution and support. Most meaningful of all, of course, is your continued support to the African grandmothers ? who are, for their part, organizing with increasing determination and effectiveness, to meet their needs, have a voice that is heard, and care for their families and the children in their care.
2) October 18th launch of the SLF Women and AIDS film in Vancouver
We are going to do another donor appreciation event in October in Vancouver, much like the one recently held in Toronto in May. This is an opportunity to appreciate and share with those who have contributed so meaningfully to the Foundation?s work supporting groups in Africa: grandmothers? groups, community event organizers, etc. etc.
We are going to bring a group of African grandmothers from projects we support to continue the dialogue about their experience of the pandemic and the work they are doing to deal with its effects. We are also going to bring a small group of powerful women who are AIDS activists and whose work the Foundation is supporting. They will speak in a discussion with Stephen after the film. We?re still looking into the venue, and will report to you as things are firmed up.
After the 18th, the grandmothers and women advocates will stay in British Columbia (and perhaps 2 will travel to another city) for 3-4 days to meet with grandmothers groups in the province.
PLEASE NOTE: as we did with the groups in the 5 cities where the African grannies visited in May, we are asking the B.C. groups to talk to one another and tell us what you decide about where the grandmothers should go (we?re hoping to bring 6-8 of them, so they can visit 3-4 places in B.C. ? they will travel in groups of 2).
As with the visits in May ? we will leave it up to the grandmothers? groups in B.C. to organize the events and encounters that they think are important and meaningful within your communities (the Bulletin we sent this morning will give you a sense of what the other grandmother groups around the country did in May!). Part of what was so meaningful in May for the African grandmothers, was the experience of staying with the Canadian grandmothers in their homes. We?re hoping to do the same thing, and to billet the SLF staff who will travel with them as well. This was an unexpected highlight of the visits ? the intimacy and excitement that everyone experienced staying together under one roof ? it definitely awed the African grandmothers, and the hospitality they experienced touched them deeply.
More on this to come!!
3) SLF Grandmother team going to Africa
Well, the time has finally come! We have listened to many of you carefully, and then to the African grandmothers who came in May ? who invited grandmothers from Canada to visit ? with facilitation by the Foundation.
We have been talking to the projects we support on an ongoing basis, about letter-writing and visits from Canadian grandmothers.
The projects and grandmothers have been consistent ? as we?ve often discussed ? the letter-writing is excessively challenging for many (most) of the grandmothers, since they don?t have access to paper, stamps and post offices are far away, and many cannot read nor write themselves, and need assistance from over-extended project coordinators. Additionally, there is the anxiety that has been expressed by many with whom we?re in touch that the grandmothers feel obliged to answer correspondence, and are worried that the support they get will be compromised if they do not ? an entirely unintended ?side-effect? of letter-writing, but one that makes it uncomfortable. There are some groups (like the Gogos in South Africa, as Brenda Rooney?s film shows) who do feel able to participate in this exchange, but generally, we have heard from projects (and I?m putting together a bulletin with their responses so you, too, can hear from them directly) ? that it is not something they can take on with all that they are struggling with already. In terms of visits ? most of the projects have written and told us that they find it very difficult to manage visits from well-wishers and supporters. They are stretched thin already, they know how much acclimatizing has to happen and they don?t have the resources to ?guide? people through the terrain, the upset of bearing witness to what is happening ?on the ground?, and the hosting of visitors generally.
Having said this, some of the projects did indicate that if a visit was carefully and thoughtfully facilitated, it could be mutually beneficial and reinforcing.
We are in consultation with some of the projects we support who are working with grandmothers at the grassroots in the 14 countries where we support initiatives.
The idea is to take a group of 12 grandmothers from Canada to two countries in Africa to visit projects supporting grandmothers (and the children in their care) to see what is happening first-hand ? to see the effects of the AIDS pandemic first-hand, the resilience and courage of the grandmothers? response, the effectiveness and thoughtfulness of the projects working with them, their needs, etc.
This idea is still in its infancy. Here is what I?m thinking, and I?d like to discuss it with all of you!
1) setting this up thoughtfully and so that our African partners are involved properly and significantly
2) setting up a ?system? here for identifying who will go from Canada ? right now, I?m thinking that each of the ?hubs? of granny groups will ?nominate? 2 women to represent their collective groups; it will also be open to everyone (nominated or not ? AND those nominated) ? to ?apply? with an application ? so that if you didn?t get nominated you still have the opportunity to go; the application will just be a one pager on why you want to go, etc.; then a Committee of SLF staff and representatives from grandmother groups will be struck and we will altogether make the decision about who goes ? together; each grandmother who goes will have to make a commitment to return and work with grandmothers groups to raise awareness and funds ? in order to ensure that the experience of those who go comes back to the groups here in a meaningful and on-going way
3) I?m thinking that if all of you start a ?mini-campaign? to raise Aeroplan miles, (since Aeroplan will allow people to donate points to the SLF for our use!) ? and then we could send all 12 of you to Africa on points ? which would be wonderful!!!! If those grandmothers who go could cover their costs in-country (and perhaps the groups can fundraise to make this possible!)
4) We will arrange the visits to projects, the air travel (with points that you?ll raise?!), the logistics within Africa (though we?d need each participant to pay their own way for expenses there).
5) We would do a full orientation/briefing for those of you going, of course and you would be accompanied on your trip by SLF representatives.
6) WHEN would we do this? In the new year ? which will give us all time ? to identify participants, raise points, to raise/save funds, to organize the trip, speak to the projects and grandmothers in Africa, renew passports (!) and get Visas
SO ? WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK?!
4) Speakers? Bureau/training/orientation
I am interested to hear from you if you think this is a good idea! Mary Anna Beer has been traveling, as many of you know, visiting grandmothers? groups around the country and doing presentations/giving talks/sharing information, etc. Recently, Mary Anna did a kind of ?training? with a group to share with them how she does her presentations, the issues that she discusses, how the Foundation works, etc. It was a very instructive meeting, and the group started to feel that they, too, could start speaking to others about the situation in Africa, what the grandmothers are dealing with there, what the SLF is doing with its support and the funds raised by grandmothers in Canada, etc.
We are thinking of offering something similar to those of you who are interested in becoming ?spokeswomen? with your group and your community and OTHER grandmothers? groups. Are there some of you who would like to do this? Is it a good idea? It could be a one day ?training? in a couple of cities, or several of you coming to Toronto ? it?s open for discussion and we?re interested to hear from you whether or not there are more of you who would be interested.
5) Selling African Crafts
Increasingly, groups of you around the country are asking us about selling African crafts made by grandmothers from projects we support. Of course, the Foundation is not set up to do this ? and it can get incredibly complicated.
So ? this idea is a little off the wall, perhaps, but I was wondering if there are some of you out there who might want to consider starting some kind of online ?store? ? you could use the projects we fund ? the grandmothers whom we know in projects who are making crafts (like the adorable Little Traveler pins from Hillcrest in South Africa) ? but we would leave it to the ?experts? amongst you to figure out how to bring the crafts here, to make sure they?re ?fair trade? (that the grandmothers are being compensated fairly, for instance), and how to sell them and manage the ?business?. This is not something that the SLF can be involved in, since we don?t have the capacity, the expertise or the mandate. But I just wanted to see if some of you might be interested in thinking about it. I can think of all sorts of challenges ? what if some ?products? sell and some don?t ? then one group of grandmothers in a project would benefit and others wouldn?t (which would be pretty heartbreaking). One group of grandmothers I talked to about this suggested that a general ?pot of profit? be generated and funneled through the Foundation so that we could disburse the funds to ALL the projects supporting grandmothers. These kinds of things would have to be thought through. This is for your thoughts, insights, feedback?
Much to talk about and much to anticipate!
Thank you for reading this long missive? I look forward to being in touch!
Warmly,
Ilana
This message from Ilana contains the following subject matters ? PLEASE SEND IT FAR AND WIDE TO THOSE IN YOUR GRANNY NETWORKS:
1) Grandmother infrastructure at the SLF in Toronto
2) October 18th launch of the SLF film on women and AIDS in Africa.
3) SLF grandmother team going to Africa
4) Grandmother speakers? bureau training in Toronto
5) Selling African crafts ? a proposal
6) Advocacy update ? I?ll write about this in the next missive, so that this isn?t so long?
7) September 8th march on Parliament Hill ? again, I?ll write in a day or two about this..
This is really an email with exciting new developments and thoughts that I would like to share with you and to spark a ?conversation? with all of the grandmothers across the country who are in groups and doing remarkable work to raise awareness, focus attention and raise desperately needed funds to support the grandmothers of Africa in the midst of the AIDS pandemic and the children in their care!
All of this is open for discussion ? so I?m hoping that you will all discuss and debate the merits of each proposal and get back to me with your thoughts and insights!
Warmly,
Ilana
1) Grandmothers infrastructure in Toronto
For some time now, the SLF staff in Toronto have been telling you that we are (happily) inundated with emails and phone calls from all of you out there across the country in grandmother groups! We are receiving approximately 300 emails a day and on average 30 phone calls a day, and it?s a wonderful challenge!
While we?ve been busily attending to this amazing avalanche, we have also been strategizing around managing it ever-better and being in the position to ?service? your needs (insofar as we are being asked to) properly.
SO PLEASE NOTE:
a) Julie had an unfortunate family emergency two weeks ago, as many of you know, and will not be back in the office for two weeks. We are wishing her well and looking forward to her return! (this explains the delay in the Newsletter you got this morning)
b) Melva Snowling, a grandmother (of one, and about to be two children!), is volunteering with the Foundation for the next few months 4 days a week. Melva is an extraordinarily experienced woman (with years of organizing, policy, public administration work, also former Chair of the Niagra Regional Police Board) experience, who, in a calm and comprehensive way is tackling our database and taking over ALL of the EVENT-related communication with all of you and follow-up. This is going to make a huge difference, and we?re so excited to have Melva with us!
c) Mary Anna Beer continues to be our deeply valued colleague - Advisor to the Grandmothers? Campaign, and I know she is in touch with many of you for the SLF and has been traveling extensively around the country meeting with groups, doing presentations on the work we are doing, the difference you are all making in the lives of the grandmothers and children for whom you are fundraising/awareness raising, and talking through any issues/ideas/questions you might have about the Campaign, the SLF, and the work at the grassroots with grandmothers and their grandchildren in Africa
d) Tinyan Otuomagie has joined us (on Wednesday of this week) to assist with all-things Grandmother in Toronto. She?ll be working in the office full-time, assisting us with all aspects of the Campaign, and all of the upcoming initiatives which we?ll be working on with you. Tinyan will be working hand-in-glove with Julie to facilitate your amazing work from our end, and help us speed up the response time, and the substance of our engagement with all of you! Tinyan has much experience working with diverse communities, working with AWID (the Association for Women?s Rights in Development), and runs her own business doing life-skills coaching/workshop facilitation/training, etc. ? she is a gifted and welcome addition to the team!
e) Joanne Page, Marsha Slivka and Marie Marsellus are all volunteering at the moment to be in touch with each and every group to update your contact information, and touch base. You will be hearing from them (if you haven?t already) in the next couple of weeks. We have a host of other volunteers, and are we are so deeply grateful for the contribution they are all making to the work!!
SO ? things are chugging along, and we are soon (once we?ve all got up to speed!) going to be in a position to answer your emails and phone calls and needs around events (tax receipting, materials, speakers, etc.) that much faster and more substantially. It?s a very exciting time, and we can?t thank you enough for your patience, contribution and support. Most meaningful of all, of course, is your continued support to the African grandmothers ? who are, for their part, organizing with increasing determination and effectiveness, to meet their needs, have a voice that is heard, and care for their families and the children in their care.
2) October 18th launch of the SLF Women and AIDS film in Vancouver
We are going to do another donor appreciation event in October in Vancouver, much like the one recently held in Toronto in May. This is an opportunity to appreciate and share with those who have contributed so meaningfully to the Foundation?s work supporting groups in Africa: grandmothers? groups, community event organizers, etc. etc.
We are going to bring a group of African grandmothers from projects we support to continue the dialogue about their experience of the pandemic and the work they are doing to deal with its effects. We are also going to bring a small group of powerful women who are AIDS activists and whose work the Foundation is supporting. They will speak in a discussion with Stephen after the film. We?re still looking into the venue, and will report to you as things are firmed up.
After the 18th, the grandmothers and women advocates will stay in British Columbia (and perhaps 2 will travel to another city) for 3-4 days to meet with grandmothers groups in the province.
PLEASE NOTE: as we did with the groups in the 5 cities where the African grannies visited in May, we are asking the B.C. groups to talk to one another and tell us what you decide about where the grandmothers should go (we?re hoping to bring 6-8 of them, so they can visit 3-4 places in B.C. ? they will travel in groups of 2).
As with the visits in May ? we will leave it up to the grandmothers? groups in B.C. to organize the events and encounters that they think are important and meaningful within your communities (the Bulletin we sent this morning will give you a sense of what the other grandmother groups around the country did in May!). Part of what was so meaningful in May for the African grandmothers, was the experience of staying with the Canadian grandmothers in their homes. We?re hoping to do the same thing, and to billet the SLF staff who will travel with them as well. This was an unexpected highlight of the visits ? the intimacy and excitement that everyone experienced staying together under one roof ? it definitely awed the African grandmothers, and the hospitality they experienced touched them deeply.
More on this to come!!
3) SLF Grandmother team going to Africa
Well, the time has finally come! We have listened to many of you carefully, and then to the African grandmothers who came in May ? who invited grandmothers from Canada to visit ? with facilitation by the Foundation.
We have been talking to the projects we support on an ongoing basis, about letter-writing and visits from Canadian grandmothers.
The projects and grandmothers have been consistent ? as we?ve often discussed ? the letter-writing is excessively challenging for many (most) of the grandmothers, since they don?t have access to paper, stamps and post offices are far away, and many cannot read nor write themselves, and need assistance from over-extended project coordinators. Additionally, there is the anxiety that has been expressed by many with whom we?re in touch that the grandmothers feel obliged to answer correspondence, and are worried that the support they get will be compromised if they do not ? an entirely unintended ?side-effect? of letter-writing, but one that makes it uncomfortable. There are some groups (like the Gogos in South Africa, as Brenda Rooney?s film shows) who do feel able to participate in this exchange, but generally, we have heard from projects (and I?m putting together a bulletin with their responses so you, too, can hear from them directly) ? that it is not something they can take on with all that they are struggling with already. In terms of visits ? most of the projects have written and told us that they find it very difficult to manage visits from well-wishers and supporters. They are stretched thin already, they know how much acclimatizing has to happen and they don?t have the resources to ?guide? people through the terrain, the upset of bearing witness to what is happening ?on the ground?, and the hosting of visitors generally.
Having said this, some of the projects did indicate that if a visit was carefully and thoughtfully facilitated, it could be mutually beneficial and reinforcing.
We are in consultation with some of the projects we support who are working with grandmothers at the grassroots in the 14 countries where we support initiatives.
The idea is to take a group of 12 grandmothers from Canada to two countries in Africa to visit projects supporting grandmothers (and the children in their care) to see what is happening first-hand ? to see the effects of the AIDS pandemic first-hand, the resilience and courage of the grandmothers? response, the effectiveness and thoughtfulness of the projects working with them, their needs, etc.
This idea is still in its infancy. Here is what I?m thinking, and I?d like to discuss it with all of you!
1) setting this up thoughtfully and so that our African partners are involved properly and significantly
2) setting up a ?system? here for identifying who will go from Canada ? right now, I?m thinking that each of the ?hubs? of granny groups will ?nominate? 2 women to represent their collective groups; it will also be open to everyone (nominated or not ? AND those nominated) ? to ?apply? with an application ? so that if you didn?t get nominated you still have the opportunity to go; the application will just be a one pager on why you want to go, etc.; then a Committee of SLF staff and representatives from grandmother groups will be struck and we will altogether make the decision about who goes ? together; each grandmother who goes will have to make a commitment to return and work with grandmothers groups to raise awareness and funds ? in order to ensure that the experience of those who go comes back to the groups here in a meaningful and on-going way
3) I?m thinking that if all of you start a ?mini-campaign? to raise Aeroplan miles, (since Aeroplan will allow people to donate points to the SLF for our use!) ? and then we could send all 12 of you to Africa on points ? which would be wonderful!!!! If those grandmothers who go could cover their costs in-country (and perhaps the groups can fundraise to make this possible!)
4) We will arrange the visits to projects, the air travel (with points that you?ll raise?!), the logistics within Africa (though we?d need each participant to pay their own way for expenses there).
5) We would do a full orientation/briefing for those of you going, of course and you would be accompanied on your trip by SLF representatives.
6) WHEN would we do this? In the new year ? which will give us all time ? to identify participants, raise points, to raise/save funds, to organize the trip, speak to the projects and grandmothers in Africa, renew passports (!) and get Visas
SO ? WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK?!
4) Speakers? Bureau/training/orientation
I am interested to hear from you if you think this is a good idea! Mary Anna Beer has been traveling, as many of you know, visiting grandmothers? groups around the country and doing presentations/giving talks/sharing information, etc. Recently, Mary Anna did a kind of ?training? with a group to share with them how she does her presentations, the issues that she discusses, how the Foundation works, etc. It was a very instructive meeting, and the group started to feel that they, too, could start speaking to others about the situation in Africa, what the grandmothers are dealing with there, what the SLF is doing with its support and the funds raised by grandmothers in Canada, etc.
We are thinking of offering something similar to those of you who are interested in becoming ?spokeswomen? with your group and your community and OTHER grandmothers? groups. Are there some of you who would like to do this? Is it a good idea? It could be a one day ?training? in a couple of cities, or several of you coming to Toronto ? it?s open for discussion and we?re interested to hear from you whether or not there are more of you who would be interested.
5) Selling African Crafts
Increasingly, groups of you around the country are asking us about selling African crafts made by grandmothers from projects we support. Of course, the Foundation is not set up to do this ? and it can get incredibly complicated.
So ? this idea is a little off the wall, perhaps, but I was wondering if there are some of you out there who might want to consider starting some kind of online ?store? ? you could use the projects we fund ? the grandmothers whom we know in projects who are making crafts (like the adorable Little Traveler pins from Hillcrest in South Africa) ? but we would leave it to the ?experts? amongst you to figure out how to bring the crafts here, to make sure they?re ?fair trade? (that the grandmothers are being compensated fairly, for instance), and how to sell them and manage the ?business?. This is not something that the SLF can be involved in, since we don?t have the capacity, the expertise or the mandate. But I just wanted to see if some of you might be interested in thinking about it. I can think of all sorts of challenges ? what if some ?products? sell and some don?t ? then one group of grandmothers in a project would benefit and others wouldn?t (which would be pretty heartbreaking). One group of grandmothers I talked to about this suggested that a general ?pot of profit? be generated and funneled through the Foundation so that we could disburse the funds to ALL the projects supporting grandmothers. These kinds of things would have to be thought through. This is for your thoughts, insights, feedback?
Much to talk about and much to anticipate!
Thank you for reading this long missive? I look forward to being in touch!
Warmly,
Ilana
Special Granny Bulletin
June 15, 2007
The Granny Bulletin is a bi-weekly update on the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, intended to keep grandmothers? groups across Canada informed about, and connected to, the grandmothers and grassroots projects in Africa, that are supported through their dedicated fundraising and awareness-raising efforts.
Inside this Bulletin:
Welcome to a special edition of the Granny Bulletin! Inside this issue, you will find all the news on the May visit of nine grandmothers from South Africa, Kenya and Uganda to Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Saskatoon and Calgary.
Mother?s Day weekend was an especially meaningful one as grannies Alicia, Constance, Rita, (South Africa) Irene, Florence, Joyce, Zubeda, (Kenya) Freda and Matrida (Uganda), along with project coordinators Jackson Kaguri and Rowlands Lenya, arrived in Canada for an important visit. Throughout their time in Canada, they spoke as experts about their experiences within the AIDS pandemic ? a pandemic that continues to grow and evolve. They discussed the hardships of burying their own children and voiced their fears and their hopes for the next generation of children orphaned by AIDS. They shared their personal stories and experiences with some of the Canadians whose efforts and generosity have supported their families and their communities.
The African grandmothers were here for two main reasons:
§ The African grandmothers are serious about follow-up; they were eager to continue the dialogue with Canadian grandmothers. They wanted to ensure that what happened at the Gathering and what was embodied in the Toronto Statement continued to be heard; that the incredible momentum built thus far is not lost. They were here to participate in meaningful discussions with Canadians in their own communities and to raise awareness and support.
To participate in the launch of the SLF film A Generation of Orphans ? a documentary that tells the stories of six orphans and highlights the efforts of the community-based organizations that are working tirelessly on their behalf. At the premiere, the grandmothers spoke ? to a captivated audience of nearly 500 people ? as ?ambassadors? for the orphan grandchildren in their care. Their presence added deeper context to the situation of the orphans featured in the film and by extension, the situation of millions of orphans in sub-Saharan Africa. Each of these grandmothers has several orphans in their care and is struggling daily with the challenges of raising traumatized children, in extremely impoverished conditions.
A private screening was organized for the grandmothers before the official launch of the film, followed by an open discussion where they shared their thoughts on the film. Their discussion expanded on some of the issues that a 30-minute film on orphans in sub-Saharan Africa could not cover adequately. Granny Joyce asked ?What happens to these children at night?? ? opening a thoughtful discussion on the emotional trauma that these children endure, particularly for those in ?child-headed households?. Another granny talked about her trepidation to broach the subject of AIDS with her grandson, whom she suspects is HIV positive. This launched an animated conversation on the difficulties grandmothers are facing in discussing ?taboo? topics, and their discomfort discussing delicate subjects and the fears they face, often alone, about the HIV status of the children in their care.
From Toronto, the African grandmothers went in groups (accompanied by SLF staff) to Halifax, Ottawa, Saskatoon or Calgary, where they were hosted by Canadian grandmothers? groups. We cannot say enough about the grandmothers groups who hosted the African grannies and those individual grandmothers who put them up in their homes. In every city, they did an absolutely amazing job of planning for and warmly welcoming the African grandmothers. A very special and profound thank you goes out to the organizers in each city (and their colleagues/friends) for all of their stellar work in making the grannies? visits a huge success. We know it?s never one person, but let us just mention the grandmothers who took the lead in each city ? Ellen Monaghan and Rev. Cathy Fulton (Calgary), Orla Lockerbie and Sharon Maher (Saskatoon), Sue Bryant and Patti Koeslag (Ottawa), Jane Earle and Sarah Whitehorn (Halifax) ? know that we thank everyone involved!
THE VISIT OF AFRICAN GRANDMOTHERS
Welcome, dear Grandmothers from AfricaFrom Grandmothers here who careWho join in wonder to meet you face to faceTo hear the stories you will share. We cannot know your deepest sufferingFor so many of your children lost,We do not know the grief and sorrow norHow you have borne the painful cost. You are left to rear grandchildren,To live and work and love and cope,You who struggle for a life that is good,Have become for us a sign of hope. Our work with the Stephen Lewis FoundationBrings our love and support to you.May we help lighten your heavy loadOf care, for those who depend on you.
Your stay with us will be so short
But we will remember you always,Your courage inspires usUniting us in love's many hope-filled ways.
Poem by Marie Dunn, Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers Saskatoon
Nyaka AIDS Orphans School Grannies in Saskatoon
By Julie Coultas, SLF Grandmothers Campaign Liaison
Saskatoon was chosen to host Ugandan grandmothers Freda Byaburakirya and Matrida Nyinebirungi, and Nyaka AIDS Orphans School founder, Twesigye Jackson Kiguri (Jackson).
Freda Byaburakirya, 67, is a mother of nine and grandmother of six, with four orphans in her care. She lives in Nyakagyezi village, close to Nyaka school. A teacher by profession, Freda came out of retirement to serve as Nyaka?s first headmistress. Upon their return from the Toronto Grandmothers? Gathering last August, Freda and fellow Gathering participant Leonarda Ndazororera began the Nyaka grannies project. Together, they helped to establish a grandmothers? support group that meets weekly in Nyaka, and are currently working to create a similar group in Kutamba.
Matrida Nyinebirungi, 73, is a mother of eleven and grandmother of twenty-one, with six orphans in her care. She lives in Nyakagyezi village, close to Nyaka school. Matrida is an active member of the Nyaka grandmothers? support group, and volunteers with other guardians at the school once a month. Her determination and resilience has helped other grannies in the community to accept their roles of raising orphaned grandchildren.
Jackson Kaguri, 36, is a native of Uganda and the founder of the Nyaka AIDS Orphans School. In 1996-97, his brother and sister both died of AIDS, leaving four orphan children. Jackson was inspired to start Nyaka school for other orphans in the community who do not have an uncle or other guardians to care for them: ?Now I am an uncle for hundreds of orphans ? for all Nyaka students and hundreds more children that [Nyaka has] cared for through the provision of food, school fees, housing and sometimes just being there to talk when they need me.?
Sitting in the airport in Toronto waiting to board our plane to Saskatoon was my first real opportunity to spend time talking personally with Jackson, Freda and Matrida. We shared stories and photographs from Canada and Uganda, and Matrida said to Jackson that she didn?t know how they could have navigated the airport without me. Jackson replied ?anyone who can read English can do it by themselves?. (Jackson is always mindful of the connection between his own experience of childhood and the role of education in a child?s life and the realities faced by the children orphaned by AIDS for whom he created Nyaka). He told Matrida that?s why getting an education at Nyaka was so important, and that the first time he ever came to North America, he arrived in New York City by himself, and was only able to find his way around because he could read English.
Day One in Saskatoon was filled with smiles, laughter and hugs ? and a few tears too. It wasn?t long after landing that we were leaving the secure area of the airport and were welcomed with almost twenty pairs of open arms by Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers Saskatoon. They carried a large Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers banner and greeted us warmly (with gift bags courtesy of Saskatchewan Tourism!) We spent almost 20 minutes in the airport, visiting and taking photos before Freda, Matrida and Jackson went to the home of Julia Davies ? a lovely and dedicated member of Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers who opened her heart and home ? to rest a little before their first scheduled media interview (there were six in all!) and the ?Western themed dinner? planned for that evening.
The Western themed dinner also included a line dancing demonstration! The meal served ? like all meals during our visit ? was homemade and consisted of a buffet of rice, beans, fruit, bread and different kinds of chicken. At the end of the night when Freda and Matrida said thank you to their hosts, Freda said ?it is the best food I have had since coming to Canada?. Food was served at nearly every gathering and event held in Saskatoon and Matrida commented on more than one occasion that we ?never stop eating? in Canada. The theme of hunger and the lack of adequate food to feed the family was repeated often during the visit of the African grandmothers to Canada. As we were getting ready to depart for the evening, one of the Canadian grandmothers asked if Freda and Matrida would like to share some traditional dancing from Uganda, and Matrida, who had looked totally exhausted, immediately jumped up and began to dance! It didn?t take long for Freda to join in, and they soon had some of the Canadian grandmothers ? and me! ? up and dancing too. It was an energizing end to a lovely evening.
The next day we headed to Waneskewin - a reserve and heritage park just outside of Saskatoon which was a traditional gathering place for Cree people to hunt buffalo and spend the winter. We watched a jingle dancer in full regalia and then Freda and I, with some of the Canadian grannies, participated in a round dance! There is a small museum at Waneskewin and Freda and Matrida exclaimed often at the similarities between their culture and traditional Cree culture. Freda and I paused to read a quote together: ?When the old people will take the time to remember, the young people will take the time to listen.? The similarities between the experiences of many First Nations/Metis people in Canada and the experiences of grandmothers across sub-Saharan Africa were poignant and meaningful throughout our visit to Saskatoon: communities/women living in poverty, disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS, experiencing alienation and ostracization, and having to step in and raise grandchildren in their old age.
Our third day in Saskatoon began with a tour of AIDS Saskatoon in the morning, including the planting and dedication of a cedar tree with Jackson, Matrida and Freda. Freda and Matrida were told that cedar has particular significance in many First Nations communities and is commonly considered women?s medicine. Freda later said that this was one of her favourite moments. She stood for a few minutes in front of the tree just running her hands over it, as if trying to commit the texture of the leaves to memory. Each of us also took a turn with the shovel, ceremonially putting one ?scoop? over the roots ? except when Matrida took up the shovel she kept shoveling! Gina McKay, a staff member at AIDS Saskatoon said, ?The planting of the cedar tree represented our dedication and commitment to our local, provincial and international grandmothers and as a result of the visit, we have named our garden space the "Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers Community Garden. Our entire neighbourhood and community will enjoy the Cedar's beauty and it will always be a reminder of the struggles and commitment Grandmothers face while raising their grandchildren. Just as a cedar tree grows ? strong and determined ? our grandmothers help us grow strong and determined to address local and international issues and concerns specific to HIV/AIDS."
Standing in the airport on the last day of our visit, saying our goodbyes and sharing memories, there was a palpable sense that our reflections marked a renewed commitment, rather than an ending. At Waneskewin, the grandmothers were told that in traditional Cree, there is no word that means ?goodbye?, rather words that mean ?I?ll see you later?, or ?goodbye for now? because we never really know if we?ll see someone again or not. Freda, Matrida and Jackson were so thankful for the hospitality and incredible support of grandmothers in Saskatoon ? and across Canada.
TAPWAK (The Association of People With AIDS in Kenya) Grannies in Calgary
By Leah Teklemariam, SLF Programme Officer
It was an inspiring four days spent in Calgary with the three representatives of The Association of People With AIDS in Kenya (TAPWAK); grandmothers Zubeda Jaffer and Florence Apondu, and project coordinator Rowlands Lenya. Mary Anna Beer, the SLF Special Advisor for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, also traveled with us.
While Zubeda, Florence, and Rowlands knew from the outset that they would be traveling to Calgary, the reality of the situation did not quite sink in until we were on the plane. ?How far away is Calgary?? Zubeda asked ?It?s 3000 kms. It?ll take about 4 hours by plane? I said. ?Wow! I think Canada is too much big! You could go across Africa in that time!? Calgary welcomed TAPWAK with classic Alberta blue skies and true western hospitality. Led by two members of the Purses for Africa group, Ellen Monahan and Cathy Fulton, we were greeted by a group of beaming, welcoming grandmothers. Judy Jackson and her film crew were there to record the Kenyans? time in Alberta. Cameras were snapping, grannies were hugging, and videos were rolling. It was a warm welcome and would truly set the stage for trip based on personal connections.
We were generously hosted at Ellen Monaghan?s ranch. I looked out at the expansive vistas and views of the Rocky Mountains. The dinner conversation flowed easily and the Calgarians were very democratic in their rotation of seats at the table so as to ensure that everyone got a chance to interact with the Kenyan guests. One of the Canadian grandmothers asked about how to explain to young children about HIV. Rowlands was eager to engage, and suggested starting off by talking about how HIV is transmitted through open cuts and to be careful of sharp objects such as razors or needles and then incorporating sexual transmission when they are old enough to understand. It?s easy to imagine that in Canada one might have to explain what HIV is and what it can do to people ? sadly, so many youngsters in sub-Saharan are all-too familiar with the ravages of HIV and AIDS.
After dinner, Ellen took the Kenyans to the stable to look at the horses. They were each given white Stetson hats to wear and Rowlands was eager to try his hand as a cowboy and ride a horse with the assistance of Ellen?s daughter Leith. Zubeda and Florence politely declined! When we got back inside, Rowlands was busy calculating the time difference between Calgary and Kenya because he was so excited to tell his grandson that he had just ridden a horse!
It was a cold and rainy Mother?s Day morning when Florence and Mary Anna went to Woodcliff United Church to assist with the children?s service. Zubeda, Rowlands and I went to St. Stephen?s to attend the service. Following this, a group of about 40 reconvened at Woodcliff for a luncheon. Again, the warmth of those in attendance was overwhelming and Zubeda, Florence, and Rowlands made many meaningful connections with everyone ? from journalists to young people.
Following the luncheon was a screening of the orphans? film and a question and answer period. Zubeda, Florence, Rowlands and I each had some time to speak. I gave some context to the event from the Foundation?s perspective and the Kenyans gave their powerful testimonies. The crowd was visibly moved by the commentaries of Zubeda and Florence. It may have been different audiences who heard the Kenyans speak throughout the weekend, but the tie that bound them all together was the audible gasp that always resulted when they first heard that Zubeda cared for 20 orphans in her home and fed 40 more on a daily basis? or that Florence was the principal of a school with almost 500 students (one third of her pupils are AIDS orphans) and 8 teachers.
After the screening there was an opportunity to mingle in the foyer of the church where tables were set up with the purses made by the Calgary women and cards handmade by a group of young people at Sir Winston Churchill High School who got a grant from the Calgary Youth Foundation. The proceeds from both of these creative initiatives went to support the grandmothers and orphans in Africa through the Stephen Lewis Foundation. It was inspiring for me to connect with the Canadian supporters of the Foundation. Their questions were thoughtful and, even if they did not quite know how, their desire to help was fierce.
The next activity on our agenda was a trip to Siksika Nation and the Sequoia Outreach School about an hour outside of Calgary. For me, this was a highlight of a trip filled with highlights. The programme included a mix of traditional and modern singing, dancing, and drumming. One young man wrote and performed a beautiful original song about grandmothers. Florence was so moved that she stood up and asked for the lyrics and music that accompanied the song. The young man beamed and happily obliged and the typed words and chords were given to Florence after the programme was finished.
The level of engagement of between the young people and the grannies was incredible to witness. Lisa Jo, who was the driving force behind the event, spoke of how she was so moved by hearing about the challenges faced by African grandmothers and the Purses for Africa project initiated by the Calgary women, that she was motivated to do something. She rallied her classmates to start making purses. It is difficult to describe what it was like to see those young people, the majority of them parents themselves - with their own stories of hardship - show such empathy for the plight of others. They gave of their time, their effort, and their possessions to recognize these grannies from half a world away. Florence observed that the programme with the traditional songs and dancing was similar to the presentations that they would have held back in Kenya if they hosted visitors. It was truly a lesson that even in the most unexpected places, there is more that binds us together than pulls us apart.
It was magnificent to see truly grassroots to grassroots connections. There were no flashy events; rather, there were potlucks in school gyms, local church services, and sliced fruit in small conference rooms. As ambassadors of the many grandmothers and orphans struggling to cope in the face of HIV/AIDS in Africa, Zubeda, Florence, and Rowlands were strong and passionate advocates ? willing to share their stories and feel safe in the knowledge that people would listen and care.
The African and the Canadian in me had irrefutable reasons to be proud ? at once amazed by the perseverance and determination of the Kenyans and impressed by the creativity and wholeheartedness of the Calgarian response. I think Rowlands summed it up the best when he said ?this is a trip that I will remember for the rest of my life?.
PDI (Participatory Development Initiatives) Grannies in Halifax
By Alexis MacDonald, SLF Director of Programmes
Saturday, May 12th, 2007
Joyce, Irene, and I left the hotel in downtown Toronto for the airport at 9am. On the flight to Halifax, Irene nervously held my hand during the take-off. Joyce shooed my hand away with a firm smile, insisting that Irene must become strong and used to flying. Joyce is a self-acclaimed flying pro. She flew to the Grandmothers? Gathering in August and had flown once before, when she was young, from Nairobi to Mombasa. Irene, on the other hand, had never flown before her flight from Nairobi to Toronto only a few days ago. I wouldn?t be surprised to learn that Joyce wasn?t scared the first time she flew and that Irene would be scared on take-off and landings for the rest of her life.
When we arrived in Halifax two hours later, we were greeted by Jane Earle, one of the grannies who had attended the Grandmothers? Gathering in August (along with three other Nova Scotian grannies). Jane had started a grandmothers? group in her home community, outside Halifax, in St. Margaret?s Bay. Jane was ecstatic to reunite with Joyce, whom she met at the Gathering, and to meet Irene for the first time.
While we were waiting for our bags to arrive, Joyce noticed weird glass balls filled with coloured candy up against the wall. In her sixty-five year old voice that still holds child-like wonder, she exclaimed, ?What are those?!? Jane proceeded to give Joyce a quarter and explained how to lie the quarter flat in the slot and then turn the metal knob all the way around, and then some. Joyce was so excited to hold her hand under the mouth of the machine and release into it half a dozen jelly beans! Irene tried it as well, choosing chocolate covered peanuts. They are small details, but there were moments of simple delight and newness throughout the weekend.
We drove for 45 minutes from the airport to St. Margaret?s Bay. Irene laughed as she went to get in the car. She was inclined to sit in the driver?s seat because Kenyans and Canadians drive on opposite sides of the road. Joyce and Irene found it surprisingly colder in Nova Scotia compared to the city heat of Toronto, so their red fleecy donated jackets from Mark?s Work Wearhouse were much appreciated. Joyce wore her XS jacket to almost every event. From the back seat, Joyce asked Jane many questions about the natural landscape as we drove along, to which Jane could easily answer given her deep knowledge of the area.
We arrived at a community ?tea party?, a traditional event in rural Nova Scotia, organized by the St. Margaret?s Bay grandmothers? group. The grandmothers had no sooner stepped out of the car, when they were asked for interviews by the Chronicle Herald and the Daily News, the two Halifax-based regional papers for the Maritimes. Both articles appeared in the newspapers the next day, on Mothers? Day, including a photo of Joyce on the front page of the Chronicle Herald, the most well read paper in all of Eastern Canada.
Joyce and Irene were overwhelmed with joy to find over 200 people, (almost exclusively women!) crammed into the local St. Andrew?s Anglican Church hall. There were balloons, streamers, Ghanaian drumming and singing, and booths of home-made goods and plants being sold with proceeds going to the Foundation?s Grandmothers Campaign. The grandmothers groups had mounted pictures of their own grandchildren on the wall and they were also selling black t-shirts with a beautiful South African embroidered picture of a granny with two of her grandchildren. The grannies from the St. Margaret?s Bay group must have spent days and nights baking the delicious sweets and sandwiches that covered every single table. They really out did themselves!!
One of the highlights of the tea party was the Halifax Raging Grannies choir. They are an infamous group of 50 to 90 year-old grannies who are veteran activists that sing at every social justice event in the area. With Joyce and Irene sitting at the front of the room as the guests of honour, the Raging Grannies came out singing the song by the Busy Bees, a grandmothers? group in Zambia, featured in the Foundation?s film, Grandmothers: The Unsung Heroes of Africa. The significance wasn?t lost on Joyce, who knew the song well from singing it at the Gathering, and her eyes (and mine) filled with tears as soon as she heard it.
Equally meaningful, one of the raging grannies, Molly Austen, wrote a special song for the occasion and they sang it to Joyce and Irene. Of their own volition, Joyce and Irene spoke to the attentive audience. Irene spoke first, to thank the grannies for the special afternoon. She told them how shocked she was to realize that it was all for them. ?When Jane told us we were coming to a tea party, we didn?t expect this. She never told us!? Irene said that she and Joyce were touched and on behalf of all the grannies in Africa, she thanked them for caring. She wanted to let them know that the SLF funds really reach the people it intends to reach. Joyce then spoke in detail about her own life and about the work of PDI and how both she and Irene were benefiting from their small loans programme ? a revolving fund ? through support from the Foundation and the Canadians donors who make it possible.
When Joyce sat down, Irene spontaneously stood up again, much to the delight of the audience, and told the crowd, ?Oh, I forgot to tell you I?m a grandmother.? After much laughter, Irene explained that she looks much younger than Joyce because Joyce is sixty-five years old and she is only fifty-two years old. She was here in Canada representing the ?younger grannies?.
For the rest of the afternoon, Joyce and Irene moved around the room like seasoned politicians, greeting everyone they met. They didn?t get to move very far from their seats because people clamored around them at all times, eager to meet them, to give them a hug, or to just tell them how much it meant for them to be there in person.
That Saturday evening, Jane and Gordon Earle welcomed a group of African-Nova Scotian community leaders from Hammond Plains into their home for an intimate evening. We had blueberry pie (Joyce and Irene?s first time!) and watched the Orphans film together. This was a moving and eye-opening experience for these Hammond Plains grandmothers as they found it hard to imagine what was happening to their sisters in Africa ? they were inspired beyond belief by Joyce and Irene. We went to bed that night with a full stomach and heart.
Sunday, May 13th, 2007 ? MOTHERS? DAY
On Sunday ? Mother?s Day ? we went to the First Baptist church in Halifax. Joyce and Irene shook hands with every single member who filed into the church. The Associate Pastor, Rev. Timothy McFarland, dedicated the entire church service to grandmothers. It was a youth service, so three local children stood up and read their own personal stories about the importance of their grandmothers in their lives, which were very sweet and touching. Both Joyce and Irene spoke from the pulpit about their experiences ? you would have thought they both had years of doing these sermons. They were fantastic! The other grannies in Toronto teasingly referred to Irene as ?their Pastor? because she is so religious, so you can imagine how much of an honour it was for Irene to speak in a church. This church has already begun to mount a huge fundraising campaign for the SLF?s Grandmothers? Campaign. CBC Radio attended the service and interviewed both grannies. The following morning, Irene was shocked to hear herself on the radio, and was radiant with pride and as she put it, with a ?new sense of self-esteem and purpose?.
That Sunday afternoon, we went to the lounge in MP Alexa McDonough?s apartment building for a potluck. ATV (CTV in the Atlantic Canada) followed the grannies from the church to the potluck, and it aired that evening on the 6 o?clock news. Over thirty women were invited to this event, primarily those who had started grandmothers? groups in the Halifax area or those who were starting a group.
Joyce gave one of her best speeches yet ? it focused on the women?s movement and how the grandmothers? campaign is an extension of this. It was jarring to hear her say in her soft voice, ?What about when Joyce goes to sleep, and doesn?t wake up? What will happen to my grandchildren?? Joyce is a grandmother of five adopted grandchildren who were left in her care after her dear friend died of AIDS. After nursing her friend to the end, Joyce took on the role of caring for the woman?s young children who are the same age as Joyce?s own grandchildren.
It is hard to imagine anything stopping this woman. She is a diminutive dynamo. Joyce?s small stature makes you want to hug her endlessly, but she is fiery and independent. She is fond of telling people that ?precious gifts come in small packages.? Irene also made everyone cry at this event. She was astonished to realize that she was visiting the home of a Member of Parliament. She said, ?I can?t believe the way that you are treating us here, given our status back in Kenya. We are just grandmothers back in Kenya, with barely any income, but here we are being treated like dignitaries. We can?t believe that you really want to hear what we have to say, that you respect us so much.?
Alexa McDonough?s speech reflected this profound admiration and respect for the work of African grandmothers. She admitted that she wasn?t quite sure what to expect when she went to the Grandmothers? Gathering in August, but it blew her away. It was an emotional lunch.
With the help of Frances and Bonnie, two Darmouth grannies, we rushed from that event to the Cherry Brook Baptist church, in one of the oldest black communities in Nova Scotia. They were having an afternoon service for Mothers? Day and they were honouring grandmothers in that community who had been raising their own grandchildren. This service was exceptionally beautiful with its gospel music and warm reception. Each grandmother attending the service received a red rose. Joyce and Irene spoke again from the pulpit with many welcoming shouts of ?Amen? from the congregation. Joyce again spoke like a pro ? thanking the community members by name. They donated the collection (taken twice!) to the Foundation, which came to over $700. This was a very, very generous contribution.
That evening, I was able to spend Mother?s Day with my brother and mother while Joyce and Irene spent it with Jane?s grandchildren.
Monday, May 14th, 2007
On Monday morning, Joyce and Irene went to St. Patrick?s High School in downtown Halifax. The grannies were proud to stand in front of the massive sign on the school property, which is on one of the busiest streets in Halifax, which read: ?St. Pat?s welcomes Grannies Irene and Joyce from Kenya.? When they arrived at the school, the choir welcomed them. They proceeded to the school auditorium which was at capacity with almost 500 high school students to watch the Orphans film.
The choir sang another song ?The Storm Will Pass By.? Joyce and Irene delighted the students when they got up to dance with the choir. The teacher who had arranged the entire event at the school (and the church service the morning before), Mrs. Kathy Reid, also made a PowerPoint presentation to show the students. The students then watched the documentary in complete silence ? it clearly captured their attention like nothing before. The grannies spoke afterwards, for which they received a standing ovation!
After the interviews we had an intimate gathering of students for a question and answer period. One of the students broke down sobbing because she was so upset by the injustice these children are enduring. We learned later that this particular young woman is quite a tough character in school, and significance of her empathy and expression of emotion was not lost on her schoolfellows. The school is very interested in starting a campaign for the African grandmothers, to incorporate it into their new international issues programmes.
ATV showed up with two television crews, one for LIVE AT FIVE and another for Breakfast Television, as did CBC Television and CBC Radio Canada. They even watched the entire film and then interviewed all three of us. There was a short clip on both CBC and ATV that night. The Weekly Daily News also published an article in their weekly paper.
On Monday afternoon we were very tired, but we spent some time looking at the Waterfront. Joyce and Irene tried Beaver Tails and the young girls making them let us go in the shop and watch how they were made. We went up Halifax Citadel to get a view of the city. Joyce was fascinated by the non-responsive and non-expressive British royal foot guard. She exclaimed to us, ?He was real. I saw him blink!?
We drove out to Peggy?s Cove, the spectacular natural wonder of Nova Scotia. The grannies were awed by the rugged beauty, particularly Joyce. It was so windy that Joyce had to wear Jane?s husband?s mother?s old fur coat. It wasn?t politically correct, but perfectly warm for the occasion! Jane was worried about the grannies slipping on the rocks, but that only spurred Joyce on to make her way down as far as she could.
That evening, we were giddy from exhaustion. We had a lovely last meal with our hosts Jane and Gordon. They gave Joyce and Irene copies of photos from the past few days and souvenirs.
PERSONAL ANECDOTES
Irene
Irene started crying in the Halifax airport, as we waited to board the flight, because she was overwhelmed with gratitude for this experience. She had been so proud to tell people in her community (especially those who mocked her) that she was going to Toronto. When it looked like she couldn?t get a Canadian visa, Sarah (the PDI Coordinator) told her that they might have to choose someone else. Irene had been devastated. It meant so much to her that the Foundation worked hard to make sure the visa came through. Irene was also crying from the memory of the painful gossip and stigma that she faces at home by her neighbours. She went through a really difficult time not too long ago, when she couldn?t find even one shilling to feed the children in her care. She had lost so much weight that everyone thought that she had AIDS. She said she felt entirely rejuvenated from this Canada trip and that she?d be an even stronger person when she went back to Kenya. I couldn?t agree more. It seemed to be a transformative experience for her. I know it was for me.
GAPA (Grandmothers Against Poverty and AIDS) Grannies in Ottawa
By Aissatou Diajhate, SLF Senior Programme Officer
On Saturday May 12th, I left for Ottawa with the GAPA grannies: Alicia Mdaka, Constance Sohena and Rita Hoza
The flight to Ottawa was smooth, and we arrived 25 minutes earlier than scheduled ? nevertheless, we found the Ottawa grannies? ?welcome committee? waiting for us. As we walked to the airport lobby, we heard one passenger in front of us say: ?Oh my God, look at these grannies!? Before us all ? a large group of grannies in their various granny group t-Shirts waiting for GAPA with beautiful bouquets of flowers. Their excitement was palpable, and the GAPA grannies even more so! They laughed, hugged, kissed! The Ottawa grannies were very organized with a thoughtful agenda covering each of the activities planned for this two-day visit.
Key Moments
Church service on Sunday morning with Riverside grannies:Granny Rita and I were asked to speak during the service. Granny Rita spoke very eloquently about GAPA?s work, her role at GAPA and the situation of the many orphaned children in Africa. The church members were very touched; they gave her a standing ovation. The minister said granny Rita will ?go down in history as the woman who received a standing ovation during service. I?ve been speaking for ever and had all kind of visitors but we never had a standing ovation!?
This was followed by a clip of the Grandmothers film ? Matilda?s story. It was such a beautiful and emotional moment. Because it was Mother?s Day, the theme of the service was mothers and grandmothers, their heroic acts and enduring love and hope for their families and communities! The Riverside Grannies put into motion a marvelous idea: they asked everyone coming to church that Sunday to donate a loonie for each grandchild they have/had or knew or cared about and a toonie for each great-grandchild they have /had, knew or cared about. It was such a lovely gesture. I later heard that between the three churches, they raised quite a lot of funds, all to be sent to grandmothers in Africa through SLF.While Rita and I were at Riverside Church, grannies Alicia and Constance were at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa Church with Sue Bryant and May Chazan This service started with the church choir greeting the grannies outside with ?Siya hamba/ We are marching in the light of God?. During the service, Jane Lindsey from the First Unitarian grandmothers group gave a very touching talk about AIDS orphans and the roles grandmothers are playing. Her message brought many in the congregation to tears. The reverend warmly welcomed the grannies in his sermon, which raised equally strong emotions. At the end of the service, the Reverend asked the choir to sing ?We Shall Overcome? in honor of the grannies? struggle. Members of the congregation spontaneously joined hands across the pews as they sang, with Alicia and Constance in the centre.
Northwestern grannies? concert at the First Unitarian Church: This was a beautiful event organized by the grannies with various young Ottawa musicians who volunteered their time to honor the GAPA grannies with a beautiful Mother?s Day celebration. It was very moving for grannies Rita, Constance and Alicia to see that ?young high school students in Ottawa know and care about our struggle, and wanted to honor us through music?. The emotions were even more intense when the church choir dedicated a song titled ?How Could Anyone Tell You? by Libby Roderick, to the grannies:
How could anyone ever tell you
You were anything less than beautiful
How could anyone ever tell you
You were less than whole
How could anyone fail to notice
That your loving is a miracle
How deeply you're connected to my soul
Overall FeelingCanadians and Africans alike were so generous with one another and enthusiastically engaged throughout this weekend of sharing, caring and learning from one another. The African grannies were amazed and gratified to discover that they had similar fundraising strategies to the Ottawa grannies: gardening, arts and crafts, knitting and sewing. Canadian grannies were eager to gain in-depth knowledge of the African grandmothers? challenges in raising their grandchildren. Unsurprisingly, many of the grandmothers? challenges were similar to those of many parents in today?s world ? but then deeply complicated by the ravages of the pandemic and extreme poverty. The grannies shared their conviction that they must remain strong and boost their grandchildren?s self- esteem and confidence in order to help them deal with stigma and rejection. Granny Constance said that ?despite the hard work and the frustration that comes with raising teenage orphans, [we] must not give up, because we must make sure that the children have a better future?.
The GAPA grannies were deeply touched and honoured to find out that they were not alone in their struggle. They arrived here to find over 150 Canadian grandmothers? groups working hard to raise awareness and funds to support the efforts of many more grandmothers groups in Africa, doing similar work to GAPA.
The Granny Bulletin is a bi-weekly update on the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, intended to keep grandmothers? groups across Canada informed about, and connected to, the grandmothers and grassroots projects in Africa, that are supported through their dedicated fundraising and awareness-raising efforts.
Inside this Bulletin:
Welcome to a special edition of the Granny Bulletin! Inside this issue, you will find all the news on the May visit of nine grandmothers from South Africa, Kenya and Uganda to Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Saskatoon and Calgary.
Mother?s Day weekend was an especially meaningful one as grannies Alicia, Constance, Rita, (South Africa) Irene, Florence, Joyce, Zubeda, (Kenya) Freda and Matrida (Uganda), along with project coordinators Jackson Kaguri and Rowlands Lenya, arrived in Canada for an important visit. Throughout their time in Canada, they spoke as experts about their experiences within the AIDS pandemic ? a pandemic that continues to grow and evolve. They discussed the hardships of burying their own children and voiced their fears and their hopes for the next generation of children orphaned by AIDS. They shared their personal stories and experiences with some of the Canadians whose efforts and generosity have supported their families and their communities.
The African grandmothers were here for two main reasons:
§ The African grandmothers are serious about follow-up; they were eager to continue the dialogue with Canadian grandmothers. They wanted to ensure that what happened at the Gathering and what was embodied in the Toronto Statement continued to be heard; that the incredible momentum built thus far is not lost. They were here to participate in meaningful discussions with Canadians in their own communities and to raise awareness and support.
To participate in the launch of the SLF film A Generation of Orphans ? a documentary that tells the stories of six orphans and highlights the efforts of the community-based organizations that are working tirelessly on their behalf. At the premiere, the grandmothers spoke ? to a captivated audience of nearly 500 people ? as ?ambassadors? for the orphan grandchildren in their care. Their presence added deeper context to the situation of the orphans featured in the film and by extension, the situation of millions of orphans in sub-Saharan Africa. Each of these grandmothers has several orphans in their care and is struggling daily with the challenges of raising traumatized children, in extremely impoverished conditions.
A private screening was organized for the grandmothers before the official launch of the film, followed by an open discussion where they shared their thoughts on the film. Their discussion expanded on some of the issues that a 30-minute film on orphans in sub-Saharan Africa could not cover adequately. Granny Joyce asked ?What happens to these children at night?? ? opening a thoughtful discussion on the emotional trauma that these children endure, particularly for those in ?child-headed households?. Another granny talked about her trepidation to broach the subject of AIDS with her grandson, whom she suspects is HIV positive. This launched an animated conversation on the difficulties grandmothers are facing in discussing ?taboo? topics, and their discomfort discussing delicate subjects and the fears they face, often alone, about the HIV status of the children in their care.
From Toronto, the African grandmothers went in groups (accompanied by SLF staff) to Halifax, Ottawa, Saskatoon or Calgary, where they were hosted by Canadian grandmothers? groups. We cannot say enough about the grandmothers groups who hosted the African grannies and those individual grandmothers who put them up in their homes. In every city, they did an absolutely amazing job of planning for and warmly welcoming the African grandmothers. A very special and profound thank you goes out to the organizers in each city (and their colleagues/friends) for all of their stellar work in making the grannies? visits a huge success. We know it?s never one person, but let us just mention the grandmothers who took the lead in each city ? Ellen Monaghan and Rev. Cathy Fulton (Calgary), Orla Lockerbie and Sharon Maher (Saskatoon), Sue Bryant and Patti Koeslag (Ottawa), Jane Earle and Sarah Whitehorn (Halifax) ? know that we thank everyone involved!
THE VISIT OF AFRICAN GRANDMOTHERS
Welcome, dear Grandmothers from AfricaFrom Grandmothers here who careWho join in wonder to meet you face to faceTo hear the stories you will share. We cannot know your deepest sufferingFor so many of your children lost,We do not know the grief and sorrow norHow you have borne the painful cost. You are left to rear grandchildren,To live and work and love and cope,You who struggle for a life that is good,Have become for us a sign of hope. Our work with the Stephen Lewis FoundationBrings our love and support to you.May we help lighten your heavy loadOf care, for those who depend on you.
Your stay with us will be so short
But we will remember you always,Your courage inspires usUniting us in love's many hope-filled ways.
Poem by Marie Dunn, Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers Saskatoon
Nyaka AIDS Orphans School Grannies in Saskatoon
By Julie Coultas, SLF Grandmothers Campaign Liaison
Saskatoon was chosen to host Ugandan grandmothers Freda Byaburakirya and Matrida Nyinebirungi, and Nyaka AIDS Orphans School founder, Twesigye Jackson Kiguri (Jackson).
Freda Byaburakirya, 67, is a mother of nine and grandmother of six, with four orphans in her care. She lives in Nyakagyezi village, close to Nyaka school. A teacher by profession, Freda came out of retirement to serve as Nyaka?s first headmistress. Upon their return from the Toronto Grandmothers? Gathering last August, Freda and fellow Gathering participant Leonarda Ndazororera began the Nyaka grannies project. Together, they helped to establish a grandmothers? support group that meets weekly in Nyaka, and are currently working to create a similar group in Kutamba.
Matrida Nyinebirungi, 73, is a mother of eleven and grandmother of twenty-one, with six orphans in her care. She lives in Nyakagyezi village, close to Nyaka school. Matrida is an active member of the Nyaka grandmothers? support group, and volunteers with other guardians at the school once a month. Her determination and resilience has helped other grannies in the community to accept their roles of raising orphaned grandchildren.
Jackson Kaguri, 36, is a native of Uganda and the founder of the Nyaka AIDS Orphans School. In 1996-97, his brother and sister both died of AIDS, leaving four orphan children. Jackson was inspired to start Nyaka school for other orphans in the community who do not have an uncle or other guardians to care for them: ?Now I am an uncle for hundreds of orphans ? for all Nyaka students and hundreds more children that [Nyaka has] cared for through the provision of food, school fees, housing and sometimes just being there to talk when they need me.?
Sitting in the airport in Toronto waiting to board our plane to Saskatoon was my first real opportunity to spend time talking personally with Jackson, Freda and Matrida. We shared stories and photographs from Canada and Uganda, and Matrida said to Jackson that she didn?t know how they could have navigated the airport without me. Jackson replied ?anyone who can read English can do it by themselves?. (Jackson is always mindful of the connection between his own experience of childhood and the role of education in a child?s life and the realities faced by the children orphaned by AIDS for whom he created Nyaka). He told Matrida that?s why getting an education at Nyaka was so important, and that the first time he ever came to North America, he arrived in New York City by himself, and was only able to find his way around because he could read English.
Day One in Saskatoon was filled with smiles, laughter and hugs ? and a few tears too. It wasn?t long after landing that we were leaving the secure area of the airport and were welcomed with almost twenty pairs of open arms by Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers Saskatoon. They carried a large Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers banner and greeted us warmly (with gift bags courtesy of Saskatchewan Tourism!) We spent almost 20 minutes in the airport, visiting and taking photos before Freda, Matrida and Jackson went to the home of Julia Davies ? a lovely and dedicated member of Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers who opened her heart and home ? to rest a little before their first scheduled media interview (there were six in all!) and the ?Western themed dinner? planned for that evening.
The Western themed dinner also included a line dancing demonstration! The meal served ? like all meals during our visit ? was homemade and consisted of a buffet of rice, beans, fruit, bread and different kinds of chicken. At the end of the night when Freda and Matrida said thank you to their hosts, Freda said ?it is the best food I have had since coming to Canada?. Food was served at nearly every gathering and event held in Saskatoon and Matrida commented on more than one occasion that we ?never stop eating? in Canada. The theme of hunger and the lack of adequate food to feed the family was repeated often during the visit of the African grandmothers to Canada. As we were getting ready to depart for the evening, one of the Canadian grandmothers asked if Freda and Matrida would like to share some traditional dancing from Uganda, and Matrida, who had looked totally exhausted, immediately jumped up and began to dance! It didn?t take long for Freda to join in, and they soon had some of the Canadian grandmothers ? and me! ? up and dancing too. It was an energizing end to a lovely evening.
The next day we headed to Waneskewin - a reserve and heritage park just outside of Saskatoon which was a traditional gathering place for Cree people to hunt buffalo and spend the winter. We watched a jingle dancer in full regalia and then Freda and I, with some of the Canadian grannies, participated in a round dance! There is a small museum at Waneskewin and Freda and Matrida exclaimed often at the similarities between their culture and traditional Cree culture. Freda and I paused to read a quote together: ?When the old people will take the time to remember, the young people will take the time to listen.? The similarities between the experiences of many First Nations/Metis people in Canada and the experiences of grandmothers across sub-Saharan Africa were poignant and meaningful throughout our visit to Saskatoon: communities/women living in poverty, disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS, experiencing alienation and ostracization, and having to step in and raise grandchildren in their old age.
Our third day in Saskatoon began with a tour of AIDS Saskatoon in the morning, including the planting and dedication of a cedar tree with Jackson, Matrida and Freda. Freda and Matrida were told that cedar has particular significance in many First Nations communities and is commonly considered women?s medicine. Freda later said that this was one of her favourite moments. She stood for a few minutes in front of the tree just running her hands over it, as if trying to commit the texture of the leaves to memory. Each of us also took a turn with the shovel, ceremonially putting one ?scoop? over the roots ? except when Matrida took up the shovel she kept shoveling! Gina McKay, a staff member at AIDS Saskatoon said, ?The planting of the cedar tree represented our dedication and commitment to our local, provincial and international grandmothers and as a result of the visit, we have named our garden space the "Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers Community Garden. Our entire neighbourhood and community will enjoy the Cedar's beauty and it will always be a reminder of the struggles and commitment Grandmothers face while raising their grandchildren. Just as a cedar tree grows ? strong and determined ? our grandmothers help us grow strong and determined to address local and international issues and concerns specific to HIV/AIDS."
Standing in the airport on the last day of our visit, saying our goodbyes and sharing memories, there was a palpable sense that our reflections marked a renewed commitment, rather than an ending. At Waneskewin, the grandmothers were told that in traditional Cree, there is no word that means ?goodbye?, rather words that mean ?I?ll see you later?, or ?goodbye for now? because we never really know if we?ll see someone again or not. Freda, Matrida and Jackson were so thankful for the hospitality and incredible support of grandmothers in Saskatoon ? and across Canada.
TAPWAK (The Association of People With AIDS in Kenya) Grannies in Calgary
By Leah Teklemariam, SLF Programme Officer
It was an inspiring four days spent in Calgary with the three representatives of The Association of People With AIDS in Kenya (TAPWAK); grandmothers Zubeda Jaffer and Florence Apondu, and project coordinator Rowlands Lenya. Mary Anna Beer, the SLF Special Advisor for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, also traveled with us.
While Zubeda, Florence, and Rowlands knew from the outset that they would be traveling to Calgary, the reality of the situation did not quite sink in until we were on the plane. ?How far away is Calgary?? Zubeda asked ?It?s 3000 kms. It?ll take about 4 hours by plane? I said. ?Wow! I think Canada is too much big! You could go across Africa in that time!? Calgary welcomed TAPWAK with classic Alberta blue skies and true western hospitality. Led by two members of the Purses for Africa group, Ellen Monahan and Cathy Fulton, we were greeted by a group of beaming, welcoming grandmothers. Judy Jackson and her film crew were there to record the Kenyans? time in Alberta. Cameras were snapping, grannies were hugging, and videos were rolling. It was a warm welcome and would truly set the stage for trip based on personal connections.
We were generously hosted at Ellen Monaghan?s ranch. I looked out at the expansive vistas and views of the Rocky Mountains. The dinner conversation flowed easily and the Calgarians were very democratic in their rotation of seats at the table so as to ensure that everyone got a chance to interact with the Kenyan guests. One of the Canadian grandmothers asked about how to explain to young children about HIV. Rowlands was eager to engage, and suggested starting off by talking about how HIV is transmitted through open cuts and to be careful of sharp objects such as razors or needles and then incorporating sexual transmission when they are old enough to understand. It?s easy to imagine that in Canada one might have to explain what HIV is and what it can do to people ? sadly, so many youngsters in sub-Saharan are all-too familiar with the ravages of HIV and AIDS.
After dinner, Ellen took the Kenyans to the stable to look at the horses. They were each given white Stetson hats to wear and Rowlands was eager to try his hand as a cowboy and ride a horse with the assistance of Ellen?s daughter Leith. Zubeda and Florence politely declined! When we got back inside, Rowlands was busy calculating the time difference between Calgary and Kenya because he was so excited to tell his grandson that he had just ridden a horse!
It was a cold and rainy Mother?s Day morning when Florence and Mary Anna went to Woodcliff United Church to assist with the children?s service. Zubeda, Rowlands and I went to St. Stephen?s to attend the service. Following this, a group of about 40 reconvened at Woodcliff for a luncheon. Again, the warmth of those in attendance was overwhelming and Zubeda, Florence, and Rowlands made many meaningful connections with everyone ? from journalists to young people.
Following the luncheon was a screening of the orphans? film and a question and answer period. Zubeda, Florence, Rowlands and I each had some time to speak. I gave some context to the event from the Foundation?s perspective and the Kenyans gave their powerful testimonies. The crowd was visibly moved by the commentaries of Zubeda and Florence. It may have been different audiences who heard the Kenyans speak throughout the weekend, but the tie that bound them all together was the audible gasp that always resulted when they first heard that Zubeda cared for 20 orphans in her home and fed 40 more on a daily basis? or that Florence was the principal of a school with almost 500 students (one third of her pupils are AIDS orphans) and 8 teachers.
After the screening there was an opportunity to mingle in the foyer of the church where tables were set up with the purses made by the Calgary women and cards handmade by a group of young people at Sir Winston Churchill High School who got a grant from the Calgary Youth Foundation. The proceeds from both of these creative initiatives went to support the grandmothers and orphans in Africa through the Stephen Lewis Foundation. It was inspiring for me to connect with the Canadian supporters of the Foundation. Their questions were thoughtful and, even if they did not quite know how, their desire to help was fierce.
The next activity on our agenda was a trip to Siksika Nation and the Sequoia Outreach School about an hour outside of Calgary. For me, this was a highlight of a trip filled with highlights. The programme included a mix of traditional and modern singing, dancing, and drumming. One young man wrote and performed a beautiful original song about grandmothers. Florence was so moved that she stood up and asked for the lyrics and music that accompanied the song. The young man beamed and happily obliged and the typed words and chords were given to Florence after the programme was finished.
The level of engagement of between the young people and the grannies was incredible to witness. Lisa Jo, who was the driving force behind the event, spoke of how she was so moved by hearing about the challenges faced by African grandmothers and the Purses for Africa project initiated by the Calgary women, that she was motivated to do something. She rallied her classmates to start making purses. It is difficult to describe what it was like to see those young people, the majority of them parents themselves - with their own stories of hardship - show such empathy for the plight of others. They gave of their time, their effort, and their possessions to recognize these grannies from half a world away. Florence observed that the programme with the traditional songs and dancing was similar to the presentations that they would have held back in Kenya if they hosted visitors. It was truly a lesson that even in the most unexpected places, there is more that binds us together than pulls us apart.
It was magnificent to see truly grassroots to grassroots connections. There were no flashy events; rather, there were potlucks in school gyms, local church services, and sliced fruit in small conference rooms. As ambassadors of the many grandmothers and orphans struggling to cope in the face of HIV/AIDS in Africa, Zubeda, Florence, and Rowlands were strong and passionate advocates ? willing to share their stories and feel safe in the knowledge that people would listen and care.
The African and the Canadian in me had irrefutable reasons to be proud ? at once amazed by the perseverance and determination of the Kenyans and impressed by the creativity and wholeheartedness of the Calgarian response. I think Rowlands summed it up the best when he said ?this is a trip that I will remember for the rest of my life?.
PDI (Participatory Development Initiatives) Grannies in Halifax
By Alexis MacDonald, SLF Director of Programmes
Saturday, May 12th, 2007
Joyce, Irene, and I left the hotel in downtown Toronto for the airport at 9am. On the flight to Halifax, Irene nervously held my hand during the take-off. Joyce shooed my hand away with a firm smile, insisting that Irene must become strong and used to flying. Joyce is a self-acclaimed flying pro. She flew to the Grandmothers? Gathering in August and had flown once before, when she was young, from Nairobi to Mombasa. Irene, on the other hand, had never flown before her flight from Nairobi to Toronto only a few days ago. I wouldn?t be surprised to learn that Joyce wasn?t scared the first time she flew and that Irene would be scared on take-off and landings for the rest of her life.
When we arrived in Halifax two hours later, we were greeted by Jane Earle, one of the grannies who had attended the Grandmothers? Gathering in August (along with three other Nova Scotian grannies). Jane had started a grandmothers? group in her home community, outside Halifax, in St. Margaret?s Bay. Jane was ecstatic to reunite with Joyce, whom she met at the Gathering, and to meet Irene for the first time.
While we were waiting for our bags to arrive, Joyce noticed weird glass balls filled with coloured candy up against the wall. In her sixty-five year old voice that still holds child-like wonder, she exclaimed, ?What are those?!? Jane proceeded to give Joyce a quarter and explained how to lie the quarter flat in the slot and then turn the metal knob all the way around, and then some. Joyce was so excited to hold her hand under the mouth of the machine and release into it half a dozen jelly beans! Irene tried it as well, choosing chocolate covered peanuts. They are small details, but there were moments of simple delight and newness throughout the weekend.
We drove for 45 minutes from the airport to St. Margaret?s Bay. Irene laughed as she went to get in the car. She was inclined to sit in the driver?s seat because Kenyans and Canadians drive on opposite sides of the road. Joyce and Irene found it surprisingly colder in Nova Scotia compared to the city heat of Toronto, so their red fleecy donated jackets from Mark?s Work Wearhouse were much appreciated. Joyce wore her XS jacket to almost every event. From the back seat, Joyce asked Jane many questions about the natural landscape as we drove along, to which Jane could easily answer given her deep knowledge of the area.
We arrived at a community ?tea party?, a traditional event in rural Nova Scotia, organized by the St. Margaret?s Bay grandmothers? group. The grandmothers had no sooner stepped out of the car, when they were asked for interviews by the Chronicle Herald and the Daily News, the two Halifax-based regional papers for the Maritimes. Both articles appeared in the newspapers the next day, on Mothers? Day, including a photo of Joyce on the front page of the Chronicle Herald, the most well read paper in all of Eastern Canada.
Joyce and Irene were overwhelmed with joy to find over 200 people, (almost exclusively women!) crammed into the local St. Andrew?s Anglican Church hall. There were balloons, streamers, Ghanaian drumming and singing, and booths of home-made goods and plants being sold with proceeds going to the Foundation?s Grandmothers Campaign. The grandmothers groups had mounted pictures of their own grandchildren on the wall and they were also selling black t-shirts with a beautiful South African embroidered picture of a granny with two of her grandchildren. The grannies from the St. Margaret?s Bay group must have spent days and nights baking the delicious sweets and sandwiches that covered every single table. They really out did themselves!!
One of the highlights of the tea party was the Halifax Raging Grannies choir. They are an infamous group of 50 to 90 year-old grannies who are veteran activists that sing at every social justice event in the area. With Joyce and Irene sitting at the front of the room as the guests of honour, the Raging Grannies came out singing the song by the Busy Bees, a grandmothers? group in Zambia, featured in the Foundation?s film, Grandmothers: The Unsung Heroes of Africa. The significance wasn?t lost on Joyce, who knew the song well from singing it at the Gathering, and her eyes (and mine) filled with tears as soon as she heard it.
Equally meaningful, one of the raging grannies, Molly Austen, wrote a special song for the occasion and they sang it to Joyce and Irene. Of their own volition, Joyce and Irene spoke to the attentive audience. Irene spoke first, to thank the grannies for the special afternoon. She told them how shocked she was to realize that it was all for them. ?When Jane told us we were coming to a tea party, we didn?t expect this. She never told us!? Irene said that she and Joyce were touched and on behalf of all the grannies in Africa, she thanked them for caring. She wanted to let them know that the SLF funds really reach the people it intends to reach. Joyce then spoke in detail about her own life and about the work of PDI and how both she and Irene were benefiting from their small loans programme ? a revolving fund ? through support from the Foundation and the Canadians donors who make it possible.
When Joyce sat down, Irene spontaneously stood up again, much to the delight of the audience, and told the crowd, ?Oh, I forgot to tell you I?m a grandmother.? After much laughter, Irene explained that she looks much younger than Joyce because Joyce is sixty-five years old and she is only fifty-two years old. She was here in Canada representing the ?younger grannies?.
For the rest of the afternoon, Joyce and Irene moved around the room like seasoned politicians, greeting everyone they met. They didn?t get to move very far from their seats because people clamored around them at all times, eager to meet them, to give them a hug, or to just tell them how much it meant for them to be there in person.
That Saturday evening, Jane and Gordon Earle welcomed a group of African-Nova Scotian community leaders from Hammond Plains into their home for an intimate evening. We had blueberry pie (Joyce and Irene?s first time!) and watched the Orphans film together. This was a moving and eye-opening experience for these Hammond Plains grandmothers as they found it hard to imagine what was happening to their sisters in Africa ? they were inspired beyond belief by Joyce and Irene. We went to bed that night with a full stomach and heart.
Sunday, May 13th, 2007 ? MOTHERS? DAY
On Sunday ? Mother?s Day ? we went to the First Baptist church in Halifax. Joyce and Irene shook hands with every single member who filed into the church. The Associate Pastor, Rev. Timothy McFarland, dedicated the entire church service to grandmothers. It was a youth service, so three local children stood up and read their own personal stories about the importance of their grandmothers in their lives, which were very sweet and touching. Both Joyce and Irene spoke from the pulpit about their experiences ? you would have thought they both had years of doing these sermons. They were fantastic! The other grannies in Toronto teasingly referred to Irene as ?their Pastor? because she is so religious, so you can imagine how much of an honour it was for Irene to speak in a church. This church has already begun to mount a huge fundraising campaign for the SLF?s Grandmothers? Campaign. CBC Radio attended the service and interviewed both grannies. The following morning, Irene was shocked to hear herself on the radio, and was radiant with pride and as she put it, with a ?new sense of self-esteem and purpose?.
That Sunday afternoon, we went to the lounge in MP Alexa McDonough?s apartment building for a potluck. ATV (CTV in the Atlantic Canada) followed the grannies from the church to the potluck, and it aired that evening on the 6 o?clock news. Over thirty women were invited to this event, primarily those who had started grandmothers? groups in the Halifax area or those who were starting a group.
Joyce gave one of her best speeches yet ? it focused on the women?s movement and how the grandmothers? campaign is an extension of this. It was jarring to hear her say in her soft voice, ?What about when Joyce goes to sleep, and doesn?t wake up? What will happen to my grandchildren?? Joyce is a grandmother of five adopted grandchildren who were left in her care after her dear friend died of AIDS. After nursing her friend to the end, Joyce took on the role of caring for the woman?s young children who are the same age as Joyce?s own grandchildren.
It is hard to imagine anything stopping this woman. She is a diminutive dynamo. Joyce?s small stature makes you want to hug her endlessly, but she is fiery and independent. She is fond of telling people that ?precious gifts come in small packages.? Irene also made everyone cry at this event. She was astonished to realize that she was visiting the home of a Member of Parliament. She said, ?I can?t believe the way that you are treating us here, given our status back in Kenya. We are just grandmothers back in Kenya, with barely any income, but here we are being treated like dignitaries. We can?t believe that you really want to hear what we have to say, that you respect us so much.?
Alexa McDonough?s speech reflected this profound admiration and respect for the work of African grandmothers. She admitted that she wasn?t quite sure what to expect when she went to the Grandmothers? Gathering in August, but it blew her away. It was an emotional lunch.
With the help of Frances and Bonnie, two Darmouth grannies, we rushed from that event to the Cherry Brook Baptist church, in one of the oldest black communities in Nova Scotia. They were having an afternoon service for Mothers? Day and they were honouring grandmothers in that community who had been raising their own grandchildren. This service was exceptionally beautiful with its gospel music and warm reception. Each grandmother attending the service received a red rose. Joyce and Irene spoke again from the pulpit with many welcoming shouts of ?Amen? from the congregation. Joyce again spoke like a pro ? thanking the community members by name. They donated the collection (taken twice!) to the Foundation, which came to over $700. This was a very, very generous contribution.
That evening, I was able to spend Mother?s Day with my brother and mother while Joyce and Irene spent it with Jane?s grandchildren.
Monday, May 14th, 2007
On Monday morning, Joyce and Irene went to St. Patrick?s High School in downtown Halifax. The grannies were proud to stand in front of the massive sign on the school property, which is on one of the busiest streets in Halifax, which read: ?St. Pat?s welcomes Grannies Irene and Joyce from Kenya.? When they arrived at the school, the choir welcomed them. They proceeded to the school auditorium which was at capacity with almost 500 high school students to watch the Orphans film.
The choir sang another song ?The Storm Will Pass By.? Joyce and Irene delighted the students when they got up to dance with the choir. The teacher who had arranged the entire event at the school (and the church service the morning before), Mrs. Kathy Reid, also made a PowerPoint presentation to show the students. The students then watched the documentary in complete silence ? it clearly captured their attention like nothing before. The grannies spoke afterwards, for which they received a standing ovation!
After the interviews we had an intimate gathering of students for a question and answer period. One of the students broke down sobbing because she was so upset by the injustice these children are enduring. We learned later that this particular young woman is quite a tough character in school, and significance of her empathy and expression of emotion was not lost on her schoolfellows. The school is very interested in starting a campaign for the African grandmothers, to incorporate it into their new international issues programmes.
ATV showed up with two television crews, one for LIVE AT FIVE and another for Breakfast Television, as did CBC Television and CBC Radio Canada. They even watched the entire film and then interviewed all three of us. There was a short clip on both CBC and ATV that night. The Weekly Daily News also published an article in their weekly paper.
On Monday afternoon we were very tired, but we spent some time looking at the Waterfront. Joyce and Irene tried Beaver Tails and the young girls making them let us go in the shop and watch how they were made. We went up Halifax Citadel to get a view of the city. Joyce was fascinated by the non-responsive and non-expressive British royal foot guard. She exclaimed to us, ?He was real. I saw him blink!?
We drove out to Peggy?s Cove, the spectacular natural wonder of Nova Scotia. The grannies were awed by the rugged beauty, particularly Joyce. It was so windy that Joyce had to wear Jane?s husband?s mother?s old fur coat. It wasn?t politically correct, but perfectly warm for the occasion! Jane was worried about the grannies slipping on the rocks, but that only spurred Joyce on to make her way down as far as she could.
That evening, we were giddy from exhaustion. We had a lovely last meal with our hosts Jane and Gordon. They gave Joyce and Irene copies of photos from the past few days and souvenirs.
PERSONAL ANECDOTES
Irene
Irene started crying in the Halifax airport, as we waited to board the flight, because she was overwhelmed with gratitude for this experience. She had been so proud to tell people in her community (especially those who mocked her) that she was going to Toronto. When it looked like she couldn?t get a Canadian visa, Sarah (the PDI Coordinator) told her that they might have to choose someone else. Irene had been devastated. It meant so much to her that the Foundation worked hard to make sure the visa came through. Irene was also crying from the memory of the painful gossip and stigma that she faces at home by her neighbours. She went through a really difficult time not too long ago, when she couldn?t find even one shilling to feed the children in her care. She had lost so much weight that everyone thought that she had AIDS. She said she felt entirely rejuvenated from this Canada trip and that she?d be an even stronger person when she went back to Kenya. I couldn?t agree more. It seemed to be a transformative experience for her. I know it was for me.
GAPA (Grandmothers Against Poverty and AIDS) Grannies in Ottawa
By Aissatou Diajhate, SLF Senior Programme Officer
On Saturday May 12th, I left for Ottawa with the GAPA grannies: Alicia Mdaka, Constance Sohena and Rita Hoza
The flight to Ottawa was smooth, and we arrived 25 minutes earlier than scheduled ? nevertheless, we found the Ottawa grannies? ?welcome committee? waiting for us. As we walked to the airport lobby, we heard one passenger in front of us say: ?Oh my God, look at these grannies!? Before us all ? a large group of grannies in their various granny group t-Shirts waiting for GAPA with beautiful bouquets of flowers. Their excitement was palpable, and the GAPA grannies even more so! They laughed, hugged, kissed! The Ottawa grannies were very organized with a thoughtful agenda covering each of the activities planned for this two-day visit.
Key Moments
Church service on Sunday morning with Riverside grannies:Granny Rita and I were asked to speak during the service. Granny Rita spoke very eloquently about GAPA?s work, her role at GAPA and the situation of the many orphaned children in Africa. The church members were very touched; they gave her a standing ovation. The minister said granny Rita will ?go down in history as the woman who received a standing ovation during service. I?ve been speaking for ever and had all kind of visitors but we never had a standing ovation!?
This was followed by a clip of the Grandmothers film ? Matilda?s story. It was such a beautiful and emotional moment. Because it was Mother?s Day, the theme of the service was mothers and grandmothers, their heroic acts and enduring love and hope for their families and communities! The Riverside Grannies put into motion a marvelous idea: they asked everyone coming to church that Sunday to donate a loonie for each grandchild they have/had or knew or cared about and a toonie for each great-grandchild they have /had, knew or cared about. It was such a lovely gesture. I later heard that between the three churches, they raised quite a lot of funds, all to be sent to grandmothers in Africa through SLF.While Rita and I were at Riverside Church, grannies Alicia and Constance were at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa Church with Sue Bryant and May Chazan This service started with the church choir greeting the grannies outside with ?Siya hamba/ We are marching in the light of God?. During the service, Jane Lindsey from the First Unitarian grandmothers group gave a very touching talk about AIDS orphans and the roles grandmothers are playing. Her message brought many in the congregation to tears. The reverend warmly welcomed the grannies in his sermon, which raised equally strong emotions. At the end of the service, the Reverend asked the choir to sing ?We Shall Overcome? in honor of the grannies? struggle. Members of the congregation spontaneously joined hands across the pews as they sang, with Alicia and Constance in the centre.
Northwestern grannies? concert at the First Unitarian Church: This was a beautiful event organized by the grannies with various young Ottawa musicians who volunteered their time to honor the GAPA grannies with a beautiful Mother?s Day celebration. It was very moving for grannies Rita, Constance and Alicia to see that ?young high school students in Ottawa know and care about our struggle, and wanted to honor us through music?. The emotions were even more intense when the church choir dedicated a song titled ?How Could Anyone Tell You? by Libby Roderick, to the grannies:
How could anyone ever tell you
You were anything less than beautiful
How could anyone ever tell you
You were less than whole
How could anyone fail to notice
That your loving is a miracle
How deeply you're connected to my soul
Overall FeelingCanadians and Africans alike were so generous with one another and enthusiastically engaged throughout this weekend of sharing, caring and learning from one another. The African grannies were amazed and gratified to discover that they had similar fundraising strategies to the Ottawa grannies: gardening, arts and crafts, knitting and sewing. Canadian grannies were eager to gain in-depth knowledge of the African grandmothers? challenges in raising their grandchildren. Unsurprisingly, many of the grandmothers? challenges were similar to those of many parents in today?s world ? but then deeply complicated by the ravages of the pandemic and extreme poverty. The grannies shared their conviction that they must remain strong and boost their grandchildren?s self- esteem and confidence in order to help them deal with stigma and rejection. Granny Constance said that ?despite the hard work and the frustration that comes with raising teenage orphans, [we] must not give up, because we must make sure that the children have a better future?.
The GAPA grannies were deeply touched and honoured to find out that they were not alone in their struggle. They arrived here to find over 150 Canadian grandmothers? groups working hard to raise awareness and funds to support the efforts of many more grandmothers groups in Africa, doing similar work to GAPA.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Granny Bulletin
Granny Bulletin
May 24, 2007
The Granny Bulletin is a bi-weekly update on the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, intended to keep grandmother's groups across Canada informed about, and connected to, the grandmothers and grassroots projects in Africa, that are supported through their dedicated fundraising and awareness-raising efforts.
Inside this Bulletin:
1. Introduction
2. Tax Receipting Clarification
3. National Fundraising Initiatives
4. Project Highlights: COTLANDS Grandmothers? Project, South Africa
Introduction
Good afternoon!
This edition of the Granny Bulletin is packed with interesting information on national fundraising initiatives and a moving update from the Granny Project at Cotlands Baby Sanctuary in South Africa.
We are departing from our usual tradition of sending a text-only Granny Bulletin, and including an attachment with this bulletin because we were fortunate enough to receive a wonderfully touching update from Cotlands which includes pictures and letters from grandmothers benefiting from funds sent through the SLF as a result of your dedication and hard work. As you are no doubt aware, the majority of the African grandmothers supported through the SLF cannot read or write in English ?
which is why we thought this particular update from Cotlands was so special. Also, since the grandmothers rarely have the time to write, even when they are able, Cotlands felt especially grateful for this direct testimonial.
The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign has now grown to include more than 150 groups across Canada! The media attention and events you hold raise valuable funds for grandmothers in Africa, but also inspire other Canadians to speak out and make a difference as well. Of course, among those inspired Canadians are all of the staff and volunteers at the Stephen Lewis Foundation. We remain in awe of your initiative and commitment to honouring the lives of African grandmothers and the orphans in their care, and we are deeply grateful for your perseverance and support.
A special Granny Bulletin will follow this one in only a few days, with stories and pictures from the recent visit of grandmothers from Kenya, South Africa and Uganda to Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, Saskatoon, and Calgary!
Warmest wishes,
Julie and Ilana
Tax Receipting Clarification
You?re all doing such an incredible and inspiring job raising funds for African grandmothers, and we are especially appreciative of your outstanding efforts to help us to stay within the guidelines and regulations for tax receipting. We wanted to follow-up on the issue of tickets and tax receipts ? as we have received a number of questions on this topic. We hope the following provides some further clarification!
If you would like to sell tickets for your event:
· Set the ticket price at the amount which you will need to cover costs. Payment for tickets is then made out to you as the organizer. None of this can be receipted.
· You may suggest/encourage/invite attendees to make a donation in addition to and separate from the ticket price. This suggested donation should be made payable to the Stephen Lewis Foundation directly and is tax receiptable.
We cannot issue tax receipts where a donation has been made as a condition of attending an event. In order to issue a tax receipt, donations must be entirely voluntary and donors must not receive a product or service (i.e. speeches, entertainment, dinners, etc. ? any kind of "advantage") in return for a donation.
We also cannot issue tax receipts for a portion of the amount paid for a ticket. If we were to try and do this, the Foundation would have a legal obligation to obtain original invoices for all catering and other expenses and to obtain valuations for any "giveaways" occurring at an event from which organizers would like to obtain tax receipts for a portion of ticket sales. As you can imagine, all this involves a tremendous amount of work and our current staffing compliment makes it impossible for us to issue tax receipts for proceeds from ticket sales.
National Fundraising Initiatives
There are so many incredible local events and initiatives underway and we will feature some of those in future Granny Bulletins, however we wanted to take this opportunity to share some of the innovative and exciting national projects underway that all grandmothers? groups can support and take part in. We have included descriptions from the grandmothers organizing each initiative ? in their own words - however this is not an exhaustive list, so if you feel we?ve missed an important national grandmothers? campaign fundraising initiative, please let us know at: campaign@stephenlewisfoundation.org.
GREAT CANADIAN QUILT
For two years the CanGo Grannies of Kamloops have dilgently researched and stitched together The Great Canadian Quilt, a wonderful 7' X 6' piece of Canadiana that is red and white and flag-like in design with more than 200 signatures of Canadians who have made important contributions in many facets of life -- from artists to athletes, from journalists to scientists, from entertainment personalities to politicians. Take a look!
www.greatcanadianquilt.com
It is our ultimate goal to find a buyer for The Quilt but first, between May and November 30, we would like to share it with other Canadian Granny groups to promote greater awareness of our collective work benefiting the African grandmothers and orphans through the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign.
If your group (or a coalition of groups in your area) is interested in hosting The Quilt, we would like to hear from you. A 'quilt hosting event' could help promote the work you do as well as draw customers to your products and invite donations to the Foundation. We would need you to identify a location such as a gallery, museum or university to which the
quilt may be shipped and where the staff have the expertise to install and protect the security of this valuable property.
We can help you identify Quilt signers from your area who might help promote your event. We could also provide you with a sample press release, protocols and suggestions to assist you in staging a successful event. The TV, radio and print media in our area have given us considerable time and ink and we think they will do the same in yours. The news media from
Newfoundland to British Columbia are already asking us for more stories.
We hope the buyer will purchase The Quilt (insured for $100,000) for a substantial sum and donate it to a museum or similar venue where many Canadians and visitors will enjoy it for years to come. Regardless of purchase negotiations, The Quilt will complete its itinerary.
The tour will end on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2007. Although we may not be able to accommodate all requests to host The Quilt, we hope it will travel from sea to sea to sea and that some groups will collaborate to make this happen. At this point, Granny groups in the Ottawa area are collaborating to host The Quilt at the National Arts Centre on Canada Day.
Please consult your group and let us know if and when The Quilt might work for you. We hope to hear from you before the end of May and we will keep interested groups posted on the quilt's proposed itinerary.
Elyse DeBelser, at elyse@debelser.com
Quilt Marketing Chair, CanGo Grannies, Kamloops
EMBELLISHED QUILT
Quilts are being built all over Canada, and now in the United Kingdom. We are having inquiries from other countries as well! All quilts will be displayed then sold by auction in 2008, in regions across Canada and in countries of origin, to further the Grandmothers To Grandmothers goals : to raise awareness about and funds to feed, house, school, give healthier happier lives to orphans of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Sahara Africa.
Women, men, children of all ages are contributing materials, stitches, funds, time to make the quilts. Some people are making small patches, not squares. They may do some stitches on a patch, or on a square. They may make one square. They may make many squares. Some will make a whole quilt. They are people like you and like me who see this as a worthy, do-able project we want to participate in out of love. We can pass this information on to others, and by all means ask them to continue passing it on. Soon there will be many people, in many places, making bits and pieces for the quilts. This is a pass-it-on project. Remember, a quilt may be that : a quilt. No embellishment. A lovely quilt, plain and simple. Or it may be embellished with special threads, beads, sequins. However, plain or with add-ons, the funds from each quilt will go to embellish and add to the lives of the children and grandmothers who care for them. What a wonderful thing we can do for these worthy people we may never meet. For more information visit: www.gogofriends.org or contact:
Dr. Diana L. Mitchell, Coordinator Go Go Friends Embellished Quilt Project
embellishedquilts@gogofriends.org
John Gardner, UK Coordinator Go Go Friends Embellished Quilt Project
johngardner93@gogofriends.org
MORE THAN AN AFRICAN COOKBOOK
In every culture grandmothers and their grandchildren share a unique bond often nurtured by the warmth and comfort of food. Our favourite recipes carry with them the traditions and memories of our heritage, our families and our intimate personal moments. For the African grandmothers food is also a focus, though a much, much more urgent one - will they have the money to buy enough to quell their grandchildren's hunger today?
We plan to create a collection of recipes, stories and pictures that celebrate and support the grandmothers of Sub-Saharan Africa who are raising their HIV/AIDS affected grandchildren. More-than-an-African-Cookbook (working title only), we believe this will be a small window into the lives of the African grandmothers to whom we are reaching out. We will weave the recipes into stories, photos, sketches, and information in order to help others understand more about these quiet heroines.
The primary goal of this national initiative is to raise awareness and money for the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers Campaign, in support of its community-based initiatives addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa.
Other objectives of this initiative are to:
Bring together a community of caring grandmothers (Canadian and African) through the creation and distribution of the cookbook;Increase awareness of the plight and incredible courage of African grandmothers;Share stories and photos of intimate moments of both African and Canadian grandmothers;Build on the solidarity already initiated in The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Gathering of 2006Create a memorable document aimed at bringing wisdom to all of us
A national More-than-an-African-Cookbook Steering has been formed to coordinate this project from inception to publication. This advisory team is collaboratively working together, soliciting support and sponsorship and consulting others where necessary in order to achieve the project objectives. An extended network of Grandmother Groups, friends and contacts across Canada and in Africa are supporting this project through the submission of recipes, stories, anecdotes, photos, artwork and/or information as well as the testing of recipes.
For more information, or if you would like to make a donation or submission please contact Liz Rose at erose34@rogers.com
LINKS OF LOVE
The Links of Love concept has caught the attention of many groups that are involved with Grandmothers to Grandmothers, a campaign to raise awareness and mobilize support in Canada for Africa?s grandmothers. With an estimated 13 million orphans, projected to reach 18-20 million by the year 2010 these grandmother groups know they must act quickly.
Impoverished communities simply cannot cope without assistance. Raised funds will provide much needed support such as, food, opportunities to earn a living, school fees, counselling and more. Many Grandmothers to Grandmothers groups will be bringing the Links of Love to the attention of their local clubs, churches, schools and business. The idea is to get their
communities involved in building the longest paper chain in the world to symbolize their linked love and support for such a worthy cause. As of March 2007, there were five Grandmothers to Grandmothers groups across Ontario planning to start Links of Love in their communities. The longest paper chain in the world concept has already attracted media
attention; this has offered Grandmothers groups an opportunity to have their concerns and plea for help heard. Ideally, as long as there is a need the Chain of Love will continue to grow, and more Canadians will take action to make the world a little better place.
For more information or to get involved, contact: Evelyn Gould at egould@bellnet.ca
CARRY THE CAUSE TOTE BAGS
Isn?t the Grandmother to Grandmother phenomenon an amazing way to make a difference in the lives of woman and children with HIV/AIDS in Africa!! As a co leader and member of the Mississippi Grannies in Almonte Ontario I am inspired by our members who find creative ways to raise funds for The Stephen Lewis Foundation. I was compelled to do more on a personal level. I turned 60 in October and decided to designate my Canada Pension cheques to fund the production of tote bags. It took five months to bring this endeavour to fruition but indeed, GRANNY GEAR tote bags are now a reality. If you would like to "Carry the Cause" and join me in raising funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, you may inquire about my tote bags which sell for $20 at: ladylesley60@hotmail.com .
Project Highlights: COTLANDS Grandmothers? Project, South Africa
The following contains excerpts from Cotlands last quarterly report to the SLF, including pictures and letters.
Report
We bought groceries for 60 families and we still have some money left. We shall do a second round of grocery distribution again. We chose a large retail store because we realised that it was more reasonable with prices so we managed to save. In relation to stationery we received a good donation at the beginning of the year so we managed to supply more than 60 children as we care for more than one child in some of the families. We have not yet finished buying uniforms, it is not easy because schools have different uniforms that are sold by different stores and the children are many. It is going to take a long time before we complete this process.
The grannies were very happy with the goods they received. On behalf of Cotlands I would like to thank you very much for this good gesture. You have made a difference in these children?s lives and their families.
New Proposal
In an effort to help the grannies make some money, we initiated income- generating activities that they could participate in. They make a variety of things e.g. pyjamas, tablemats, jewellery, etc. They meet twice a week at the Cotlands venue which is quite a distance from where they live. They need to catch two taxis to get to the place and we provide them with transport money. This exercise is quite expensive to maintain but we are looking for a place which is centrally situated for them so that they can walk or at least catch one taxi. Our proposal is can we use the remaining funds from the stationery budget for this purpose? Can we also buy one sewing machine as they are short of one? All the used funds will be accounted for in the usual manner.
Financial statement
Item
Actual cost
In Canadian dollars?
Groceries
R23 868.60
$3,620
School uniforms
R14 249.52
$2,161
Stationary
R2 888.74
$438
May 24, 2007
The Granny Bulletin is a bi-weekly update on the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, intended to keep grandmother's groups across Canada informed about, and connected to, the grandmothers and grassroots projects in Africa, that are supported through their dedicated fundraising and awareness-raising efforts.
Inside this Bulletin:
1. Introduction
2. Tax Receipting Clarification
3. National Fundraising Initiatives
4. Project Highlights: COTLANDS Grandmothers? Project, South Africa
Introduction
Good afternoon!
This edition of the Granny Bulletin is packed with interesting information on national fundraising initiatives and a moving update from the Granny Project at Cotlands Baby Sanctuary in South Africa.
We are departing from our usual tradition of sending a text-only Granny Bulletin, and including an attachment with this bulletin because we were fortunate enough to receive a wonderfully touching update from Cotlands which includes pictures and letters from grandmothers benefiting from funds sent through the SLF as a result of your dedication and hard work. As you are no doubt aware, the majority of the African grandmothers supported through the SLF cannot read or write in English ?
which is why we thought this particular update from Cotlands was so special. Also, since the grandmothers rarely have the time to write, even when they are able, Cotlands felt especially grateful for this direct testimonial.
The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign has now grown to include more than 150 groups across Canada! The media attention and events you hold raise valuable funds for grandmothers in Africa, but also inspire other Canadians to speak out and make a difference as well. Of course, among those inspired Canadians are all of the staff and volunteers at the Stephen Lewis Foundation. We remain in awe of your initiative and commitment to honouring the lives of African grandmothers and the orphans in their care, and we are deeply grateful for your perseverance and support.
A special Granny Bulletin will follow this one in only a few days, with stories and pictures from the recent visit of grandmothers from Kenya, South Africa and Uganda to Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, Saskatoon, and Calgary!
Warmest wishes,
Julie and Ilana
Tax Receipting Clarification
You?re all doing such an incredible and inspiring job raising funds for African grandmothers, and we are especially appreciative of your outstanding efforts to help us to stay within the guidelines and regulations for tax receipting. We wanted to follow-up on the issue of tickets and tax receipts ? as we have received a number of questions on this topic. We hope the following provides some further clarification!
If you would like to sell tickets for your event:
· Set the ticket price at the amount which you will need to cover costs. Payment for tickets is then made out to you as the organizer. None of this can be receipted.
· You may suggest/encourage/invite attendees to make a donation in addition to and separate from the ticket price. This suggested donation should be made payable to the Stephen Lewis Foundation directly and is tax receiptable.
We cannot issue tax receipts where a donation has been made as a condition of attending an event. In order to issue a tax receipt, donations must be entirely voluntary and donors must not receive a product or service (i.e. speeches, entertainment, dinners, etc. ? any kind of "advantage") in return for a donation.
We also cannot issue tax receipts for a portion of the amount paid for a ticket. If we were to try and do this, the Foundation would have a legal obligation to obtain original invoices for all catering and other expenses and to obtain valuations for any "giveaways" occurring at an event from which organizers would like to obtain tax receipts for a portion of ticket sales. As you can imagine, all this involves a tremendous amount of work and our current staffing compliment makes it impossible for us to issue tax receipts for proceeds from ticket sales.
National Fundraising Initiatives
There are so many incredible local events and initiatives underway and we will feature some of those in future Granny Bulletins, however we wanted to take this opportunity to share some of the innovative and exciting national projects underway that all grandmothers? groups can support and take part in. We have included descriptions from the grandmothers organizing each initiative ? in their own words - however this is not an exhaustive list, so if you feel we?ve missed an important national grandmothers? campaign fundraising initiative, please let us know at: campaign@stephenlewisfoundation.org.
GREAT CANADIAN QUILT
For two years the CanGo Grannies of Kamloops have dilgently researched and stitched together The Great Canadian Quilt, a wonderful 7' X 6' piece of Canadiana that is red and white and flag-like in design with more than 200 signatures of Canadians who have made important contributions in many facets of life -- from artists to athletes, from journalists to scientists, from entertainment personalities to politicians. Take a look!
www.greatcanadianquilt.com
It is our ultimate goal to find a buyer for The Quilt but first, between May and November 30, we would like to share it with other Canadian Granny groups to promote greater awareness of our collective work benefiting the African grandmothers and orphans through the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign.
If your group (or a coalition of groups in your area) is interested in hosting The Quilt, we would like to hear from you. A 'quilt hosting event' could help promote the work you do as well as draw customers to your products and invite donations to the Foundation. We would need you to identify a location such as a gallery, museum or university to which the
quilt may be shipped and where the staff have the expertise to install and protect the security of this valuable property.
We can help you identify Quilt signers from your area who might help promote your event. We could also provide you with a sample press release, protocols and suggestions to assist you in staging a successful event. The TV, radio and print media in our area have given us considerable time and ink and we think they will do the same in yours. The news media from
Newfoundland to British Columbia are already asking us for more stories.
We hope the buyer will purchase The Quilt (insured for $100,000) for a substantial sum and donate it to a museum or similar venue where many Canadians and visitors will enjoy it for years to come. Regardless of purchase negotiations, The Quilt will complete its itinerary.
The tour will end on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2007. Although we may not be able to accommodate all requests to host The Quilt, we hope it will travel from sea to sea to sea and that some groups will collaborate to make this happen. At this point, Granny groups in the Ottawa area are collaborating to host The Quilt at the National Arts Centre on Canada Day.
Please consult your group and let us know if and when The Quilt might work for you. We hope to hear from you before the end of May and we will keep interested groups posted on the quilt's proposed itinerary.
Elyse DeBelser, at elyse@debelser.com
Quilt Marketing Chair, CanGo Grannies, Kamloops
EMBELLISHED QUILT
Quilts are being built all over Canada, and now in the United Kingdom. We are having inquiries from other countries as well! All quilts will be displayed then sold by auction in 2008, in regions across Canada and in countries of origin, to further the Grandmothers To Grandmothers goals : to raise awareness about and funds to feed, house, school, give healthier happier lives to orphans of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Sahara Africa.
Women, men, children of all ages are contributing materials, stitches, funds, time to make the quilts. Some people are making small patches, not squares. They may do some stitches on a patch, or on a square. They may make one square. They may make many squares. Some will make a whole quilt. They are people like you and like me who see this as a worthy, do-able project we want to participate in out of love. We can pass this information on to others, and by all means ask them to continue passing it on. Soon there will be many people, in many places, making bits and pieces for the quilts. This is a pass-it-on project. Remember, a quilt may be that : a quilt. No embellishment. A lovely quilt, plain and simple. Or it may be embellished with special threads, beads, sequins. However, plain or with add-ons, the funds from each quilt will go to embellish and add to the lives of the children and grandmothers who care for them. What a wonderful thing we can do for these worthy people we may never meet. For more information visit: www.gogofriends.org or contact:
Dr. Diana L. Mitchell, Coordinator Go Go Friends Embellished Quilt Project
embellishedquilts@gogofriends.org
John Gardner, UK Coordinator Go Go Friends Embellished Quilt Project
johngardner93@gogofriends.org
MORE THAN AN AFRICAN COOKBOOK
In every culture grandmothers and their grandchildren share a unique bond often nurtured by the warmth and comfort of food. Our favourite recipes carry with them the traditions and memories of our heritage, our families and our intimate personal moments. For the African grandmothers food is also a focus, though a much, much more urgent one - will they have the money to buy enough to quell their grandchildren's hunger today?
We plan to create a collection of recipes, stories and pictures that celebrate and support the grandmothers of Sub-Saharan Africa who are raising their HIV/AIDS affected grandchildren. More-than-an-African-Cookbook (working title only), we believe this will be a small window into the lives of the African grandmothers to whom we are reaching out. We will weave the recipes into stories, photos, sketches, and information in order to help others understand more about these quiet heroines.
The primary goal of this national initiative is to raise awareness and money for the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers Campaign, in support of its community-based initiatives addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa.
Other objectives of this initiative are to:
Bring together a community of caring grandmothers (Canadian and African) through the creation and distribution of the cookbook;Increase awareness of the plight and incredible courage of African grandmothers;Share stories and photos of intimate moments of both African and Canadian grandmothers;Build on the solidarity already initiated in The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Gathering of 2006Create a memorable document aimed at bringing wisdom to all of us
A national More-than-an-African-Cookbook Steering has been formed to coordinate this project from inception to publication. This advisory team is collaboratively working together, soliciting support and sponsorship and consulting others where necessary in order to achieve the project objectives. An extended network of Grandmother Groups, friends and contacts across Canada and in Africa are supporting this project through the submission of recipes, stories, anecdotes, photos, artwork and/or information as well as the testing of recipes.
For more information, or if you would like to make a donation or submission please contact Liz Rose at erose34@rogers.com
LINKS OF LOVE
The Links of Love concept has caught the attention of many groups that are involved with Grandmothers to Grandmothers, a campaign to raise awareness and mobilize support in Canada for Africa?s grandmothers. With an estimated 13 million orphans, projected to reach 18-20 million by the year 2010 these grandmother groups know they must act quickly.
Impoverished communities simply cannot cope without assistance. Raised funds will provide much needed support such as, food, opportunities to earn a living, school fees, counselling and more. Many Grandmothers to Grandmothers groups will be bringing the Links of Love to the attention of their local clubs, churches, schools and business. The idea is to get their
communities involved in building the longest paper chain in the world to symbolize their linked love and support for such a worthy cause. As of March 2007, there were five Grandmothers to Grandmothers groups across Ontario planning to start Links of Love in their communities. The longest paper chain in the world concept has already attracted media
attention; this has offered Grandmothers groups an opportunity to have their concerns and plea for help heard. Ideally, as long as there is a need the Chain of Love will continue to grow, and more Canadians will take action to make the world a little better place.
For more information or to get involved, contact: Evelyn Gould at egould@bellnet.ca
CARRY THE CAUSE TOTE BAGS
Isn?t the Grandmother to Grandmother phenomenon an amazing way to make a difference in the lives of woman and children with HIV/AIDS in Africa!! As a co leader and member of the Mississippi Grannies in Almonte Ontario I am inspired by our members who find creative ways to raise funds for The Stephen Lewis Foundation. I was compelled to do more on a personal level. I turned 60 in October and decided to designate my Canada Pension cheques to fund the production of tote bags. It took five months to bring this endeavour to fruition but indeed, GRANNY GEAR tote bags are now a reality. If you would like to "Carry the Cause" and join me in raising funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, you may inquire about my tote bags which sell for $20 at: ladylesley60@hotmail.com .
Project Highlights: COTLANDS Grandmothers? Project, South Africa
The following contains excerpts from Cotlands last quarterly report to the SLF, including pictures and letters.
Report
We bought groceries for 60 families and we still have some money left. We shall do a second round of grocery distribution again. We chose a large retail store because we realised that it was more reasonable with prices so we managed to save. In relation to stationery we received a good donation at the beginning of the year so we managed to supply more than 60 children as we care for more than one child in some of the families. We have not yet finished buying uniforms, it is not easy because schools have different uniforms that are sold by different stores and the children are many. It is going to take a long time before we complete this process.
The grannies were very happy with the goods they received. On behalf of Cotlands I would like to thank you very much for this good gesture. You have made a difference in these children?s lives and their families.
New Proposal
In an effort to help the grannies make some money, we initiated income- generating activities that they could participate in. They make a variety of things e.g. pyjamas, tablemats, jewellery, etc. They meet twice a week at the Cotlands venue which is quite a distance from where they live. They need to catch two taxis to get to the place and we provide them with transport money. This exercise is quite expensive to maintain but we are looking for a place which is centrally situated for them so that they can walk or at least catch one taxi. Our proposal is can we use the remaining funds from the stationery budget for this purpose? Can we also buy one sewing machine as they are short of one? All the used funds will be accounted for in the usual manner.
Financial statement
Item
Actual cost
In Canadian dollars?
Groceries
R23 868.60
$3,620
School uniforms
R14 249.52
$2,161
Stationary
R2 888.74
$438
Minutes from June Meeting
GRANDMOTHERS OF STEEL MEETING
Tuesday, June 12, 2007, 7:00 pm
192 Sherwood Rise, Hamilton
Members present- Rose Janson, Jessie Kaye, Mary Beech, Kay O'Sullivan, Maggie Thomas, Leslie Wiens, Shelley Porteous, Lisbie Rae, Eileen Benson, Georgina Hewitt, Anne Philpot,Theresa Randles
The meeting was informal, and we had a potluck dinner.
Anne went through a few things:
-at the meeting in May the topic of a speaker's package had come up. Jan was looking into putting one together during the summer. Theresa has contacted Mary Partridge of the Toronto Regional group to inquire as to whether the SLF had a package on the go. Mary replied that yes Mary Anna Beer of the SLF was making one that would be available soon.
-Anne said she saw the Great Canadian Quilt in Nova Scotia. It is filled with signatures of well-known Canadians. It was not the quilt that Georgina had mentioned at the May meeting. Anne did not feel it would draw large sums as a fundraiser.
-Blooms for Africa have 2 events coming up: the Garden Tour late in July, and a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Today's Family Early Learning and Child Care. Anne Craig is going to meet with Theresa re. the sale of cards and prints at these events.
-coloured prints and cards of the Masai mother and children are now printed. The cards will sell individually for $5.00, and the prints will sell for $50.00. A new set of cards with the 6 new drawings is in the making. These packages will contain 12 cards and sell for $20.00. Theresa found a printing company that will print the cards for $290.00. Anne will look into finding the best price for envelopes.
-Kay went through our accounts. A cheque for $2,930.00 went to the SLF, and there is a balance of $2,113.18 in the account. This means that we have raised over $10,000.00! Kay also brought record books so that money transactions can be handled more efficiently. She will meet with Anne and Theresa to get the new system started.
-venues for meetings was discussed. Maureen Godden has confirmed that the Church of the Resurrection on the West Hamilton mountain will be available on Thursdays. Jessie said that St Paul's Anglican in Westdale has rooms available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The venue for September's meeting will be chosen later. The next meeting will be later on in September.
-Shelley sold raffle tickets for the quilt and the draw was made- Jessie won the quilt.
-Theresa is planning a musical evening fundraiser at her school in November.
-Lisbie showed the group a CD of Canadian roots music produced by a Toronto group as a fundraiser they call the tia anita project. The CD sells for $20.00. All group members ordered one from Lisbie. Any other members interested in ordering one can contact Lisbie.
-Lisbie mentioned the tote bags produced by the Mississippi Grannies of Almonte, Ontario. She will bring one to the September meeting.
-Lisbie also announced that the Village Theatre in Waterdown is putting on The Hobbit in September, and taht the preview night (Sept. 20?) will be a Grandmothers of Steel fundraiser. Members will be encouraged to bring their grandchildren out to enjoy this production.
-Rotary in Waterdown meets Monday nights and would like a speaker to present information on the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign some time in July. Lisbie cannot make it. Anne and Maggie will do it.
-Anne announced that she will be stepping down as Chair-person of the group to be able to work on fundraising at the SLF. She will remain a member of Grandmothers of Steel and chair September's meeting. She recommended co-chairs be selected then.
-meeting adjourned
Tuesday, June 12, 2007, 7:00 pm
192 Sherwood Rise, Hamilton
Members present- Rose Janson, Jessie Kaye, Mary Beech, Kay O'Sullivan, Maggie Thomas, Leslie Wiens, Shelley Porteous, Lisbie Rae, Eileen Benson, Georgina Hewitt, Anne Philpot,Theresa Randles
The meeting was informal, and we had a potluck dinner.
Anne went through a few things:
-at the meeting in May the topic of a speaker's package had come up. Jan was looking into putting one together during the summer. Theresa has contacted Mary Partridge of the Toronto Regional group to inquire as to whether the SLF had a package on the go. Mary replied that yes Mary Anna Beer of the SLF was making one that would be available soon.
-Anne said she saw the Great Canadian Quilt in Nova Scotia. It is filled with signatures of well-known Canadians. It was not the quilt that Georgina had mentioned at the May meeting. Anne did not feel it would draw large sums as a fundraiser.
-Blooms for Africa have 2 events coming up: the Garden Tour late in July, and a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Today's Family Early Learning and Child Care. Anne Craig is going to meet with Theresa re. the sale of cards and prints at these events.
-coloured prints and cards of the Masai mother and children are now printed. The cards will sell individually for $5.00, and the prints will sell for $50.00. A new set of cards with the 6 new drawings is in the making. These packages will contain 12 cards and sell for $20.00. Theresa found a printing company that will print the cards for $290.00. Anne will look into finding the best price for envelopes.
-Kay went through our accounts. A cheque for $2,930.00 went to the SLF, and there is a balance of $2,113.18 in the account. This means that we have raised over $10,000.00! Kay also brought record books so that money transactions can be handled more efficiently. She will meet with Anne and Theresa to get the new system started.
-venues for meetings was discussed. Maureen Godden has confirmed that the Church of the Resurrection on the West Hamilton mountain will be available on Thursdays. Jessie said that St Paul's Anglican in Westdale has rooms available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The venue for September's meeting will be chosen later. The next meeting will be later on in September.
-Shelley sold raffle tickets for the quilt and the draw was made- Jessie won the quilt.
-Theresa is planning a musical evening fundraiser at her school in November.
-Lisbie showed the group a CD of Canadian roots music produced by a Toronto group as a fundraiser they call the tia anita project. The CD sells for $20.00. All group members ordered one from Lisbie. Any other members interested in ordering one can contact Lisbie.
-Lisbie mentioned the tote bags produced by the Mississippi Grannies of Almonte, Ontario. She will bring one to the September meeting.
-Lisbie also announced that the Village Theatre in Waterdown is putting on The Hobbit in September, and taht the preview night (Sept. 20?) will be a Grandmothers of Steel fundraiser. Members will be encouraged to bring their grandchildren out to enjoy this production.
-Rotary in Waterdown meets Monday nights and would like a speaker to present information on the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign some time in July. Lisbie cannot make it. Anne and Maggie will do it.
-Anne announced that she will be stepping down as Chair-person of the group to be able to work on fundraising at the SLF. She will remain a member of Grandmothers of Steel and chair September's meeting. She recommended co-chairs be selected then.
-meeting adjourned
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