November 2006

* Matching grant received from CIDA: ACCES is thrilled to be the first grant recipient in Canada from the government’s new “Voluntary Sector Fund.â€Â Over the next 3 years, ACCES will receive $500,000 to transform four of our primary schools into Community Learning Centres, with permanent school buildings offering children’s primary and adult basic education, health and HIV information and services, gender sensitization & empowerment training, and income generation support. This is a 3:1 matching grant, meaning that we need to generate $167,000 in donations as our contribution. It also means that every donor dollar will be matched by three dollars from the Canadian government towards this holistic community development initiative. For more information, contact Rick at rick@acceskenya.org or look for information on our website next week. * Convenient, automatic bank withdrawals now available: ACCES is now able to arrange for automatic monthly (or annual, or weekly…) transfer of funds from donor accounts directly to ACCES. There’s a simple one-page form we provide to set it up, and you can cancel or alter the arrangement at any time. For the donor, you get peace of mind knowing that you are providing a steady stream of support for ACCES programs without having to remember to write another cheque. For ACCES, the knowledge of when and in what amount funds are coming in allows us to accurately forecast and plan for program sustainability and growth. For more information or to receive the form, please contact Rick at rick@acceskenya.org or (604) 254-1100 Upcoming Events: * Thursday, Nov. 16, 8-9:00 am – ACCES Sustainers Circle Breakfast at the University Golf Club, UBC. It’s not too late to get a seat at this free, fun one-hour breakfast event – the first ever in Vancouver. Generous sponsors have underwritten the cost of the event, so it’s a free meal – any donation pledges are gratefully accepted but not mandatory. All we ask is that you join us next week to learn more and celebrate the great work being accomplished in Kenya. Come hungry, leave inspired. Call 538-7267 or write to acces@shaw.ca to register. * Tuesday, Nov. 21, 7:30 – Field Trip in South Surrey. If breakfast at UBC is too early, how about an evening in Surrey at the home of our founders Beth and George Scott? Bring some friends out for this one-hour presentation about the who, what and why of ACCES. No requests for money, just a chance to learn and share. Call 538-7267 or write to acces@shaw.ca to register. Story from the Field: David Lusaa One of our Scholarship Program graduates – David Lusaa – recently went to great lengths to arrange for a dozen graduates to be filmed for an ACCES documentary. David’s follow-up letter to the attendees demonstrates the high value they place on ACCES’ assistance to get their education and their strong desire to give back to others. Our November printed newsletter (which you should receive shortly if you’re on that mailing list) also features a story of the meeting between David and his Canadian sponsor. Dear all, It is with sincere gratitude that I write to thank all of us for sparing time to meet Kirstin for the video shootings on the 19th day of August 2006. This shows that we really are grateful and appreciative for what ACCES has done for us - to mould us into whom we are today. I am sure that the sentiments we expressed on the video will assure the donors that their contribution is not a waste but it makes an impact on the Kenyan child. It has made a permanent mark in our lives. A few years ago we shed tears of sorrow, but today we shed joyful tears because of our achievements. ACCES has continued to touch lives of our brothers and sisters in western Kenya – lives that perhaps would have lost due to ignorance/illiteracy – and we all must appreciate this by maintaining an attachment to it. Just like a child would always wish to feel the touch of the mother, so let us fill our hearts with same feelings. Special thanks to Lawyer Elisha Ongoya who offered us breakfast and special lunch voluntarily to quench our thirst after the whole day activities. I could not imagine that one can be so philanthropic, not minding selfish gains but looking at the next person before himself. We had a delicious pizza feast!! My hearty regards also to our visitors Kirstin and Cailly for persevering the hot sun to carry out the interviews. More regards to ACCES Kenya Programs Director-Enock Mambili: you have been very supportive to the whole idea. And super regards to ACCES Executive Director Rick Juliusson for leading the way in a manner that prompts very conducive environment to achieve all these goals. You have demonstrated that you actually have the Kenyan child at heart Foremost we appreciate the core people (donors) for their sacrifice to give to the less fortunate in our society. You are making dreams come true every day. All of us – David Lusaa, Elisha Ongoya, Veronicah Ayuma, George Nyabera, Joy Bulinda, Antony Wasena, Hesbon Maloba, Ken Aluda, Oscar Muliro, Kirstin Pope, Cailly, Gilbert Ebole, Enock Mambili, Rick Juliusson, and Donors – deserve a high-five pat! Thank you. David Luchera Lusaa Inwards Swift Reconciliation Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Ltd This monthly update is meant to keep you in touch with the work we are doing in Kenya. To be removed from this list, please just reply to this email. ACCES never shares mailing lists. Rick Juliusson Executive Director ACCES - African Canadian Continuing Education Society (604) 254-1100 http://www.acceskenya.org For 13 years, ACCES has been helping young Kenyans obtain the skills and education needed to benefit themselves and their society through: post-secondary scholarships, primary schools, HIV/AIDS awareness, and small business training and loans.