Rainbow!

2 months have gone by since we started construction and we are almost finished constructing 2 large homes for the children. In the next 4 months we also plan to build a classroom and clinic on the site.

The foundation for the first home. Garden in the back.

On May 5th 2009, we conducted our 5th malaria prevention workshop in Kanyama village. 250 people, all women and their children attended to listen to the lecture given by a doctor and to ask questions related to prevention. 100 nets were given to the mothers with young children. After 2 years and 5 similar workshops every household in the village has a net. Although we did not conduct a baseline assessment of the number of malaria cases, all villagers interviewed have reported less cases of malaria. Special thanks to the donors who are making these seminars possible!

-Dan

Young recipients of treated mosquito nets. Children under the age of 5 are the most vulnerable to Malaria. Using mosquito nets is the most effective prevention method available today. High quality treated nets are available in the local market for about $5 US.

We now have just under a month before our exciting trip to Mwanza. We are currently collecting unused school bags, backpacks, tents, and children’s clothes (especially pants). If anyone reading this blog can contribute, please send us a line at askus@globalpeacenetwork.ca

This will be my third and longest trip so far with a larger purpose. Joining me for the first time will be my father, aunt and lover, Zarah. Should have a lot of stories in the coming months. Check back again soon!

-Dan

A generous grant was provided to GPN to send Daniel, Zarah, and Liz to Tanzania to construct an orphanage, community centre and dispensary in March. The project will be 2 years long and will positively affect over 1600 people. More exciting news to come! Stay tuned!

- Dan

I would like to use this space to thank each and every donor who has supported us over the years. With out each of your input there would be no GPN nor 300 lives saved. Thank you for putting your trust in us. I’m also pleased to announce that we have recently received some corporate donations which will keep us going for a while.

We also hold monthly fundraiser events at the Chai gallery and East is East on every first Sunday evening of the month. Please come join us for a night of inspirational conversation, great live music from around the world and great authentic food! Address: 3243 W Broadway Website: www.eastiseast.ca/

It has been almost 4 years since my first trip to Africa where I was inspired by some young kids to live outside of myself and realize a deeper meaning in life. Since then, our focus had been to provide more than just the basics such as food and education. Our large goal was to create great humanitarians out of the children we looked after through acting as role models and providing unconditional love. Because of their early hardship and new found life, these children have a huge potential to be local community heroes in the future, and we believe that that is what Africa needs the most.

GPN director, Dawn Schaller was fortunate to see some promising results on her recent trip to Mwanza. The children had shared a bunch of watermelons that they grew and harvested with other orphans. The kind gesture eventually resulted in a 3-way orphanage soccer tournament where the all kids had fun and received medals. This may not be of significance to some people, but it is important to note that the children we work with are initially traumatized and are only thinking of survival. To see them acting like kids and enjoying the moment brings great relief to us.

This and many other beautiful moments are the reasons why we can continue what we are doing. When the kids grow up and become compassionate and loving community members I will be able to experience a sense of relief for a job well done. Until that day we take things one day at a time and try to make the best decisions from the heart.