Heifer Project gets $42 million from Gates Foundation

The Heifer Project is an organization that is focused on relieving hunger around the world. They provided needy individuals with livestock, education, and micro loans. Today Heifer received a four year $42 million donation from the Gates Foundation. Heifer is doing a lot of good work in Ghana and they provide many volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. Take a look at their website and see how you can get involved.

Kids' book on microlending

I recent heard about a new book called "One Hen" that tells the story of microfinance efforts in Ghana. Through the micro loan, the main character, Kojo, is able to buy a hen, sell the eggs, and help feed his family. Boston.com has a write up of the book and you can also check out the book's website.

A wish list

This week a group of MIT Sloan students are headed to Ghana for an educational trip. As I worked to prepare a package to send over to Living Faith I started to make a list of some of the things that would be most useful to the school. If you would like to help out Living Faith or a similar African school here are a few ideas.

Books (10-20 copies for readers) - It is so much easier to work on reading with the students when they are have the same book. The library at Living Faith has a few sets of books but mostly individual copies. Also, "readers" that have many short stories are really useful.

World Map - laminated to stand up to the elements.

Flashcards - English is the official language of Ghana but most students speak the local language at home. It would be great to have flash card to work on English vocabulary.

Soccer Ball - around the world everyone loves soccer (aka football)

Typing Software - the community center is setting up a computer lab and they could use a some good typing software for people to learn on.

Encyclopedia/Dictionary Software - always useful and much easier to ship than a book.

SAT/TOFEL study books - the library also serves the community and many students are trying to get scholarships to college.

I've started a list on Amazon. Unfortunately things can't be sent directly to the school through Amazon but you can send them yourself through the address listed on this website or I can help organize sending packages.