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How
You Can Help
Join
the Bibi Jann family and make a difference in the life of
a Tanzanian child.
DONATE TO THE SCHOOL OR A STUDENT
As Bibi Jann Academy grows, so does the need for construction
materials, school supplies, uniforms, tuition, maintenance.
In order to expand, we need to purchase an adjacent plot.
And many children in the neighborhood long to attend school,
but cannot afford fees or uniforms. Contribute through www.salamatanzania.org.
ADOPT A GRANDMA
Choose a particular family to help, either through regular
donations of any amount. Or contribute as you can to the
General Bibi Fund to aid all our families.
HELP FINISH THE BIBI HOUSE
Money is still needed to build and equip the kitchen, furnish
rooms, erect a security wall, finish the street-front shops,
plant fruit trees and vegetables - as well as maintenance.
FUND-RAISE
An
international school in Sweden outfitted every Bibi Jann
orphan and student with school shoes. An American teacher
rallied her friends cross-country to build a home for one
grandmother and her six grandchildren. A young boy enabled
the purchase of school supplies with money earned at his
lemonade stand during his parents' garage sale. A compassionate
parent asked for donations in lieu of gifts at her son's
birthday party. A family offers donations instead of gifts
for birthdays and Hannukah. A hostess of a wedding shower
for a mature bride requested bibi money instead of presents.
How might YOUR group help? We have certificates noting your
gift in someone's name.
Increase awareness by: Sharing our website and blog - bibijannhelps.blogspot.com.
Joining the Facebook Bibi Jann Group. Sending for a CD with
presentations for adults and kids.
BUY THE DOCUMENTARY TO SHARE
This 50-minute professional documentary looks at Bibi Jann
and a similar grandparent program in New York City (although
you can view the first 20 minutes about ours alone). Perfect
to help raise awareness and funds about grandparents raising
grandchildren, the toll of HIV/AIDS, Tanzanian village life
and poor children - at your club, school, place of worship,
family or class reunion, etc. The film costs $30 at www.olddogdocumentaries.com.
BUY FABRICS/WALL HANGINGS
See Bibi Jann Designs, query bibijann@aol.com about orders.
Quilting groups welcome!
VISIT THE CENTER
Karibuni (welcome) to the Bibi Jann Center, in the village
of Mbagala about 10 miles south of Dar. Here you'll be captivated
by the smiles, songs and dances of preschoolers through
fourth graders. You'll see them at work and play - and they're
happy to practice their English with you!
Saturday mornings, join the bibis as they create bold batiks
- and feel free to take lots of photos. Or try your hand
at weaving. And do stay for lunch - they'll proudly cook
for you. Just like Grandma used to make - Tanzanian style!
A small shop featuring bibi crafts can provide you with
practical souvenirs.
Perfect during a stop-over between safari and Zanzibar,
this cultural outing is offered by Unique Tanzania, website.
OR travel with a group led by Bibi Jann herself for even
more time at the center - plus highlights of Dar, safari
through Mikumi National Park and stay on exotic island of
Zanzibar. Group trips for women interested in fabrics can
also be arranged, with lessons in native batik-making and
appliqué.
Quotes from Bibi Jann visitors:
Jean: Awesome. I will carry images of the village,
the school, the homes, the people in my heart forever. I
want to return.
Andree:
This is what makes your trip so special; getting an in-depth
view of life in the village, meeting the bibis and the kids;
seeing how everything you've done has helped change their
lives.
Judy:
Watching the bright faces of the children as they entertained
the "dignitaries" with songs sung proudly about
their school brought smiles to our faces and pride to our
hearts. Yes, the buildings are simple by our standards and
there is more need than you can fathom whichever way you
look, but the overriding impression that I and my family
took away was not of despair, but of joy. The smiling faces.
The small hand slipped into yours as you're walking down
the street. The beaming faces of the bibis as they sang
their welcome. Such warmth.
Liz:
I would love to have spent more time there. You have
achieved so much, but there is clearly a need for more financing.
The enthusiasm of the children shows how lazy and complacent
we are in the west. We take our education for granted and
don't value the opportunities we have assuming that even
if we don't make an effort we will be taken care of. I have
taught for 30 years in England and Sweden and never seen
such joy in learning or so many white shirts!! How do they
do it without water or electricity? Coming home I really
see my home in a different light having seen how proud they
are of so little.
PAYMENT
Send a check payable to Bibi Jann Children's Care Trust,
savings account #661087-9 to Oregonians Federal Credit Union,
1437 SW Broadway, Portland OR 97201.
OR
Do a direct bank transfer to the account number and OCU
Routing number 232975709.
I
ask only that you email me of the amount, the recipient/purpose,
and date you're sending it.
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