Galvestonians Aid African Science Scholars

A small group of African girls with a talent for science will receive full scholarships next year thanks to the generosity of local Galvestonians. The girls, all orphans ages 14-17, are secondary schools students in the East African nation of Tanzania.

The program, now in its second year, is organized by African Childrens Haven, a Galveston non-profit that supports projects that help African kids lead healthier, more productive lives.

“We receive support from around the country, but are especially grateful for the contributions of our neighbors here in Galveston,” says Linda Ercole-Musso the organization’s board chair.

The project recently received a $1,000 contribution from Beverly and John Frannea in memory of their daughter, Andrea Hufstedler Walker (see photo above and box below). The donation is slated to be matched by a donation from the Exxon-Mobil Foundation.

“The funds -- $2.000 in all -- will support two of our scholars in 2012,” says Ercole-Musso. “The contributions we receive from Galvestonians have really helped the program flourish,” she adds.

Other Galveston supporters include Winkie and Jerry Mohn; Susan, Robert and Harris Lynch; the Kempner Foundation; Cheri Ray; Ritchie Adoue; Sharon Gillens; Maggie Fuller; Joy Gilcrease; Elizabeth Lanier; Deb Naremore; Celia Padnos; Pam Rice; Marilyn Shultz; Cathy Stoval; Stephanie Thomas; Kellianne Vallee; Courtney Walker as well as business supporters Galveston Computer Solutions and Galveston.com.

Andrea Hufstedler Walker, 1965 - 2010

Andrea Walker was a pilot and flight instructor who gave up flying when her first child was born. Her mother, Galveston resident Bev Frannea, says Andy never lost her spirit of adventure. “She loved sky-diving and traveling, valued cultural exchanges and taught her children to appreciate people. “Andrea, the mother of four, would have loved the fact that her memory is being honored through African Childrens Haven Science scholarship program. She and her husband owned a vacation home in Pirates Beach and were long-time residents of Monteverde, Costa Rica.

Si Mweraba … Tunalabagana!

As my amateur Luganda states above, this is not “goodbye” but “see you later.” I am writing this short note to you, my inspirational colleagues at African Children’s Haven, and to all of our many ACH donors and friends. It is with great sadness that I stepped down from my position on the ACH board this month due to a job offer and an impending move to Uganda. The job is one I feel I have been working my whole life to be considered for and it will allow me to live on the African continent – a place that has utterly captivated me since I first visited almost 10 years ago to the day.

Yesterday, while cleaning up and packing I found an old journal and flipped through the pages. On one page, written not long after my first trip to Africa, I wrote: “I am now totally fixated on going back to Africa. I think my purpose will be found there.” How serendipitous it is that exactly 10 years later I am moving to Africa to fulfill that prophecy.

Of course, leaving so many loved ones here in New York brings with it much sadness, as does leaving the ACH board. I was young and somewhat inexperienced when Ed took a chance on me and invited me to work with ACH. But, through his guidance, mentoring, and the support of his adorable wife Linda and the lovely Ginny I found my place in the organization. It has been a joy to watch ACH grow so rapidly – a powerful testament to the value of the work being done. Recent developments, particularly our membership in Aid for Africa will ensure this growth can be sustained and even accelerated.

I will forever support the work of ACH, visit its projects whenever I’m in the area, and continue to network people with ACH projects they can assist. I look forward to learning how the children benefiting from our projects are progressing and of the new ways ACH finds to enhance the support it provides.

To all ACH’s friends and donors, I thank you. Your support has enabled ACH to become what it is today and is truly making the world a better place, one child at a time.

All my love,

Skye Dobson

Dodger Helps Orphan Kids

It's been a long while since our last post. We'll be back with more regular updates soon. Meanwhile you might want to check out this story about orphan kids and a professional baseball player from the United States. It's a good news story that's sure to touch your heart...