From: Imaya Ephraim <eimaya@chellofoundation.org>
Date: May 22, 2012 5:22:26 PM GMT
To: "gary.heffernan@accenture.com"
Subject: A very big 'Thank You!'
Hi Gary

I must apologise for not keeping my promise to be there at the end to congratulate you on completing this highly remarkable event.

I was conducting a monitoring and audit visit that could not be postponed (I tried but failed miserably). I am happy to write now, after completing one of the most inspiring trips to our projects ever. I visited Malawi, Lesotho and South Africa.

Even though we only support slightly 800 students in Malawi, our intervention is highly valued by government. We have been requested to meet the newly inaugurated  President, an eminent educationist herself, to explore how we can reach even more children in this one-of-the-mos-impoverished-countries in the world.

In Lesotho, I met many children, most of whom are HIV+ but who have remarkable strength and determination to beat the odds stacked against them. I couldn't think of a better target group for The Chello Foundation's work. I believe this is what inspired Shane and the Trustees to set up this remarkable organisation.

In South Africa, I met a genius, who essentially reaffirmed our current thinking that tertiary education must become an integral part of The Chello Foundation's strategy. Sisitu is an A student and she would be a fantastic ambassador for The Chello Foundation if she can get support to access university.

Zandisile is a budding poet and I promised to get him published (though I don't know how). I promised to use my own creative writing skills (made dormant by time) to add a little variety yo his developing skill. Zandisile lives in what can only be described as a shack and his most urgent dream is to visit London and perform at a school. So I promised to talk to ask all those who have school going children to give Sandizile a chance to come and perform at their child's school. Thankfully, I knows few Trustees and Leadership Council members that would be delighted to inspire...

And on behalf of the many children we met in Southern Africa over the past week, and the thousands more that we will reach as a result of this immensely catalytic support - I want to thank you very much for your support.

In Malawi, if you say you are from Nsanje, people laugh at you as it is considered the worst possible place to come from. Considering that Malawi is one of the least developed countries, it makes Nsanje probably one of the bleakest places in the world to grow up - even without the devastating impact of HIV and AIDS. These children basically have no hope because the society binned their aspirations long before they were probably born. That is why we are delighted to work here. As a result of our work, communities are mobilising themselves to make a difference in their schools. Parents are already taking the initiative to contribute as little as 1p to take vulnerable children to schools.

Most importantly, partners are using the money very well, and our aspiration to more than quadruple the number of children we support is very much alive.

During my trip, I was reminded of the nobility of the work The Chello Foundation does, and knowing that a fantastic event was taking place to raise funds to support the very children  I was meeting ...! I can't think of a better coincidence!

Thank you once more and we look forward to working even more closely with you in future.

Regards

 

Imaya

 

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Despite our ageing years and aversion to any form of strenuous exercise, Paul, Andy and myself have committed to cycle from London to Amsterdam in support of Charity.

The charity is the Chello Foundation which raises money to educate Aids orphans in Africa. To date it has raised funds to educate over 5000 kids across the African continent. We want to get to 10000 by the end of this year. All the money goes directly to the kids which is just fantastic. This charity is really making a difference!!

The Charity is particularly important to us as it was founded by our friend Shane O’Neil who recently passed away in the prime of his life. Shane was the inspiration behind the Charity and his vision, passion and energy was the driving force in the achievements so far. Shane was brilliant at most things including cycling and I am sure he will support us from above on the long cycle. We appreciate any contribution that you feel  you can make for the cause!! We are praying for great weather and a comfortable cycle seat.

We thank you in advance for your generosity!

Gary, Andy & Paul