Urgent Plea

I just got off the phone with James who has been trying everything he knows to get photo jobs, etc. to raise money for school fees for his daughters, Lucy and Ann Marie, and his son, Roo. School starts next week and despite our pleas, the funds have still not come in to Nazareth House to allow them to start this school year. James and Kadijah are extremely worried, given that the girls have come so far in their education. Both excelling as top students in their classes. It would be a travesty to have them sit out because of none payment of school fees.

Unlike the school we built in Kabala, education is NOT free in Freetown. It is extemely expensive but very worth it. Lucy is studying to be an accountant and Ann Marie, a lawyer. Both want to remain in their country and help the people. No brain-drain here. Nazareth House promised them we’d see to their education, however, the donations have not yet come through for this specific purpose. School fees for all 3 children through first half of school year are at $3,000. Ridiculously high, but this is the fight we contend with there. This is why so many are unable to get an education in Sierra Leone. Cost are high because the school must cover the costs of books, teachers salaries, everything. There is no real governmental supplement for the schools, they are on their own. Thus the high cost of education. The Freetown schools, unlike our Nazareth House School do not have Nazareth House supporting them. Nazareth House pays the teachers and buys the supplies for our school, therefore we have been able to keep the parents from paying school fees.

Nazareth House is finding itself in the position that we MUST ask for everyone’s help in fundraising these next month. In addition to these school fees we must raise the money for the mission trip which is fast approaching. We’ve must have money for on the ground needs such as buying bags of rice for families as we meet them traveling through Sierra Leone, assisting those in medical needs, buying the supplies and fixing roofs that are leaking, etc. We have the medications to take (with exception of worm medication) ready to take to Sierra Leone, however, it would be a wasted trip to get there and not be able to actively go about helping those in need. We need your help. After all, as a part of Nazareth House, this is your trip – your work, too. We are in this together.

Please, anything you can give will go towards the doing of a great work. Invite all that you know to join in on this cause. Thank you for your love, support and most of all, your prayers. God bless.