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By scott, May 3, 2012

Kyle was born and raised in Boyertown, PA. After graduating from Ursinus College in 2005, Kyle moved to Bethlehem, PA to be closer to her college sweetheart, TJ, and began working in college admissions. Kyle currently works in the Office of Admission at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. In addition to working at the university, she is also a graduate student pursuing a degree in Educational Leadership. Kyle and TJ currently reside in Allentown, PA and keep themselves extremely busy. As you might have learned from TJ’s bio, they both love the Philadelphia Phillies, traveling, going to concerts, music festivals and of course participating in service whenever possible.

What does this trip to Zimbabwe mean to you?
This experience will provide me the opportunity to not only give back to another community but to also learn from other people; both the volunteers and the members of the Chiredzi community. As mentioned above, I am working towards my masters and currently I am focusing on organizational leadership, this trip will allow me to utilize my education and participate in a cross-cultural experience.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Well, when I asked my husband this question, he said, “skydiving”. Which I guess can be considered amazing, exhilarating, and yes maybe a little crazy. But I think I would have to say jumping on stage with Robert Randolph and the Family Band at Bonnaroo is the craziest thing I have ever done. Now before you all start thinking I am crazier than I really am, Robert Randolph actually pointed to me several times and invited me on stage. When I finally worked up the nerve to jump the barrier keeping such stage jumpers off of the stage, I then had to hoist myself up on top of the six foot high stage, and just when I thought I was golden, that I’ve done it, I’ve made it on stage at Bonnaroo, a bouncer immediately shoved me off the stage propelling me to the ground (don’t be alarmed, I have cat like reflexes and I landed safely on my feet). The bouncer was not aware that Robert was about to turn his show into a party of sorts by inviting fans to join him on stage. After being denied, I returned to the pit and again Robert motioned for me to come on stage, after several convincing shoves by my husband and friends I repeated my attempt to jump on stage and this time I was successful! Here is the picture to prove it…me on stage at Bonnaroo with Robert Randolph and the Family Band.

Quote from your favorite movie?
“Carpe diem. Sieze the day boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” – Dead Poets Society

Who/What do you think about when you hear the phrase, “I am strong if You are strong”?
“I am strong if You are strong” makes me think of my husband, my family and my friends. It makes me think of every person I have been blessed to know. It symbolizes the support that exists between family and friends, a bond that says I will only move forward with you and together we are stronger as one.

To support Kyle on her trip, check out her fundraising page here.

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By scott, September 22, 2011

Just this week the U.K. based Economist Intelligence Unit rated Zimbabwe’s capital city, Harare, the worst of 140 cities worldwide in which to live. According to VOA, “The report said Harare’s chronic water and power outages contributed to a mere 38 percent “livability rating” in the study . . . [The] threat of civil unrest, poor health care services and sketchy, overcrowded public transport [are] also serious drawbacks to life in Harare. The group said phone and Internet services in Harare are sub-standard as well.”

So with this report lingering in the back of our minds, we were overjoyed when an email came through from our friends in Chiredzi with an update on Elias’ house. As phone and internet services continue to deteriorate in a horrid fashion, communication from Zim is like gold these days.

Now then to the true reason for this post – in checklist fashion here’s what has been completed since we last had an update on Elias’ house:

• Roof is fully complete.
• Chasing for electrical conduit is done.
• Kitchen extension is complete.
• All doors and windows are secure with lintels.

Now that this list is done and dusted, the construction moves on to these next targets:

• Plaster over electrical conduiting
• Purchase and install doors and windows
• Secure building
• Chase for Plumbing
• Build retainer wall as required by building inspector

Quite exciting to have continual progress forward given the nature of things in Zimbabwe. We’re anticipating the day Elias, Servi and the boys will be able to move into their house . . . and surely that day is not far away. If you’d like to contribute to the construction of Elias’ house, please consider making a donation today. Thanks!

Construction on Elias' house continues

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By scott, July 20, 2011

We have an exciting announcement this month coming from our partners in Zimbabwe. Stella, who was our latest scholarship graduate back in January, was recently hired by the renowned Save Conservancy in southern Zimbabwe. The job fits perfectly with her degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management, and we could not be more excited for her. In a country where unemployment easily tops 85%, this opportunity for Stella is extraordinary.

Over the years so many of you have generously supported EF’s educational scholarships under the premise of our mission to spread hope and opportunity in Zimbabwe. As Stella moves forward with her employment, her story is the ultimate representation of success for the entire EF community.

Through your generosity EF empowered a local initiative in Stella’s hometown, which in turn provided a scholarship for Stella to attend university. Equipped with higher education and training, Stella was capable of seizing the employment opportunity as it arose at the Conservancy. What once seemed a distant dream, Stella can now build a hopeful future free of the mire of poverty and unemployment. This, of course, comes full circle back to you.

The scale of poverty and injustice in Zimbabwe, let alone the rest of the world, is often overwhelming; yet, Stella’s success reminds us how grassroots change is the most powerful path forward. Whether or not we live to see the day Zimbabwe is set free, we have seen a disenfranchised orphan girl empowered through education to become a self-sufficient woman building a stronger future for herself.

And so, to all of you who have contributed over these past couple of years . . . thank you! Your generosity has played an important role in the story of Stella’s success. If you would like to continue your part in EF’s story of spreading hope and opportunity in Zimbabwe, please consider making a secure donation today.