DON’T LET THE DISMANTLING OF USAID DESTROY MY NIECES EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES!

SEND THEM TO THE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN SOUTH AFRICA!

My name is Joslyn Stewart. I am the proud sister to Janean and her husband Derrick, and the loving auntie to their three daughters. Janean has worked tirelessly as a Foreign Service Officer with USAID for more than 24 years. This was more than a job to her, it was a calling. Her greatest joy was managing programs that supported new mothers and children, farmers, hospitals and schools. She has used her expertise as a Health Officer, Deputy Mission DIrector and Mission Director to facilitate programs that have saved thousands of lives in over 20 countries!

As a part of her commitment, she has moved her family every few years to serve where she is needed most. In each new country, her daughters have prospered as students at the American International School, which has campuses all over the world, allowing for continuity in their education, no matter the location. Her youngest daughters are currently in middle school and their educational progress is in jeopardy!

Janean was recently terminated from her job as Mission Director in Zimbabwe as a part of President Trump’s dismantling of USAID. This means she will lose her livelihood, income, home, and her daughters’ school tuition. While public education is free in some countries, in most African countries it costs money- a lot of money!

Janean and Derrick have chosen to relocate from Zimbabwe to South Africa. This will enable the girls to continue their education at the American International School in Johannesburg . This school has a stellar reputation for its students’ academic achievement, social-emotional development, service learning projects and engagement in extracurricular activities. 96% of their graduates pursue higher learning. However, without Janean’s USAID benefits, the tuition for each student is $32,146 a year! As a result, our goal is to raise $64,000 to pay the tuition for both girls to continue their education at the American International School. This will only pay for one year, but we are taking one step at a time right now.

If they are unable to stay overseas, they are considering private schools in Maryland that provide similar class sizes and learning support with tuition that ranges from $43,000 to $60,000!

Many of you have asked how you can support Janean and her family during this time of transition and uncertainty. THIS IS IT!! Don’t let the destruction of USAID negatively impact their education! Donate what you can to help us SEND OUR GIRLS TO THE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL! Share this post with others so that they can help too!

Thank you in advance for your support!