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Education for Adrien and Jacob 2014

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I need to ask for your help and support once again. I'm trying to raise funds for another year of education for my Beninese brothers Adrien and Jacob. Last year at about this time, I asked many of you to help me with the school fees for Adrien and Jacob. These funds, about $2000, have had and continue to have a tremendous effect on their lives and successes.



The Development Aid Sector is a $25 billion a year industry. Billions don't even leave first world countries, and the funds that do,  don't reach youth in need like Adrien and Jacob.  So many youth don't have access to a quality education that can improve not just their lives, but the lives of their whole communities. Helping these two friends to succeed in school is one of the most valuable gifts that can be given to them. This is one of the most direct ways that you can give. Except for handling fees and transfer fees (8%) these funds are sent directly to them over the year and are used to pay for school fees, supplies, and simple living arrangements and food.  I can't offer a tax write off, but I can offer peace of mind. This money will be put to good use. 

Please consider helping me to raise these funds. I am pledging $600 over the next year, but even a small donation can make a difference. $10 can buy a textbook, $20 can pay for a uniform, $40 for a month of food expenses, $400 for school tuition at a private school.
 
Checks can be sent to: John Mark Feilmeyer, 2205 E 9th St. Des Moines, Ia 50316. 

Updates on their Education 

Jacob is doing well. He turned 18 this year and is showing a lot of maturity as he continues in school. First semester his average was 14.73 of 20, which is considered an A in the French System. Even better, he was top of his class in English, scoring 18/20. He continues to live with my mentor, Brownie Lee and will be entering "3eme" which is the last year of the first cycle (Sophomore).

Adrien did very well in his first year of technical school (which just wrapped up in January), scoring a 12 of 20 (which is considered a B+/A-). His every day life remains a struggle. In the fall he had a serious, near death asthmatic attack that put him in the hospital for over a week. Fortunately I was able to send him some of the funds that remained to help with medical bills.

Things became worse in January when Adrien learned that the government had underfunded scholarships. In order for him to remain in the same program, I had to come up with almost a thousand dollars in order for him to continue.

Otherwise Adrien is well. He has recovered from his health problems and has a good supply of inhalers for attacks. He is enjoying 1ere (which is sort of like senior year) and has two more years to go in order to have his High School and Technical diploma in agriculture.

Budget for the coming year: 
Adrien's Tuition: $850
Jacob's Tuition: $425
Adrien's Food/Living Costs: $525
Jacob's Food/Living Costs: $750
Supplies, uniforms, and textbooks: $200 
Gofundme fees and wire transfers: $250 
Total: $3000

Background: 
From 2008 to 2013, I lived in Benin, West-Africa. While there, I became close friends with Adrien.  Before we became friends he was simply a student that helped wiht some chores in exchange for funds to help pay school.  Adrien couldn't afford school otherwise.  I realized later that Adrien was actually only a few years younger than me. He was still in high school because he couldn't start primary school until he was 12. When I moved to another city, Adrien joined me alongside his brother. They were my family during my time there and I am very appreciative for how these two young men helped me to see their view of the world. I speak with them every Sunday. I haven't missed a Sunday for the last year.
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Donations 

  • John Mark Feilmeyer
    • $900 (Offline)
    • 9 yrs
  • Marlene S
    • $50 (Offline)
    • 10 yrs
  • african grill out
    • $105 (Offline)
    • 10 yrs
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Organizer

John Mark Robert Feilmeyer
Organizer
Des Moines, IA

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