Haoua's Philly Education Fund
Donation protected
I remember the first time I met Haouaou – or as we all know her, Haoua Petite. Sitting in the réfectoire, during one of our first days in Hamdallaye, I was overwhelmed, in a strange place, and had no idea who this woman was across from me with all those vowels in her name.
But by the end of the meal Haoua had made me feel more at ease, light-hearted and, well, at home than I'd felt since arriving in country. My culture shock had nothing on her amazing smile, laugh and enormous heart.
The beauty with Haoua is that she has that impact on almost everyone, and over the years she's become like family to many of us. She's gone out of her way to help us, sacrificing more than most people would ever imagine. Her empathy, passion and dedication have no boundaries. For many of us she's taught us the real meaning of selflessness.
And now we have a small, and simple way to give back. To further her career, and broaden her own opportunities to achieve her dreams, Haoua is planning to pursue her TEFL certification with a one-month program in The City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia.
With her housing already provided for (thank you Emily and family!), and Haoua's own savings, we need to raise $5,160 to cover her course fees, half of her living expenses, and her airfare – and we have until September 21st to raise the money.
Consider this a small chance to say thank you for all that Haoua, and Peace Corps Niger in general, have done to make you who you are today. If you weren't in Peace Corps, but a loved one was, think about how this experience continues to impact them even today. If we can get 70 of us to each give $75, then we can make this dream of Haoua's a reality :)
Pitch in yourself, and help spread the word!
But by the end of the meal Haoua had made me feel more at ease, light-hearted and, well, at home than I'd felt since arriving in country. My culture shock had nothing on her amazing smile, laugh and enormous heart.
The beauty with Haoua is that she has that impact on almost everyone, and over the years she's become like family to many of us. She's gone out of her way to help us, sacrificing more than most people would ever imagine. Her empathy, passion and dedication have no boundaries. For many of us she's taught us the real meaning of selflessness.
And now we have a small, and simple way to give back. To further her career, and broaden her own opportunities to achieve her dreams, Haoua is planning to pursue her TEFL certification with a one-month program in The City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia.
With her housing already provided for (thank you Emily and family!), and Haoua's own savings, we need to raise $5,160 to cover her course fees, half of her living expenses, and her airfare – and we have until September 21st to raise the money.
Consider this a small chance to say thank you for all that Haoua, and Peace Corps Niger in general, have done to make you who you are today. If you weren't in Peace Corps, but a loved one was, think about how this experience continues to impact them even today. If we can get 70 of us to each give $75, then we can make this dream of Haoua's a reality :)
Pitch in yourself, and help spread the word!
Organizer and beneficiary
Devon Jenkins
Organizer
Ithaca, NY
Emily Kovich
Beneficiary