The Louise Pfitzner Raey Nursing Scholarship

Carolyn Roesler is organizing this fundraiser to benefit Raey of Hope Childrens Charity Limited.

You can make a difference by donating today to Raey of Hope Childrens Charity Limited Lou (Louise) Pfitzer Nursing scholarship

Making a difference is what Lou did best.

Background

Raey is a highly regarded and most respected NGO located in one of the poorest areas in the outskirts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

It provides critical early education for Ethiopian children and support for families living in extreme poverty and with chronic illness.

Most of the Raey children have lost one or both of their parents from illness such as HIV and it is not uncommon to find child-headed homes.

If it were not for Raey, these children would continue to be deprived of the most basic rights of food, clothing and education and many would succumb to illness or death.

Raey provides education from just three years of age, a unique and instrumental tool to bring at-risk children into a safe environment with consistent nurturing care, daily nutritious meals, clothes, and health care. This approach changes the life course of the most disadvantaged and forgotten generation. It lays the foundation to empower the entire community to start climbing out of poverty and indeed, to be successful.

With 7000 children on our wait list, this successful model of care must expand to give hope to other children and families.

After 7 years at Raey, our students go to a Government school but Raey continues support with tutorials, clothing, medical care and mentorship. These children have a close connection to Raey and after journeying so closely with each child, the Raey staff’s heart is to continue to offer that support and welfare wherever possible.

As Raey educates children, families too are educated. We see time and time again the personal proof that education reduces poverty. The reduction of the impact of poverty related illness and starvation is undeniable amongst Raey children, their siblings, guardians and families.

We are so excited that in 2023 the very first students who started Raey at the age of three are about to sit their final school year exams.

These children were some of the sickest children we had ever seen, living in horrific conditions and many, prior to Raey, begging and searching for food.

It brings enormous joy to know that they have completed school and now have a life of hope.

These children have studied and live in conditions unimaginably harsh without power, sanitation or running water but their bravery and determination are well apparent.

For our families, watching a child complete school was never imagined.

We know that University is a challenge and we do not want students to not follow their dreams.

In memory of a very special, compassionate, kind and wonderful Emergency Nurse, Raey has established, with the Pfitzner family, the Louise Pfitzner Raey Nursing Scholarship.

We will select one of our special Raey graduates that is hoping to be a nurse but due to poverty and family circumstance is unable to achieve that dream.

We do not want to see students undertake domestic slavery to support their family which sadly is a very real risk.

With the scholarship, nursing will become a reality as it will provide for books, clothing, fees and invest in the family’s well-being through sustainable vegetable gardens.

We know what excitement and life change this scholarship will bring.

Together, let us make the spirit of Lou live on though this very special student.