Christmas Wish List 2010

Christmas wish list 2010

Hello everyone…so I thought that I would write a Christmas wish list incase anyone wanted to send me a little something something for Christmas (yeah I am completely selfish!)…its ok if it comes after I will of course STILL LOVE THE GESTURE and GIFTS!!!! Like I always say anything and everything is welcomed and appreciated!

Peanut butter
Crackers (cheese-its)
Honey nut cheerios
Honey
CD’s (you can burn me a mix!!)
TV show series
Trail mix
Cake/brownie/cookie mixes
Candy

Or you can just make a donation to the NGO, The Benin Education Fund, which I work with. Here is a link to their website. As much as I would love you to send a package with random food products that I will devour in 10 minutes; I also would love you to use your money wisely and send a Beninese student to school for a semester or year and help them grow and have an opportunity for a bright future. I have seen first hand work that BEF has done for the students in Benin. I know that a little bit can go along way. Instead of getting your nails done or ordering that appetizer and dessert donate $20!

www.benineducationfund.org

Through BEF, over 550 students have stayed in school since 1998. BEF provides scholarships and educational support to needy but promising students from rural Benin. Only primary school is free in Benin. Basic high school expenses exceed $150/year in a country where the average annual income is less than $700. About 50% of students drop out after primary school.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT: Sample giving levels:$150: a high school student’s tuition and fees for one year
$300: a high school student’s tuition, fees, and basic expenses for one year
(includes books, uniform and school supplies)
$1000: a college student’s tuition and basic expenses for one year
$1500: a medical school student’s tuition and basic expenses for one year
$2000: a primary school teacher’s salary for one year

Every dollar helps! As we receive more donations, we increase support per student and add students to the program. Read more on Our Work and in Newsletters.
To give by check: Make check payable to “Benin Education Fund” and mail to:
Benin Education Fund
4110 Bennett Drive
Annandale, VA 22003

Why donate? Only primary education is free in Benin, so most students drop out in 5th or 6th grade. Fees, uniforms and books can cost $150 or more in a country where the average annual income is less than $700. BEF is a US-based 501(c)3 organization so all donations are tax deductible. Your contribution will go directly to our programs. We are run almost entirely by volunteers, which keeps administrative expenses extremely low.

I hope that everyone has an awesome Christmas and New Year! I will be spending much needed time with my mother! Showing her my house, my work, my town and everything else!!!! I will definitely post some blogs on that experience and pictures!!