2 Fundraisers raise $5400 for Solar Initiative

It’s been a busy and productive month for the Dwankhozi  Solar iniative.   In two seperate fundraising events we raised over $5,000 to fund solar panels for the Dwankhzoi community.    Jeff Chou and Steve Barclay – DH volunteers and dedicated fundraisers – ran the chicago marathon to raise money.  Click here to read more about their amazing efforts.  In addition, a committed group of volunteers  established an official “solar committee” and organized a Navy Pier boat cruise to raise money and awareness to this important cause.   Click here to read more about this initiative and how you can get involved.

Thank you so much for your time and attention.

 

DH Director Running for Hope

On Aug 26, Dwankhozi Hope Director, Matt MacLean, will participate in the longest relay race in the United States to build awareness of poverty in Africa and raise money to continue Dwankhozi Hope’s support of a rural school in Zambia. He will join a team of 12 to run 200 miles from Mt. Hood in Oregon to the Pacific Ocean.

Support Dwankhozi Hope and our President by going to the following link: https://www.crowdrise.com/dhrunforhope/fundraiser/dwankhozi

Here’s Matt’s story…

20110824-070055.jpgIn 2006, my wife and I helped start a non-profit called Dwankhozi Hope with the goal of supporting a school in rural Zambia, a country in Southern Africa. We were inspired by the capabilities, commitment, and dedication of the parents and the community leaders to provide a better life for their children. We were also moved by the tremendous needs of this community. Although they had the intrinsic values and required skills to forge ahead and start a school for their children, they did not have the necessary resources to sustain, much less grow the institution. With only 9 volunteer teachers and 500 students; no supplies or even a school building, learning was nearly impossible. Many of the children were orphaned and suffered from various illnesses caused by poverty but the school offered an opportunity and hope for a better life.

The underlying philosophy of Dwankhozi Hope is to empower the community to build this school for their children creating a partnership that leads to opportunity through education. The mission is fundamentally relational as we look to walk along side them in this endeavor. Since the beginning of this partnership, we have witnessed tremendous progress in the community and the school. In the past five years we have been able to support the construction of multiple school buildings and the provision of critical school supplies. We also led an effort to provide safe clean water to the community and improve sanitation systems to the school. We recently had a team return from a medical mission trip to the school as well. As next step, we look to provide continued support for the school through project for solar lighting and sponsoring some of our students to continue their education at higher educational institutions.

As indicated, the main objective of DH is to help the Dwankhozi community “break the cycle of poverty and reach their God-given potential”. I would be grateful if you would consider supporting me through this race either through your thoughts & prayers or your financial assistance in the form of a donation.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

The trip begins Aug 26th – next stop: making it to the ocean!

Sincerely,

Matt

DH Medical Team in Zambia

On May 10, 2011 a group of 8 volunteers embarked on a journey to rural Zambia with the mission of providing medical care to the pupils of Dwankhozi Basic School. We want to chronicle our experience to share with those who have helped us alonng the way. We could not have accomplished this mission without the love and support of all those who have walked with us. We feel as though you all are joining us in our journey … [Read More]

Volunteer Climbs for Cause

On August 14th 2010 Christopher Kenessey climbed the tallest free standing mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, to support Dwankhozi Hope. Click here to view video of his journey and here’s what he wrote before he embarked:

Dear Friends & Family,

In less than a week, I will be departing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro the tallest free standing Mountain in Africa. The reason for committing to this task is twofold:

1. It’s on my bucket list and I’m eager to check off as many things as I can.
2. I want to build awareness on poverty in Africa

In the Summer of 2002 my wife Suzanna and I went on a trip to Africa. During my brief time there, I was amazed at the beauty, poverty, and potential that existed. I also thought to myself that if someone really wanted to make a difference, this is a place where a little could go a long way. The thought eventually fizzled away. As the years have flown by, one of my closest friends didn’t just have a passing thought, but instead answered the call to make this dream a reality. With the help of a few other good-natured individuals, they created something very special with Dwankhozi Hope.

What is Dwankhozi Hope?

Dwankhozi Hope is a charity that nurtures economically disadvantaged children by supporting a Community School in the state of Zambia. I would encourage you to visit their site to learn more; bottom line is that it’s an opportunity to provide up to 500 economically disadvantaged children, many of which are orphans, the chance to have an education and to chase their dreams.

Why do I personally support Dwankhozi Hope?

How many times do you make a donation and wonder what percentage is really going to end up where it’s supposed to? Will it really be spent to help a good cause or will it be spent on overhead.

That’s not the case with Dwankhozi Hope. 95% of all donations go directly to the Dwankhozi school and have so far made it possible to complete a school building, dig a new well for clean water, and purchase books, desks & other school supplies. And there is yet more that we can do to help these children, to strengthen their hope in a bright future through education; another building awaits completion, add’l supplies are needed, and teacher training & housing are crucial. How often can you say that you know exactly where and how much of your donation will actually go to affect change?

I’m asking that you consider making a donation to Dwankhozi Hope as part of my climb. Please donate whatever you feel comfortable, but please remember almost all of it goes directly to the school.

Sincerely,

Christopher Kenessey

Founder Bikes Across Zambia

On April 13, 2010 our very own visionary and friend, Charles Masala began a 15-day, 1,300-mile journey by bicycle from Lusaka, Zambia to Windhoek, Namibia. This extraordinary journey helped raise awareness about the mission of Dwankhozi Hope and the people of the village of Dwankhozi.

To put into perspective what one’s body goes through on a trip like this, it’s roughly the equivalent of running 15 marathons in 29 days! As you may have read in our most recent newsletter, inspired by his love for Dwankhozi and its people and his own passion for biking, Charles has been trained heart, mind, body and spirit for quite some time – about two years, in fact!

Toward the same end and in friendship and support of Charles, another member of Dwankhozi Hope, Mike Kim, joined Charles for the first three days of the ride. We’re looking forward to traveling with both of them in spirit.

Watch their journey:

Winter 2010 Newsletter Issue

Winter 2010 Issue

In this issue…

  • Subvert the Dominant Paradigm by Katherine Solan
  • Call it Hope by Missy Lein
  • Climbing for Change by Katherine Solan
  • Reflections from Zambia by Mike Kim

Download or view below using your google account

Video: Visit to Dwankhozi ’10


Dwankhozi Hope is helping one rural community in Zambia break the cycle of poverty and reach their God-given potential. Our aim is to provide immediate and on-going support to the Dwankhozi Community School—a school for orphaned and economically disadvantaged children.

We are partnering with the community to complete the school building, provide educational supplies, and support the school’s volunteer teachers. Long term, with direction from the local community, we intend to support the development of community infrastructure (water/sanitation), teacher housing and economic development programs.

This Video show the progression of the school development. Most footage was shot from a trip in April in 2010 and Nov 2008.

Dwankhozi Hope Timeline Slideshow 2008