A physiotherapist has been hired!

The Mama Bakhita has had a physiotherapy room for many years, but has been unable to afford a therapist. In the previous blog I mentioned Busiku, a woman whose education was sponsored by an AACDP donor, as the perfect choice for the job. She was excited and committed to bringing her skills back to the Mama Bakhita. Though we have not been able to guarantee her salary long term, she started this week! This is a great step forward for the children, and I hope we can find regular sponsors for Busiku's salary so she can continue. 

By American standards, the amount is very small - just $350/month. It is a gift that would not only support Busiku, but also be an ongoing benefit for every child at the Mama Bakhita. We aim to continue this essential service.

If you are interested in being a full or partial monthly sponsor, please email me, or click the DONATE button. Every dollar helps!

Sponsoring education pays forward

Over the years, the AACDP has found sponsorships for many students, and have discovered that it is one of the best investments possible. So many of them (including our own Zambian manager, Sydney Mwamba) want to return home after graduation, and use their education to help their community.

Several years ago we found a couple in Massachusetts to sponsor Busiku Mpongo's education. When I met Busiku at the Mama Bakhita in 2017, she was earning $70 per month as an aid, and supporting her daughter, parents and siblings at the same time. She had never attended school regularly, but had the dream of becoming a physiotherapist. After a lifetime of spotty education it was a struggle to catch up scholastically, but Busiku worked hard, and after completing vocational school, went on to earn a university degree.

Last year when I was at the Mama Bakhita, Busiku came to one of my art sessions. Her skill, patience, and gentle way with the children were truly inspiring.

Busiku helps a child with cerebral palsy

Like many students who have found sponsorship through the AACDP, Busiku would love nothing more than to return to the Mama Bakhita to use her skills to help the children with disabilities, many of whom she has known for years. It has been my dream to hire a physiotherapist for the Mama Bakhita, and Busiku is the perfect choice!

Are you interested in sponsoring a student? The AACDP is currently seeking educational sponsors for two young African women. View their profiles on our website. This may be the most effective way you can improve a young person's chances in life.

Florence, and beyond

I am so excited to finally schedule our first Italian tour in four years. We had planned two tours for 2020, but like many plans that year, they had to be canceled.

Florence has something for everyone. There are so many lenses through which to view this complicated ancient city. When planning a tour, I sometimes like to start with a concept, such as gardens, sacred sites, cooking, architecture, Renaissance art, or medieval Florence. No two AACDP tours are alike. Depending on the interests of the small group of participants (usually about 6), I can alter the itinerary to make it valuable for everyone. 

Take a look at the itinerary for October 12 - 19, 2024. If there are other activities you’d prefer, let me know! One of the main features of an AACDP tour is flexibility.