IPE Benefit Report

Report: BENEFIT FOR ORPHAN CHILDREN ~~~ IPE Beneft in Madison on March 14, 2014 ~~~

A benefit to support orphan children for secondary school was held in Madison at the Goodman Community Center on Friday, March 14^th from 6-8:00PM. People began arriving to a hall nicely decorated with the colors of the Malawi flag. All were greeted by the Board Members and Maya. Everyone mingled about sharing their connection with IPE, purchasing tickets for chances on the certificates and various items, having a drink at the cash bar, and enjoying some delicious food, all to the background music provided by Karen's nephew, Lars Bland and his band partner, David Hecht.

Mayamiko, Maya, Nyalabwe was the featured speaker. She is from Malawi and is presently studying Environmental Management in Houston, Texas. We got acquainted with her father when we were in Malawi last summer. He told us of his daughter, gave us her phone number and e-mail address and the rest is history.

Maya shared with the group the importance and value of secondary education especially for girls. “If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educated a woman you educate a family.” An African Proverb. The group learned of some of the challenges orphans face such as: who will pay their school fees, transport to school, school and everyday supplies just to name a few. Maya shared a quote from her culture meaning a child is everyone's child. Hence, we have a responsibility to help each other. She spoke of the hope that the Malawi people have for a better tomorrow even though today may seem so hopeless. The smile on her face spoke of that hope. Her presentation was accompanied by photos taken in Malawi.

A question and answer period followed. People wanted to know the cost of educating a child in secondary school, where their dollar goes, and precisely what are the advantages and benefits of a secondary education for girls as compared to boys.

The numbers for the certificated and gifts were drawn. Everyone went home having a great sense of accomplishment, meeting others and renewing their IPE spirit.

Saturday we went to Chicago and met with Martin Stidham, a great supporter of IPE, and some of our benefactors. Here, as well, Maya shared about Malawi and the importance of secondary education. She used a Chinese proverb that I like. “Give a man a fish and he lives for a day, teach him how to fish and he lives for a life time.” There was great interaction and many excellent questions were asked. The group was informed that all the money goes to the education of students, transportation, some receive a personal allowance, and a fee to sent the money to Mallawi.. The personal allowance permits the students to get necessary fees, school supplies and personal items so that they can attend school. It was also noted that many, especially the Board Members give many monies and and time to make IPE the success. All are grateful for the work that IPE does for the orphans in Malawi.

A total of $1549 was added to the treasury for the education of our children. We are grateful to everyone who helped in any shape or form to make this such a great experience for everyone.

I have invited Maya to join the board. I thought it would be a good idea for her to be part of what IPE does for the children in her country. At present we are waiting for the vote of the board.

Following are some pictures taken at the benefit in Madison and the meeting in Chicago.

Jennie Petrack