"Thank You" Letters

Follow Up from Sierra Leon Community Vocational and Resource Center, 2026

Project Background:

The project that Desert Doves helped support was an ambitious undertaking. The Peace Corps Partnership Program (PCPP) grant represented Phase I of a larger initiative that ultimately required funding from multiple grants. The vision was to establish a Community Vocational and Resource Center that would provide vulnerable youth and marginalized adults with practical, marketable skills that could lead to employment and income generation. Through extensive community consultations, residents identified skills that were the most in-demand of which shaped the programs offered at the school.

In April 2026, we officially opened the center with a community-wide inauguration ceremony attended by a diverse group of stakeholders. From the American side, attendees included Peace Corps staff, the Country Director, Director of Management and Operations, Program Managers, fellow volunteers, and a representative from the U.S. Embassy. Local stakeholders included the Paramount Chief, seven Section Chiefs, numerous Town Chiefs, elders, and community members from across the region. The event featured speeches from key partners followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially launch the center.

This project required significant coordination across every stage of development, from vision and design to implementation, operations, and sustainability planning. I am proud to share that the center is now fully operational.

Impact and Early Results:

The total project investment was approximately $15,000 USD (roughly 300 million Leones). We are incredibly grateful for Desert Doves’ contribution and excited to share the positive results that have already begun to emerge.

The training model was designed around weekend instruction, with classes held over two months each academic term to maximize accessibility for working adults and students. This month, we will celebrate our first graduating cohort of nearly 40 students, enrolled across programs including ICT, Tailoring, and Hair Dressing. Over the course of the first year, we are hoping to surpass a few hundred graduating students.

I have attached photos and documents that capture the journey from concept to completion and highlight the impact the center is already having.

On behalf of both myself and the community I have had the privilege to serve, thank you for your generous support and belief in this project. Your contribution played a meaningful role in transforming a community vision into a lasting resource. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and could not have achieved this milestone without the support of organizations like Desert Doves.

With sincere appreciation,

Brandon Gavel
Peace Corps Volunteer, Sierra Leone (2024–2026)
University of Arizona Peace Corps Prep Alumnus (2022)

Follow Up from Zambia Hammermill Project, 2016

From 12/20/19: 

I’ve just received word that the first female scholarship recipient has now completed her grade 12!! Because of your donations over 3 years ago, you all have truly given the gift that keeps on giving. 

I’ve learned so much over my 5+ years in Zambia. Mostly that with just a small starting boost people are able to turn that in to so much more. So a sincere thank you to all of you for giving a small boost that has blossomed into lasting impact and change. I’ll keep sending updates for years to come!

As for other updates, my husband and I are still in Zambia, running a sustainable honey company called Nature’s Nectar. A joy and a privilege to be able call this place home.

From 9/11/16:

One last update of the hammer mill in Kayipaka [before I close my service].  It has been set in the house in June and it has been in full operation since then and they have already made enough money to sponsor 3 girls next year.  They will begin the scholarships and small loans in January.

Not only are females going to be sponsored in school and small loans will be available, community members now only have to travel (usually walking) 1-5 miles to grind their corn instead of 10-15 miles. This project will continue to impact the community for many years to come.

Burkina Faso Latrine Project, 2015

Togo Latrine Project, 2014