TUMAINI GIRL’S SCHOLARSHIPS
After our Companion Synod partnership was formed, Bishop Keller and his wife Betty went to visit Ulanga Kilombero. While there, Betty developed a passion for the girls to be able to go to secondary school that at the time cost $150 for a year. She found that it was sometimes more than a family made in a year and if they did make enough to send a child, a son would have priority. She brought her concern to the Synod Women’s Organization at our next convention after they came back. From that our women’s board developed a plan to raise that $150 each for 10 girls to continue their education.
We sent out Sunbonnet Sue quilting kits that the board put together and asked the women’s units to raise $150 and put the quilt square together as they raised the money and to send both to the SWO. We built quilts out of the blocks and raffled them off at gatherings and added that money to the fund. We started a Mission Investment Fund account for the funds and with ongoing donations from churches and individuals we have been sponsoring 10 girls every year for almost 30 years. The cost has gone up over the years and now takes $800 for each girl.
The last two years has been a struggle but generous donations from fewer sources has helped us accomplish it. Now we have to build the account back up again. My church puts a donation basket out on the refreshment table after church every week and has been able to raise our $800. This year we dedicated it to the memory of Marj Nishek and Elaine Peterson who were strong Global Mission people and supporters of this scholarship program as will as members of our church.
Checks can be sent to the Synod office and payable to: NWIM Synod. Please note that the contribution is for the girls’ scholarship fund. Please mail to 245 E 13th Ave., Suite A, Spokane, WA 99202.
Thank you for your support!
Carole Dinning