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Going the Distance to Bring

Hope to African Children,

One Step at a Time

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26 FOR AFRICA

Welcome to 26 FOR AFRICA

We're dedicated to bringing hope to African children through education. And one of the ways we hope to bring attention to their need is through athletics, including running marathons! In fact, the “26” in 26 For Africa stands for the 26.2 mile marathon distance. (Craig and Becky Conover are training for the Seattle Marathon on November 27, 2011.)

We work with a some wonderful people in Uganda to provide better lives for poor children. The children we support are not able to attend government schools because the schools are so far away they have to walk for hours to get there, they lack the funds to pay school fees or are needed at home to work in the fields.

Pastor Susan Mary Okell of Kawanda, Uganda, started First Fruits Schools to provide elementary education for these needy children, many of whom are orphans. We've been privileged to provide support for teacher's salaries and school supplies, including food.

Your generous donations also permitted us to buy land for a school in the village of Kotolo, Uganda. The people of the community then made the bricks and built the “Evergreen School”. Your donations allowed us to put a roof on the school and the children of Kotolo now have an elementary school. We have been able to provide funding for the construction of a toilet, provide curriculum and supplies, support teacher's salaries and even buy food. The school started with 35 children attending classes out in the open and now has approximately 200 students and a staff of 7.

Besides providing for an education, we want to help improve the quality of life for the people of Uganda by also supporting economic development. With funds raised by running the Seattle Marathon, 26 For Africa was able to purchase a diesel powered grinding mill for Kotolo Village. The mill has been used to grind maize, rice, sorghum, millet and casava for sale. In addition, a small fee will be charged for use of the mill with proceeds going to support the school and raise funds for a second mill for another village. Local craftsmen have been employed to build classroom furniture.

How you can help:

1. All donations are greatly appreciated. You will be making a difference in the lives of African children and their families.

2. RUN (OR WALK) WITH US!!!