A Special Thank-You!

Dear Family & Friends,

I want to send out a special thank-you to everyone who has donated resources for the children in Ghana! It means so much to me, and believe me, the children will be forever grateful. I also want to thank you all for your prayers and support! It's such a wonderful feeling to know I am supported by all of you! I can't say thank-you enough!

Love Heather

Ghana's Glorious Colors!

Hi Everyone,
I hope all is well with you!

Many people have asked me what the colors of Ghana's flag represent. The flag is of huge significance to the country's history.

RED is for the blood shed during the struggle for independence,
GOLD is for the mineral rich nature of the land,
GREEN is for the rich tropical vegetation,
and the FIVE POINTED LONE STAR symbolizes African freedom and unity in the struggle against colonialism.

I hope I have enlightened you!
Cheers,
Heather

Why I feel so compelled to work in Africa!

Hi Everyone,

I want to share with you some information that will help you in understanding my desire to work in Africa. You know, I've had many people question my decision to travel and live in the most deprived continent in the world. All I can say is that I am being called, and I have to answer. I only wish that everyone was as lucky as me. I am 26 years old and I have found what I want to do with the rest of my life!

Here are some facts about the continent that is about to become home for me:

• More than 50 per cent of the population in Africa live below the poverty line and as many as 30 per cent live in extreme poverty (I personally estimate this to be higher)
• For those children who are lucky enough to attend school, over 25 per cent of students drop out before grade 6
• Without the help of food support from donor organizations, children in the most deprived areas of Africa will not see food for days. Imagine trying to learn while you are slowly starving to death.
• More than 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa live on less than $1 a day
• About half of all adults are unable to read or write
• Africa is home to 34 of the world's 49 poorest countries
• More than 44 million primary-school aged children are out of school in Africa
• More than 12 million children in Africa have lost at least one parent to war or disease
• Women account for 57 per cent of all adults in Sub-Saharan Africa infected with HIV or AIDS
• The rate of rape against women and children is staggering. In countries like South Africa, the Congo and Sudan, women and young girls are raped every 6 seconds
• There are more orphans in Africa than there are children in Canada

These are just a few of the reasons I have become so involved in the plight of Africa's people. Let us all reflect on how fortunate we are to be living in this wonderful country of ours! And let's never take a single day for granted!

Love Heather

Newspaper Article

Hello Everyone,

Just wanted to drop a quick hello and let you know that my article is in the local newspaper. It details all the information about my trip to Africa. It also explains some of my reasons for going! Please take a few minutes and read through it!

http://cgi.bowesonline.com/pedro.php?id=10&x=story&xid=330031

Take Care and Keep in Touch!
Love Heather

Graduation Photos

Hello Friends & Family

My graduation photos have been posted for you to take a look at! Grad was at the University of Alberta on June 6th, 2007 where I received my Bachelor of Elementary Education. It was a moving experience that both my parents and I were thrilled about!

Hope you enjoy!

Love Heather