Transform Girls' Education With Technical School

This week, we are gearing up for the GlobalGiving Bonus Day Campaign on Wednesday July 14. Before I go into the details, let me share with you this wonderful testimony from Raïssa, the Aumazo Deputy Director in Cameroon. A few days ago I received a voice message from her. It was unusual because she often writes notes or sends emails. I listened to the words and was so taken aback by their depth that I couldn’t wait to share her story with you. 

She stated:  “While growing up, I wanted to speak and write in the vernacular. My father sent me to the village regularly to stay with my aunt during vacation months. She was an excellent teacher because she didn’t speak French or English that are the languages of the education curriculum in Cameroon. The indigenous language was the only means of communicating with her. Although I could talk, I couldn’t write. I was determined to learn to write but lacked the will to take the initiative until a month ago. 

I decided to pick up the phone and call the training academy near me. They enrolled me in a prep class. In a week, I took the exam, ranked second out of 35 students, and skipped grade1 to enter 2nd grade. I just graduated 1st in a class of 40 students to the astonishment of my classmates.

It results from the work ethic and discipline I learned since I joined Aumazo a year ago. Jacqueline’s encouragement gave me the motivation to dare. As a woman, she is a role model for me, the Aumazo staff, and the girls we serve. She is the first woman who inspired me to claim my right to succeed in a society where I grew up, believing that only men can work hard. In addition, I saw the usefulness of learning the vernacular well. It will benefit me when I have to address the crowd of parents in the village who cannot speak French or English. I won’t need a translator anymore. I thank all Aumazo supporters and, in particular, Maman Jacqueline, who sparked my interest in hard work and smartness.``

I don’t know about you, but this testimonial brought tears to my eyes and gave me a new appreciation for the support you provide Aumazo day in and day out. What else is there to say besides thank you for your continued commitment to our cause.

Another Engagement Opportunity

I am extending a new invitation to you. On Wednesday, July 14th, GlobalGiving gives us a unique matching bonus day opportunity to invest even more and sustain the Aumazo success. Every small effort adds to the value of the testimonies we expect from our constituents. We aim at a 50% match on donations from $750 - $1000 while the $400,000 matching funds remain. The fundraising campaign starts at 9:00 Eastern Daylight Time, and only gifts of USD 100 and up will count toward the Bonus Day. 

Funds run out fast, and donors must give early to benefit from the matching funds. In the last seven years, we learned that to win on GlobalGiving; we must work together. We are counting on you to ask one or two additional friends to join you and donate.  Raïssa and Aumazo’s beneficiaries will thank us all. 

With sincere gratitude,

Jacqueline Audige and the Board