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Seventh graders at Dixon Middle School are turning books into bricks. In an ambitious effort to promote student literacy, cultivate global awareness, and encourage service-learning, Dixon's English Department is sponsored an initiative called Reading For Hope, a three week-long read-a-thon intended to raise funds to build a school in Mali, Africa.
Participating students solicited pledges and donations beginning March 15th which culminated into an evening of celebration on April 4th. The cultural and literary event was held at Dixon's Library and featured poetry reading, raffle drawing, musical performance as well African drumming and dancing. The students presented Dr. Steve Waters, MRF Board Member, with a check for $3,009.63.
Performers from Wassalonka delight audiences with traditional West African drumming and dancing.
Three ambitious students, with their teacher Lon Young, brought in over 800 dollars in combined pledges, qualifying for a set of Utah Jazz tickets generously donated by Nu Skin Enterprises.
MFR Board of Directors member Dr. Steve Waters accepts a check from students at Dixon Middle School.
As we watched the recent political unrest unfold in Mali, our thoughts go out to those who have been directly impacted by this event. We hope for the safety of the citizens of Mali, a peaceful resolution to this crisis and a return to stability and democracy in the near future.
We would like to reassure everyone that we are monitoring the situation very closely. We are also in constant contact with our Executive Director Yeah Samaké to obtain up-to-date information as it occurs in real time. The schools and donations are unaffected and secure and are being used by children today. We have received reports that businesses and other regular services in the capital city of Bamako will resume next week.
These recent events highlight how vital education and the work of Mali Rising Foundation are in the lives of Malians. With education and knowledge, the children of Mali can be empowered to forge a better future for themselves.
We appreciate your continued faith in and support of the foundation. We remain optimistic about the future of Mali.
Fred Johnson, Board Chair
Mali Rising Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of three new board members: Carl Trujillo, Jennifer Hathorne and Ron Nielsen. The new board members bring with them diverse and relevant expertise and experience that will greatly benefit the foundation in fulfilling its mission.
Carl Trujillo is Creative Director at Right Brain Design, a graphic design studio that provides innovative and creative solutions in the marketing and advertising industry. Over the past 20 years, he has worked for a diverse group of clients including The Nature Conservancy, Utah Humanities Council, Utah Heritage Foundation, and the Western Folklife Center. He has been a strong supporter of Mali Rising Foundation for many years. His professional experience of working with various nonprofit agencies to meet their fundraising needs and message delivery will be a great benefit to Mali Rising Foundation.
Since 2004, Jennifer Hathorne has been the Director of Sales at United Concerts, Inc. Her duties include securing sponsorship/VIP sales for the USANA Amphitheatre and The Depot. Prior to her current position, she spent many years in the non-profit sector both as an employee and board member including Sundance Institute, American Red Cross, Salt Lake Winter and Athens Summer Olympics. She has served on the following Boards: Utah AIDS Foundation Board (two of those years as Board Chair), Plan-B Theatre Company, Cottonwood Canyons Foundation (current since 2007) and Ouelessebougou-Utah Alliance.
Ron Nielsen is President of A Good Brick Mason, Inc. He has been in the construction trade for 22 years. In April of 2006 Ron founded Utah Builders Insurance Company, known today as Utah Business Insurance Company or UBIC. Today UBIC services over 1000 small offices, restaurants, and grocery chains in over 11 different states. Ron is an avid supporter of the Utah Valley Homebuilders Association where he has served as Trades Contractor Vice President as well as Associate Vice President. Ron has received Associate of the year for 6 years (never accomplished before). He has served on the Executive Committee and on the Board of Directors. Ron has also served on the Board of Directors for the Utah Masonry Council and has been elected as second Vice President for that association.
New 2011 Schools
The first Mali Rising Foundation elementary school, Ben Dixon Elementary School in Manabougou, was inaugurated on January 2, 2011.This school was funded by the Dixon Family in honor and memory of their son Ben Dixon. Read the Dixon family blog to learn more about their experiences with this project.
Excerpt from John and Darlene White
"In September of 2010, we had the opportunity to travel to Mali, Africa for the dedication of the Sue Taylor Middle school in the village of Diorila. We, along with Eric and Shannon Eliason, sponsored the school in honor of Jon's deceased sister who loved children and knew the importance of their education. As we met with the people of Mali, we learned first hand that they need help to lift them out o f their poor conditions and give them hope for the future. Education of the children is the solution!
"The children in Diorila were so excited with their new school and we were excited to know that we were making a difference in their lives. We can't even begin to describe the emotions we felt while in Mali. It was a life changing experience. Every time we turn a tap and instantly having running water turn a knob and have heat to cook on, pick up our grandchildren at their deluxe school, we think of our humble friends in Africa and know we need to do more."
The Little Heroes Foundation helped us complete a school (Little Heroes Academy) in the village Mana and is now ready to inaugurate a second school in the village of Tanima.