Happy New Year AND New School!

As we celebrate a new beginning in 2017, we also celebrate a new school for children in refugee camps in Chad!  Thanks to the selfless generosity of so many, as of Dec. 28, 2016, Watoto Read has raised $10,000, which will provide three latrines and a completely furnished classroom for 60 children.  What a fantastic way to start the new year!  We are well on our way to reach our 2017 goal of 10 classrooms.
The following quotes are from the article, In Chad, Refugees from Darfur Find Hope in Education, by Christian Fuchs, Communications Director, Jesuit Refugee Services (a partner of Watoto Read).
“Life without education is like tea without sugar.  If you can educate yourself, your life will be good and your life will be nice.”
— Hawa, a female student in the Djabal refugee camp, just outside the town of Goz Beida in eastern Chad
As a refugee, “you’re looking at a future where employment is uncertain and I suppose education is probably the one hope, so that if you educate yourself to a sufficient level you can get a job of a decent standard.  Probably the most important aspect is the hope it gives to refugees.”
— Colette Finneran, English as a Foreign Language Facilitator in the Djabal refugee camp, just outside the town of Goz Beida in eastern Chad