NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2010
Message from the Founder empowering African children with quality education
Dear Friends & Supporters, As we begin a new year, we are proud to be celebrating our achievements in the past year and we look forward to many more achievements in the coming years. All success would not be possible without our volunteers, supporters and sponsors. In 2010 we saw the orphans at Chinyaradzo children’s home benefit from the Text Book project. We also awarded two scholarships in Kenya to two well deserving girls. The African Dream benefit ball was also a major highlight of the year. It brings me much pleasure to announce that the organisation is on the right track, and we are headed in the right direction. Troubling economic times can create a challenging environment to raise the funds we need to carry out our work effectively, however support and enthusiasm for the cause is growing. Looking back at 2010, I would like to thank all who supported us. And moving forward, we look forward to sharing 2011 with you and having your continued support throughout the year and in the future. Fadzai Matambanadzo Founder
The African Dream Benefit | P O Box 1253 Innaloo 6918 WA info@theafricanbenefit.org.au | www.theafricandream.org.au January Newsletter • AFRICAN DREAM BENEFIT 1
The African Dream Benefit | P O Box 1253 Innaloo 6918 WA info@theafricanbenefit.org.au | www.theafricandream.org.au
Orphans
Giving
Hope:
It is hard to believe that at some point the Zimbabwean educational system was the pride of Africa, providing worldwide quality education for all. There was a time, when it was difficult to differentiate between the quality of education provided by government and private schools. But now the differences are vast. Government schools are no longer able to provide quality education to Zimbabwean children and youth. Resources are severely limited, and supplies are scarce. Most of the problem is hinged on lack of funding to government schools. The financial burden is then carried onto students and their
Chinyaradzo Children’s Home Text Book Project
parents or guardians. Education is our focus, and we believe it does not just start and stop with a scholarship program. Educational outreach projects are essential in helping to narrow the gaps in the education sector. On the 27th of April 2010, The African Dream Benefit purchased and donated textbooks to the children at Chinyaradzo Children’s Home. Project Manager, Mercy Makoni hosted the official presentation ceremony. Children were presented with much needed textbooks to assist them in their learning. According to UNICEF only 1 in
every 30 students in Zimbabwe has a textbook for their curriculum. Every child has the right to be provided with basic tools for them to maximise on their education. We look forward to continue to grow our textbook project to benefit many more Zimbabwean students get the best out of their education.
HE WHO OPENS A SCHOOL DOOR, CLOSES A PRISON. -
VICTOR HUGO
We Remember Jock Ferguson In 2009, our founder Fadzai Matambanadzo first met the late Jock Ferguson (Labor MP) after she gave a speech at the Belmont Small Business Awards Launch. Jock was instantly impressed by the work of The African Dream Benefit, and was eager to be involved in the organisation. Scottish born Jock Ferguson had a momentous career, which included working during the Apartheid in South Africa. He was elected to the Western Australia Legislative Council in 2008 as a Labor Party member. And in 2 AFRICAN DREAM BENEFIT • January Newsletter
February 2010, he passed away aged 64 in his home after a heart attack. We would like to take this moment to thank Jock for believing in the African Dream. We thank him for his wonderful support, and we are sincerely grateful for all his generous donations and contributions to the cause that assisted in educating children in Africa. We remember you.
The African Dream
Benefit Ball 2010 for Mt Lawley), and Mr Max de Vietri (Consulate to the Republic of Mali).
The 2010 African Dream Ball was held at the Sheraton Perth Hotel in September and was an evening of fine dining and fantastic entertainment. The 2010 ball was the second fundraising event for The African Dream Benefit. The evening was all about raising money to fund our scholarships and educational based projects. Over 200 guests filled the ballroom to raise money for the education of children and youth in Africa. Special guests included Ms Jacqueline Zwambila (Ambassador for Zimbabwe), Bill Repard (Consulate to South Africa and President of Australian African Business Council), Mr Michael Sutherland (MLA Member
The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception followed by dinner. Guests were treated to an African dance by Tropical Addiction. Founder and Executive Director of The African Dream Benefit, Fadzai Matambanadzo, gave speech stressing the importance of quality education in elevating poverty in Africa. Guest speaker, Ms Jacqueline Zwambili (Zimbabwean Ambassador), confirmed this message and acknowledged the work and efforts of The African Dream Benefit. A live auction raised funds and included jewelry from Hardy Brothers Jewellers, team signed Wallaby’s jersey donated by David Pocock, African art and sculptures and much more. The evening raised just over $4,000. We thank guests for their support and generosity and giving hope to many children in Africa. We look forward to your support this year and seeing you at the next event on the 3rd of September 2011.
Investing in
Africa’s Future
On November 12th 2010, our Founder Fadzai Matambanadzo attended Hon Kevin Rudd’s “Australia’s Foreign Policy Looking West” address at University Club. It was promising to hear the Foreign Minister speak on Australia’s commitment to be more engaged in African affairs. He stated that it is “longer an option but a national necessity”. With increased business interest, comes our commitment to social and economic development, including driving the Millennium Development Goals on education in Africa. The African Dream Benefit is committed to driving education. This means increasing our investment on education and increasing human resources. Increasing human resources in Africa is the only road to sustainable economic development. This provides a perfect opportunity for us to not waste Africa’s most valuable resource, by increasing investment in education amongst disadvantaged youth
THERE CAN BE NO KEENER REVELATION OF A SOCIETY’S SOUL THAN THE WAY IN WHICH IT TREATS ITS CHILDREN. NELSONS MANDELA
January Newsletter • AFRICAN DREAM BENEFIT 3
The African Dream Benefit | P O Box 1253 Innaloo 6918 WA info@theafricanbenefit.org.au | www.theafricandream.org.au
UPDATES The African Dream Cocktail Event Get ready for the most exciting date of the year! The African Dream Benefit cocktail event will be held on the 3rd of September 2011. Save the date, details will be available soon. For sponsorship opportunities or other inquiries please contact info@theafricandream.org.au
“WHEN WE DREAM ALONE IT IS ONLY A DREAM. WHEN WE DREAM WITH OTHERS, IT IS THE BEGINNING OF REALITY” DOM HELDER CAMARA
The African Dream Benefit presents, Journey Into Africa On the 29th of April, The African Dream Benefit will take all your senses on a journey through Africa, and indulge in delectable “African fusion” cuisine complimented by an array of cultural entertainment from all over Africa including Moroccan belly dancing, African drumming and more. Treat your taste buds to a specially created 3-course menu by Pink Zulu Restaurant combining dishes and flavors from the vast continent of Africa – From South Africa and Zimbabwe to Tanzania and Morocco. There are only 80 tickets available to this event. Tickets on sale 16th February 2011. To secure your tickets to a Journey Into Africa
The African Dream Scholarship Fund In 2010, The African Dream Benefit in partnership with the Akili Dada organisation assisted in awarding scholarships to two very talented young Kenyan girls Amani and Rehema. They have overcome incredible odds to emerge as top students. They are passionate about their communities and volunteer in their respective projects.
email info@theafricandream.org.au or call 0401888661/0422786394
New Website Launching Our brand new website is currently under construction and will be launching very soon. Our new website will be more interactive and keep our supporters and followers up to date with The African Dream Benefit. Stay tuned for the launch of the website.
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These scholarships were awarded to young women because we believe women from poor backgrounds should have equal access to their education and must be empowered to be future leaders. In 2012, The African Dream Benefit’s goal is to award 20 scholarships in Zimbabwe. With continued support, this goal is achievable. For more details on how you or your business can sponsor a scholarship email fadzai@theafricandream.org.au
Thank You WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT TO THANK OUR VOLUNTEERS, SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS OVER THE PAST YEAR
Hardy Brothers Jewellers, Afriqan Times, Paydirt, Catherine Ruze Agency, African Professional Association, Celebrity Auctions, Elsa Couture, Little Gracie, Faux Pas, Carmen Steffens, Tryst for Hair, Artists @ Play, Tropical Addiction, Fitness First, B Kind and Sheraton Perth Hotel, Akili Dada, End Stop Creative, NQ Creative, Fireside Entertainment, West Australian and New Intellegance. Jock Ferguson (MLA Member for East Metropolitan Region) Ms Jacqueline Zwambila - Ambassador for Zimbabwe Bill Repard – Consulate to South Africa and President of Australian African Business Council (AABC) Mr Michael Sutherland - MLA Member for Mt Lawley Mr Max de Vietri - Consulate to the Republic of Mali and Mr Tommy Adebayo – President of the African Professionals Association Joshua Musamba, Rumbie Muparutsa, Fadzi Whande Mutambiranwa Nicholas Duncan (Save Foundation), Doug Horack, Shana Hussain, Peter Nduati, Rav Mukushi, Nsubusi Mwambenja Special thank you to all the volunteers, models, dancers, DJ’s and all our guests for attending our events. We thank all who have been apart of The African Dream
DESIGN By NQACREATIVE
Benefit, and all those who will be apart of it in the future!