We were pleased to welcome 30 REAL sponsors and friends at our annual Sponsor Appreciation Event. Tsehai updated the group on her recent travels to Ethiopia where she visited all of the sites, held workshops with the mentors and local committee members, and met with the girls. There is still some political tension at three of the most western sites, but she is optimistic about the improving political stability in Ethiopia and the increasing number of women in leadership positions. And, best of all, she brought back letters from all the girls.
Board president Olga Rodrigues presented our updated logo, our refreshed web site, and the improved version of our name: Resources Enriching African Lives. The new butterfly logo, designed by board member Heather Laubach, highlights the transformative effect of educating girls. Olga also described our recent strategic planning process and our long-range plans to expand the REAL model. We are grateful to our many sponsors and friends who understand and believe in the power of educating girls!