2010 Senegal – Storage Facility for Artisans
In March of 2010 HoTPCA approved a grant to help fund this project to construct a storage facility for the And Suxali Association. Steadily increasing its exports since 2007, the group is ready to continue expansion. With thousands of baskets being ordered, the artisans of the association are struggling to find space to store these baskets. More than a few times, families have been forced give up bedrooms in order to protect the baskets from the harsh outdoors. As orders significantly increase, there will be little space left in homes to adequately store baskets. This project would allow the association to have a central location with the sole purpose of storing the baskets.
Update – June 10, 2010
Dear HotPCA,
I wanted to once again thank you for your contribution towards our Peace Corps Partnership Project. The project was fully funded about 3 weeks ago and we got straight to work. I’ve been taking bi-weekly trips to the village to ensure the project is progressing smoothly and I am happy to report that it’s going very well!
Here are a few pictures showing the initial stages of construction. The first picture, taken about two weeks ago, shows the foundation of the building. The second two were taken just a few days ago and show the 
initial stages of the building.
This project could not have happened without the help of Heart of Texas grant, so thank you! I will be sure to continue sending updates of the project as it progresses. Jerejef! (Thank you in Wolof!)
PCV Oliver Gaines
Senegal, 2008-2011
2009 Ecuador Grant
Thank you to HOTPCA for making a life-changing difference for two girls, Merci and Laydi. In fall 2009, HOTPCA provided a complete scholarship for two Ecuadorian students, which provides for school tuition, school uniform, and books. Without this scholarship, these girls would probably not have the chance to finish school, as a mere 56% of Ecuadorian women receive their high school diploma.
From www.friendsofecuador.org:
“One of GAD’s primary objectives is to provide three-year scholarships for young financially underprivileged, yet highly motivated Ecuadorian women so that they can finish their high school education. Working in partnership with Club Kiwanis Chuquiragua in Quito, Ecuador’s scholarship program is one of only a handful worldwide.
The financial assistance that we provide for these young women is vitally needed: a mere 56% of Ecuadorian women receive their high school degree. The scholarship recipients reflect the rich ethnic diversity of the country, including representatives from Afro-Ecuadorian and indigenous communities.
Donations also provide funding for our annual leadership conference of scholarship girls and Camp ALMA (Activism and Leadership for Ambitious Women), a five-day leadership camp giving young women the opportunity to test their potential and gain valuable self-esteem as they take part in rigorous outdoor adventures.”
Chandi Wagner
RPCV Ecuador
Conquering Pico Duarte
2007 Dominican Republic
Friends,
Greetings from the Dominican Republic.
Thanks again for the generous donation HoTPCA made to our hike up Pico Duarte–the tallest mountain in the Caribbean. The youth from my community had a blast and everything flowed very smoothly. It was the perfect culmination for the 9 months we spent planning, saving and working together in preparation.
I finish my Peace Corps service in mid November of this year, and would love to come to a meeting to do a brief presentation of the project and express my thanks to everybody.
Thanks again,
Brad Haas
Peace Corps Dominican Republic
El Cacique, Prov. Monte Plata
Youth Development Specialist
