mamaAfrica's first rafiki letter

Dear Rafiki,

I have been envious of all those of you who have found rafikis in Kenya. Finally I have received my first rafiki letter which also happens to be the first letter of gratitude from the women in the Project.

I am sharing rafiki with a number of you. Her name is Damaris Munini. Reading this letter brought me tears of joy. Because a letter of this magnitude is rare to come by. Please allow me to share the contents of Mama Damaris letter to me as a bit part of it is written in Swahili. You can also read along with me the scanned copy that I post hereby. Along side this translation I have my words/exclamations in BRACKETS.

Mama Damaris starts by addressing me Director- I am humbled with this big title because i know from whom much is given much is expected. I g hope i can be a role model to mama Damaris and others.

In her first paragraph she introduces her self and informes me that she has a wonderful testimony about Project Africa since she joined the tailoring class on 16/10/2008. She says that she cooperates wel with other trainees and the Project Leaders madam judy and Sister Benedettah.

She continues to share with me her achievements saying so far she has learnt how to make women clothes, men's shirts and she is learning how to make both long and short pants. (What a progress this is I am proud of her).
Mama damaris says she is a member of the Rafiki program aand together with other women they are leaning how to read and write. (AND HERE COMES the BIG WORDS-) she says this gives her joy because of many family problems she dropped out of school at elementary grade six. She could not understand English \"but now\" she can read as well as write. (Is this not empowerment).

mama Damaris says \"in my opinion Rafiki program has brought me out of darkness into light\". (I feel like screaming thank you).

in part two of her letter, Mama damaris shares further taht her two daughters are in Project Africa's stars mentorship program and she is happy with the impact this mentorship brings to her daughters.

She vows to share with other women the good that there is in joining project Africa and wishes those who started the project lots of blessings

Then she signs off hoping to hear from me soon, She says. ( I can't wait to reply her)

dear Friends, This is the impact that our letters is having in the village. If all women in the rafiki Program are feeling like mama Damaris, then there is hope. I want to encourage you all to know that your support and participation is not in vain. The seeds y6ou are planting in each womans life will one day bring forth a bountiful harvest

thank you for sharing with me in this journey

mamaAfrica