There may be things more precious than hope.  But not many.  And when you get down to it, that's what we create through the collective effort we call GambiaRising.  In the school year just ended, more than 1,000 young Gambians, mostly girls, were in school because of the support of GambiaRising's donors.  And their lives will be different in so many ways because of that one fact.  

Now, looking back, we are so grateful and happy that so many young people had not just hope, but a real chance, for a better life because of the work we did together.  And then we turn forward to September and try figure out how we can support them all in the new school year, while trying to help those on our waiting list as well.

All this starts with everyone who supported students last year doing so again this year.  Don't let the number of students fool you, there are not many of us, but because of the incredible dedication of our 14 Gambian volunteers (not to mention our 5 volunteer tailors), we make every donated dollar do an incredible amount of good.

We have so many counting on us in the new school year, and so many new appeals coming in, that we are starting our budgeting and planning early this year.  We never exit the school year with spare money in the bank - if we had more funds, we used them to support more kids.  So this year we are asking our donors to donate early if you can.  (And if you'd prefer to donate at year's end, just hit "Reply" and say "You can count on me" so we can know we can include you in our budget.)  Our first priority is our commitments to our students.  And if everyone renews their support, we'll be able to use our new donations to support new kids.  (None of the young people on our waiting list were in school last year, and we really want to get them back into school in September.)

Our mailing address is below.  You can donate online here: 

Giving consistent support over time truly makes a life-changing difference.  Here are just three whose lives will never be the same because of the generosity, commitment, and consistency of our donors.

To our monthly donors: thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  We start each school year knowing we can count on you.  And to be honest, there are days when things can seem bleak, but then we get the notice about one, two, three, four donations that came in over night.  It's hard to stay discouraged when so many are standing with you.

To those who have already donated this year: thank you so much for renewing your support for these young people's hopes and dreams.  

To everyone else, please find a place in your heart and your giving plans for these and other young Gambians.  Of this I am sure: we are their last, best hope for a better life.

Mike McConnell
Managing Trustee
GambiaRising
www.gambiarising.org
Follow us on Facebook 

1500 Park Ave Apt PH503
Emeryville, CA  94608-3578