What This Project Is All About

Dear friends,

A few weeks ago, we were watching ABC News and were blown away by a story about an organization that builds schools in rural Cambodia, called American Assistance for Cambodia (see link).

One of this organization's many efforts - The Rural Schools Project - has built over 300 schools in rural areas of Cambodia since 1999. The project aims to repair damage done during the Khmer Rouge regime, when all institutions, including schools, were banned, and the people were forced into communist slave-labor farming communities (for more history, see links section).

So what does this have to do with us? Michael and I have decided to undertake a year-long fundraising effort to raise the $13,000 necessary to build one of these schools. And why this project? We feel very passionate about the power of education, and we are excited about being able to do something with such a tangible and impactful result. The Cambodians in these villages are living in extreme poverty, and the young, uneducated girls are at serious risk of being kidnapped for the sex trade. This program gives these children a school - equipped with teachers, books, computers and internet access - and with it, a future.

From this Valentine's Day to next, we are going to be working hard to raise both money and awareness to build our school and name it "Heart to Heart". We are planning several events, including a concert, an art auction, and a visit from the founder of American Assistance for Cambodia, Bernie Krisher. We are also hoping that you will help us meet our goal by making a donation. At the very least, please take four minutes to watch the news story that inspired us to take on this project (see link).

If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution, please follow the instructions below.

We know you have a lot of other commitments, but we appreciate your consideration in helping to change the lives of these children.

Jennifer & Michael