Harambee Arts: Let's pull together with Gloria Simoneaux
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December 10, 2008

Dear friends of Harambee Arts,


I am writing to you from Nairobi, Kenya where I've been living and working as a Fulbright scholar since the beginning of September 2008. As part of my fellowship, I am fulfilling the mission of Harambee Arts, by hiring and training talented young artists to work with troubled children in slum areas, hospitals, schools and orphanages. To date, we have started “art clubs” in four slum schools and the “presidents” of the clubs are chosen from the “special needs children”, those with autism, downs syndrome and other neurological problems.

We also continue to lead a weekly art group for 30 HIV+ women at Langata Women’s Prison in Nairobi. The head warden said, “For the first time, the prisoners are eager to be tested for HIV so that they will be eligible to attend the Harambee Arts support group.” Most recently we led a workshop for grandmothers who are raising up to 20 orphans each, in a South African township. They had never painted before and the results were spectacular.

Five artists have been hired…two in Zimbabwe and three in Kenya, and more than 2,000 children have participated in our programs. Since the inception of Harambee Arts in fall 2007, more than 400 psychologists, teachers and social workers have been trained in our methodology of non-directive, child centered expressive arts.

Your continued support of our work in Sub-saharan Africa is greatly needed. Donations enable the Harambee Arts staff to continue our work with children and women who have been traumatized by the AIDS pandemic, civil wars, famine and displacement; and train others. Art supplies will be purchased! Capable youth will be given jobs! More trainings will be offered! Please see the photos below to view the beautiful recipients of our services.

For more information about Harambee Arts you can visit: www.harambeearts.org. It is easy to make a tax-deductible and secure financial donation by visiting our Donation Page at www.harambeearts.org/donate.html (and click on the "Donate" button) or send a check by filling out the attached Donation Form (.pdf).

With heartfelt gratitude, Gloria












Harambee Arts: Let's Pull Together TM
PO Box 150156 | San Rafael, CA 94915-0156 | (415) 721-7068 | Email Harambee Arts

P.S. Please send this message to anyone who may be interested in the project.
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