Arlington Academy of Hope

Celebrating the Girl Child

AAH — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:06:18 +0000

Today we are celebrating International Day of the Girl Child. If she stays in school, remains healthy, and gains real world skills, she will marry later, have fewer but healthier children, and earn an income she will invest back into her family – breaking the cycle of poverty.

In Uganda, girls are grossly underrepresented in student populations. In contrast, about 50% of AAH students in our primary school and on AAH secondary school scholarships are girls. The quality education these young women receive is a building block to a brighter future for each of them. We are proud of these young women and the hope they bring to their community.

Article in The Catholic Herald

AAH — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 17:59:23 +0000

Click here to view a recent article in The Catholic Herald about Thomas Kitandwe Kisolo, director of the Arlington Academy of Hope in Bumwalukani, Uganda and his studies at Marymount University in Arlington.

Why Is Africa Important to Me? – An Essay by John Wanda

AAH — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 05:20:45 +0000

The following essay was written by AAH Founder, John Wanda, in response to an essay contest on Why I Love Africa sponsored by the Sullivan Foundation. We aren’t surprised that he won! Congratulations, John!

Why is Africa Important to Me

John Wanda

Arlington Academy of Hope

I will begin this essay with a simple admission – I was born in Africa. I don’t know if this excludes or enhances my chances of winning the trip to Malabo. All I know is that it makes Africa that much more important to me. When people talk of Africa’s thin air, or its hills and ridges and forests, all I need do is close my eyes and think back to my early childhood, and the memories come flooding back to me. When they talk about its wildlife, I instantly remember my first encounter with what I thought was a leopard in the forests of Mt. Elgon when I was barely 11. That moment is indelibly captured in my memory. It was my first day alone in the forest, carrying a bundle of bamboos, when I saw a spotted big cat-like animal in front of me. I stood my ground and never looked away, as our village elders had frequently advised when discussing wild animals in the forest. Do not run, or throw a stone. Wild animals will never harm a person unless threatened or hungry. I had to hope this animal was not hungry. After a few anxious moments, the animal slunk away into the forest, and I walked back home. My love for Africa is, however, much more than my longing for my childhood and the lush countryside of Eastern Uganda where I grew up. I left Uganda more than 16 years ago, and while I feel the romantic pull every time I think of it, I also feel a certain sadness. It is OK to feel romantic about Africa and its people. It is OK to remember the warm embrace of my village when I return home. It is OK to feel that time has not changed for most of its people. But at the same time, it is important for Africa to know that the world has moved on, for its people to know that technology and progress has changed the world outside. Having fond memories of a past is not going to provide sufficient food for our people. Africa’s villages need more than a hoe and an ax to tackle the challenges of food scarcity. The hoe and the ax and machete, while a mainstay of our African past, has no place in agriculture today. Forty years ago, in our village, people had more than enough to eat. Today, with more than double the population it had then, our village produces less than the food than it did in 1975. Children today in my village are malnourished, and the land they till is tired and cannot produce enough food. Corn stalks are thin and the ears paltry, beans pods have only a few beans in them. Most bananas plants have been decimated by the banana weevil, and newspapers warn of a deadly new cassava mosaic disease that has rendered our cassava tubes no longer edible. When I went to school, our classrooms had 60 students. Today, those same schools stand, with much decay, but their classrooms have 120 children or more. More kids stay home in the village than go to school. And those who finish school are lucky to have jobs. Uganda’s youth unemployment rate stands at 83%, far higher than any country in Africa, except Niger. Africa’s problems are not unique. Nor are they unsolvable. The Agricultural Revolution came to Europe and Asia and America decades and centuries ago. Africa does not have to re-invent the wheel to have an agricultural revolution of its own. It has been estimated that two thirds of Africa’s land that is arable is dormant. And yet we go looking for food aid from other countries. It would not take much to grow enough food for Africa’s people, and even export to the rest of the world. And Africa has the manpower. Look at all those unemployed youth as a source of labor. Look to the world outside for capital and equipment. It cannot take much to have an agricultural revolution in Africa that can feed its people. The same thing with education. We can do a lot better for Africa’s children. Africa has produced many professors and doctors who live overseas because the facilities in Africa are inadequate. If we can provide adequate incentives for Africa’s intelligentsia to return, and a decent program in education, we can help our children in Africa acquire a relevant education worth of its place in the world. Africa’s children are plenty capable. They can learn as well as children from other continents. They just need the facilities, the resources, the encouragement, and the attention of their leaders and those of us in the Diaspora. Those of us who have seen better must plan to return home to make a real positive contribution for our countries. Our children deserve it. Our countries deserve it. Our people deserve it. Africa is that important.

A Village of Support across Continents for Arlington Academy of Hope

AAH — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 21:11:49 +0000

(This article is cross-posted from the news section of Marymount University) Each summer, teachers and school administrators in Marymount University’s Master of Education in Administration and Supervision program come to campus for two weeks of intensive classes. They arrive from across the country and abroad. The two-year program is mostly conducted online, with two summer, on-campus sessions. This year, the first year and second-year cohorts include individuals from Mississippi, California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, in addition to local educators in the Diocese of Arlington and the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. Primarily a program for Catholic school leaders, Marymount’s program also provides a strong foundation for those taking a leadership position at other private, faith-based schools. And, among the 2014 cohort is Thomas Kitandwe Kisolo, director of the Arlington Academy of Hope in Bumwalukani, Uganda, which is inclusive and non-denominational. It serves a remote, impoverished area of eastern Uganda. Kitandwe Kisolo’s connection with Arlington and Marymount is not new. The Academy is supported by the Arlington Academy of Hope Foundation, which was established by Arlington residents John and Joyce Wanda, who wanted to bring an American model of education to their home village. What started as an elementary school in 2004 has evolved into a major community support system. “It’s so much more than a school,” explains Kitandwe Kisolo. The Arlington Academy of Hope now includes the elementary school, which has 335 pupils in grades 1-7; sponsorship of about 270 students to continue their education at secondary schools; an outreach program that provides materials and workshops for teachers at 45 public schools in outlying villages; a women’s microfinance program, and two health clinics that give free care. The Foundation, which receives donations from individuals across the United States, has also expanded partnerships to help support the expanding endeavors. Marymount’s Education Department is one such partner. Marymount professors of education and students have been traveling to Uganda to provide teacher-training workshops for the Arlington Academy of Hope teachers and teachers in the outlying public schools. Kitandwe Kisolo says, “Our teachers really enjoy learning about new, diverse methods of instruction, and they can’t wait for the next workshops.” Dr. Alice Young, Marymount professor of Education and associate dean of the School of Education and Human Services, explains that “learning to teach with an interactive, hands-on approach requires experiences in those teaching methods. The teacher workshops in Uganda have focused on having the teachers participate in the same type of learning experiences that we want them to provide for their students.” She adds, “Thomas Kitandwe Kisolo epitomizes what I see is the best of Uganda. He has a joy for life and learning that comes out as he works with the children and teachers at the Arlington Academy of Hope. The new skills, knowledge, and understandings that he will take back from the Administration and Supervision program will build on his natural talents, dedication, and enthusiasm to provide the best for his children and community in Uganda.” Now director of the Arlington Academy of Hope, Kitandwe Kisolo was headmaster (principal) for seven years and previously taught elementary school for about 15 years. He was invited into Marymount’s M.Ed. program and says, “This is one of the biggest landmarks in my life, and I am so grateful to Marymount for the partnership with the Arlington Academy of Hope and for having me in this inspiring program.” In just this first week, I can realize how much I am learning about human resource management and leadership.” He also notes America’s emphasis on research and resource materials, explaining, “Research is lacking in Uganda and many African countries, but here it is center stage. For example, in my class we have been discussing case studies of cyber bullying. That is just becoming a problem in Uganda, so this gives me insight into ways to prevent it.” Sister Patricia Earl, IHM, coordinator of the Marymount’s M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision program and interim dean of the School of Education and Human Services, points out that Tom Kitandwe Kisolo brings a fresh perspective to the cohort of educators. “We take so much for granted,” she explains. “The poverty and hardships faced by the children and families that the Arlington Academy of Hope serves are hard for us to imagine.” Yet many administrative school issues are common to both worlds, as is the desire to give students the tools to be successful. John Wanda at the Arlington Academy of Hope Foundation says, “Our mission is to bring hope and opportunity to kids who have never seen a quality education, who have never seen a clean classroom. We want to give them hope for a better life through education.”

A HUGE “Thank You” to Our Giving Partner TOMS Shoes

AAH — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 09:50:46 +0000

“I am the happiest to have gotten TOMS Shoes. Thank you!” — Doreen in Uganda, age 12

Nothing makes our kids more giddy than a new pair of TOMS shoes. TOMS are given as a part of AAH’s programs to promote school attendance and improve overall health and hygeine among school children. During shoe distributions, children receive interactive health education lessons that cover the importance of hand washing, oral health and foot care. For many students, this is the first pair of shoes they will receive.

There were smiles, laughs and giggles all around after students received their shoes.

A huge, “THANK YOU” goes to to our giving partner TOMS shoes!

THANK YOU! MERCI! GRACIAS! DANKE! GRATIAS AGIMUS!

Peep the smiles, cool kicks and uber cute faces below!

AAH Community Appreciation Picnic and Other Events

AAH — Sat, 26 May 2012 04:35:27 +0000

You’re Invited …

To the Arlington Academy of Hope Community Appreciation Picnic

Saturday, June 2nd, 2012 4:00 to 7:00 pm Lyon Park Community Center 414 N. Fillmore Street Arlington, VA 22201

Please join us for this fun annual get together of the AAH community of supporters. The Annual AAH Community Appreciation Picnic is our chance to say thank you to our donors, child sponsors, volunteers and friends for making AAH possible. We also want to let you know about important progress being made at our primary school,medical clinics and through other AAH programs that give Ugandan children and their families hope for a better future. You will get a chance to meet our volunteers who just returned from Uganda. This year we will again provide delicious barbecue for the picnic supported by a generous donation from Arlington’s own Westover Market and Mr. John (Jay) Jenc of the Virginia Varment Cookers Association. Bread, beverages, plates and eating utensils will be provided by AAH. Please bring your favorite side dish to share (i.e. corn, baked beans, bean salad, potato salad, green salad, etc.). We still need volunteers to help with set up, during the event and clean up. If you can, please email Dan Gardner at arlingtonacademyhope@yahoo.com All are welcome – bring your family and friends. We look forward to having you at the picnic on June 2nd. Click here for directions to the picnic. OTHER AAH UPCOMING EVENTS TODAY, FRIDAY 5/25: A Festival of H.O.P.E. by George Mason HS Students in Falls Church, Virginia that works with the Arlington Academy of HOPE to raise funds for students who receive AAH scholarships at Secondary level. Event time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, at 444 West Broad Street, in the Spectrum Park (Between Panera & Mad Fox) in Falls Church. May 25-June 10th: Your last chance to visit Arlington Arts Center’s “My City / My Community” photo exhibit featuring photos taken by students from Arlington Arts Center (AAC), Arlington Traditional School (ATS) and the Arlington Academy of Hope in Uganda (AAH). The Arlington Arts Center is located at 3550 Wilson Blvd and is open from 1-7 pm Wednesday – Friday and from 1-5 pm Saturday and Sunday. JUNE 11th -13th: ATS Gently Used children’s Book Sale at Arlington Traditional School Library. This event helps to raise money for the ATS inspired AAH Global Reading Challenge program. Like ATS students, kids at AAH are encouraged to read 50 books each over the summer. Please drop off gently used children’s books at Arlington Traditional School, 855 N Edison St., Arlington, VA 22205, before June 11th. If you can volunteer at this event , please contact Barbara Collier at babrbara.collier@apsva.us or Victoria Metz at victoria.metz@apsva.us . Tuesday JUNE 19th at Crowell & Moring, LLP: You are Invited to a private Reception Benefiting AAH in Washington DC, 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., 9th Floor South Washington, D.C. 20004. Event time 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. To obtain tickets or RSVP for this event please e-mail or call AAH’s Development Chair : Susan LaBombard, 703-739-2698, slabombard@comcast.net August 8th – 12th Arlington County Fair at Thomas Jefferson Community Center. Come by the AAH booth to visit us or sign up to volunteer at this event . Please contact us at arlingtonacademyhope@yahoo.com FRIDAY OCT. 26th: AAH GALA at the ARTISPHERE. AAH (SAN GALA) is our biggest fundraising event of the year. Please mark your calendars to join us. The GALA organizing committee is now forming. If you would like to be part of the organizing committee, please e-mail Gala 2012 Co-Chairs: Heather Burneson and Linda Valentino athburneson@msn.com .

Bulobi Primary School

AAH — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:24:43 +0000

A picture of Bulobi Primary School before construction

One year ago, Bulobi Primary School was a typical government school in Uganda, operating outof mud structures and incomplete classrooms with a booming student population.Most of their classrooms were without floors, windows, and doors, creating an inadequate learning environment. Yet,children still came to learn, and lots of them. Their largest class had 170 pupils, one teacher. A year ago now, you would not recognize the school you see today.

Through partnership with the Kamal Foundation, Arlington Academy of Hope, Bududa LocalDistrict Government, and the Bulobi community, Bulobi Primary School has now been transformed. Overthe past year, all stakeholders have contributed to build 8 new classrooms, construct a new kitchen, and complete the 4 unfinished classrooms at Bulobi Primary School. A local contractor from the community,Mr. Stephen Wakyaya, showed strong leadership in organizing the project, and many communityvolunteers and parents

provided much of the physical work and labor to build the school. We are happyto announce that this work was recently successfully completed on January 23, just in time for the startof the new school year! The new classrooms are beautiful, with crisp black chalkboards, glossy desks,and a clean concrete floor. Most importantly, the school felt officially complete when it was filled withfaces of happy children, who are now proud of their school and eager to learn. The positive momentum in their school is almost tangible, and the school administration,teachers, and parents have found fresh motivation to improve the future of their children. It is amazingwhat new facilities can do to enable other opportunities. Bulobi Primary School has taken the initiativeto begin several programs to cultivate a strong learning environment. First of all, Bulobi started off the year by committing to limiting classrooms sizes to manageable numbers. Each grade was split into 2classrooms, one for strong learners and one for weak learners. Additionally, each classroom was cappedoff at 60 students per teacher. In doing this, students are able to receive customized attention, andteachers are better equipped to address the needs of their students. Secondly, utilizing the new kitchen,Bulobi Primary School also started a school wide feeding program at the start of the school year. Theyare one of the first public schools in Bududa District to do so. In most schools in Uganda, children can goall day without eating, leading to school absenteeism and lack of concentration due to hunger. Whenfeeding programs are introduced though, children are adequately nourished, leading to better healthand growth, and in turn, they are also adequately educated, by increasing mental acuity and motivatingschool attendance. As a partner, we are excited to see and support Bulobi Primary School as they workto create a model government school in Bududa District.

Thank you to our 2011 SanGala Sponsors

AAH — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:12:34 +0000

Silver Sponsor

“Chapman Cubine Adams Hussey, Inc. is a full-service, multi-channel direct marketing firm that specializes in fundraising for not-for-profit organizations.”

Washington, DC metro	San Francisco, CA
1600 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300	50 California St., Suite 460
Arlington, VA 22209	San Francisco, CA 94111

Visit them at www.ahadirect.com

Thank you to our Bronze Sponsors

Arlington Traditional School-Parent Teacher Association (ATS-PTA) www.atspta.org Cassidy & Associates 700 13th Street, N.W. #400 Washington, D.C. 20005 www.cassidy.com

4347 Arlington Boulevard Arlington, VA 22203

www.childreninternationalschool.com

Holly Hawthorne and Dean Scribner

Scott Dykema & Colleen Osgood-Dykema

Helping Employers Manage the Future Cost of Health Care™ 903 Russell Ave., Suite 200, Gaithersburg, MD 20879 www.potomacco.com 1001 pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC 20004 www.crowell.com

We would love to see your name added here!

Auction Items Sneak Preview

AAH — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:59:50 +0000

GETAWAYS: VACATION, SPORTS, THEATER

V500 VA Winery Tour for 2. Reston Limousine will take you on its public tour (van or bus)

of 2 acclaimed VA wineries. $70

V501 Red Fox Inn, Middleburg, VA: 18 th Century Inn and restaurant. Overnight Stay

Sunday-Thursday, includes continental buffet breakfast in the dining room. $150

Donated by Red Fox Inn.

V502 Maine Lakefront Cottage: Waterfront cottage near Camden, ME. Sleeps 5 comfortably-

7 if you use cots. The screen porch has a view of the lake. Included are kayaks, a canoe,

and small powered boat for fishing. Swim right off the private dock! It is being offered

for a prime-time summer week! Donated by Catherine Reising-Jones

V503 Lakeview House Rental, The Woods, WV. A two-night weekend (Fri/ Sat or Sat/ Sun)

adult escape with 3 bedrooms overlooking the woods and lake. Includes access to golf,

hiking trails, indoor/outdoor pool, pub, restaurant, and spa. Donated by Beatrice Tierney.

V504 Whitetail Resort. 2 Beginner Learn to Ski or Snowboard packages. Includes lessons,

lift ticket and rental. (ages 8 and up). Restricted on holiday weekends and between

Christmas and New Year’s Day.

V505 Washington Golf & Country Club. One round of golf as a guest of Dean Scribner.

Donated by Holly Hawthorne & Dean Scribner

V506 Georgetown Basketball. 4 tickets- any game (section 100 or 200) The Valentino

Family $200

V507 Washington National’s. 4 tickets- 2nd row next to first base! Includes parking.

Donated by Elliot Belilos & Kathi Reidy $160

V508 Shakespeare Theater. 2 tickets to “Much Ado About Nothing” (11/25/11-1/1/12).

Mon-Thurs only. $176

V509 Signature Theater. 2 tickets to “Brother Russia” (3/6/12-4/15/12). Mon-Thurs only.

$156

LIVE Auction Items

L700 Movie Premier Package includes passes to pre-release Screenings of 10 different 21st

Century Fox Movies. Includes pre-screening cocktail receptions and parking. For the

movie enthusiast this is a must-win. Valued at $1,000.

L701 Redskins vs. New York Jets, Sun., Dec. 4, 2011 at 1pm Features 2 Club Level

tickets and a parking pass. $650

L702 Walt Disney World Tickets. 4 One-Day Park Hopper Passes can be used at the

Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the Animal Kingdom. $480

L703 Cotswold Cottage, England: Enjoy a week at this cozy cottage in one of the loveliest

parts of England. Explore country walks, castles, etc. Sleeps up to 5. (Not available for

Christmas or summer vacation.) $1200. Donated by Celia Boddington.

L704 Alex Ovechkin signed Hockey Puck. Includes Certificate of Authenticity.

L705 Beach House in Duck, N.C. Sleeps 14: 1 week, off-season rental. Poised atop one of the

highest dunes in Duck, with water views from every window, Sea Forever delights you

with panoramic sunrises over the ocean and heavenly sunsets over the sound. Loaded

with amenities, more than 3500 square feet and 1000 square feet of decks. Donated by

Barbara and George Molaski and Dick and Carole Burk. $1,200

L706 Four VIP Tickets to the Daily Show with Jon Stewart in New York City on a day of your own choice

RESTAURANTS & SPECIALTY FOODS

R300 Lyon Hall (Clarendon): $100.

R301 Marrakesh (DC): 7 Course dinner for 10 people (Sun-Thurs). $310

R302 Hard Times Cafe (any location): $50

R303 Cheesecake Factory (Clarendon): $50

R304 Great American Restaurants. $100

R305 Lebanese Taverna: Cooking Class for 2. $120.

R306 Key Bridge Marriott. Breakfast(2) in Revival Restaurant.

R307 Metro 29 Diner (Arlington): $50

R308 Rhodeside Grill (Arlington): $50

R309 Fern Street Gourmet (Alexandria) $50

R310 Delhi Club (Clarendon): $25

R311 Elizabeth’s Gone Raw (DC): $150

R312 Delicious 3-course Indian Dinner for 6. Prepared and served

By Kirit and Bharti Amin in their home in Fairfax

Station. Includes meat & vegetarian options and wine. $250

R313 Uncle Julios Mexican Restaurant (use at any of the

5 locations in VA and MD) $60

R314 Panera Bread. Bread for a year: a loaf each month: $40

R315 Georgetown Cupcake: one dozen cupcakes: $32

R316 Pastries by Randolph. 8” specialty cake: $35 (tax not incl.)

R317 Custom Designed Cake by Laura Larson: $50-$75.

R318 Organic Produce delivered to you by Washington Green Grocers $44

ART, JEWELRY AND MORE…

G400 Hand engraved vignette of the White House framed & signed by award-winning Master Engraver Thomas Hipschen. $150.

G401 “Crops at Dusk” 18×24” original Oil Painting by Pattee Hipschen, whose work is featured at local galleries. $650

G402 “Sunflowers” Water Color Painting by Jocelyn Hunn. $100

G403 “C&O Canal” Pastel Painting by Jocelyn Buck Hunn. $175

G404 One Hour Photo Shoot, includes DVD with 30 pictures of your choice. Donated by Hollie Szamosfalvi. $300

G405 Choker and Earring Set made from seashell, sea glass and fresh water pearl. Donated by Sandi Sea Designs. $45

G406 Necklace and Earring Set of lavender sea glass and fresh water pearls. Donated by Sandi Sea Designs. $45

G407 Canvas Photo Print.. Donated by Canvas on Demand. $100

G408 Stampin’ Up Basket. $300

G409 Scoop Sundae Set. Wooden toy set. Donated by Robcyns. $30

G410 Get Fit & Outfit. $50 gift card for a Jockey P2P order blus 3 classes at Fitness Break .Donated by Michelle Maynard. $85

G411 Keurig Coffee Brewer and Sample Coffee Pack. $170

G412 Gourmet Dog Treat Basket donated by Chicks for Change, 8 Girls on a Mission for Hope.

G413 Shopping Party for 12 at Kiskadee in Del Ray. Includes lunch or wine & cheese plus 20% off everything in the store!

G414 3 Hours of Handyman Work by J. Bryan Teague. $195

G415 One More Page Books. $50 gift card plus wine and chocolate Donated by One More Page Books and Amy White. $75

Silent Auction Surprise Packages

Do you have the spirit of adventure and love the element of surprise? Be sure to bid on one of our “Surprise Packages.” We will give you hints as to the contents, as well as a minimum $ amount that it is worth. Have fun and let the bidding begin on:

New York, New York

Kids for a Day

Adventures Outside the Beltway (1 day excursions)…. to name a few!

Special Thank you to the 2011 SanGala Committee

Dan Gardner, SanGala Chair

Amy White, Heather Burneson, Hollie Szamosfalvi

Julie Watson, Carole Burk, Cynthia Margeson

Jill Williams, Jocelyn Hunn, Linda Valentino

Katherine Symanski, Joyce Wanda

San Gala Program Book

Spreading Hope: Caitlan McDaniel

AAH — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:33:16 +0000

Below is an excerpt of a story that has been featured on WaupacaNOW about new AAH volunteer, Caitlan McDaniel written by Angie Landsverk.

New, AAH Volunteer, Caitlin McDaniel

A year ago, Caitlan McDaniel was preparing to head for Kenya. This year, she’s in Uganda. “These opportunities just keep coming up, and I can’t say no,” she said. McDaniel left earlier this week to serve as the volunteer coordinator at the Arlington Academy of Hope in rural Uganda. She will spend the next year and a half there. John and Joyce Wanda, who emigrated to the United States from Uganda, founded the Arlington Academy of Hope in 2004. They remembered the crowded schools in Uganda that lacked books, desks and sometimes even teachers. The academy they founded has opened a primary school and rural health centers. “It’s a high-energy place with a lot of hope,” McDaniel said. The daughter of Chuck McDaniel and Teri McDaniel, she graduated from Waupaca High School in 2006 and from the University of Minnesota in 2010. McDaniel majored in psychology and minored in family social sciences and leadership. “My leadership minor is where I found my passion for community organizing and helping people realize their potential,” she said. The final course she took for her leadership minor had a global leadership theme. For a group project, McDaniel was paired with a woman from Kenya. While she was taking the class, McDaniel was reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a novel about following ones dreams. To continue reading this story, please visit: http://www.waupacanow.com/leadstories/128778883.html