Elsa Miller Foundation accomplished thirteen health or education projects in 2022.
Southeast Asia
EMF supported the Landmine Relief Fund in Cambodia to restore fourteen rural elementary schools that had fallen into disrepair during the pandemic shutdown.
In Laos, in addition to giving sustaining funds to the Community Learning International “Book Boat” which brings books and hygiene supplies to children living in remote villages along the Mekong River, we sponsored the building of a girls dormitory and kitchen which makes it possible for girls from faraway villages to continue school in upper grades.
Europe
Immediately following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EMF contributed to RAZOM, a non-profit organization providing much needed aid to Ukraine civilians and soldiers.
Africa
In Rwanda, we continued to finance E-Heza, a digital tool providing efficient basic healthcare for families in rural villages. The purpose of our involvement has been to support the prototype and “proof of concept” to the government, other organizations and even other countries that could benefit from this program. Because of the initial success, E-Heza has been introduced to five more districts to test scalability. In November of 2022, we visited the project and observed its remarkable efficiency and effect.
The Pediatric Ward at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda received six television sets to keep hospitalized children entertained during their treatment and recovery.
Through the Tumba Foundation, we established a new preschool and crêche for the children of tea plantation workers in the Rulindo District. The school also provides important nutritious porridge and biscuits for the children.
Nyamata Hospital in Bugesera District was in great need of bedding and patient gowns. A Sewing Room was established at the hospital. We purchased sewing machines and fabric as well as provided the wages to employ a seamstress. This has proven to be a fine success.
Kacyiru Hospital received a much-needed anesthesia machine enabling a second operating theatre to be used.
We fulfilled our pledge to African Mission Healthcare to help finance Dr. Tom Catena at the Gidel Hospital in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan, to establish a school to educate physician’s assistants and midwives. The classes are now in session with first graduates expected in spring of 2025.
South Asia
We partnered with a Karya, a French organization, in support of a young woman social worker in Nepal, who started a sewing workshop to help women become financially independent by becoming skilled seamstresses. The training sessions take place in a small house for women only and include informative discussions about hygiene and nutrition.
In Surkhet, Nepal, we helped a new young dentist establish his first dental clinic.
The Elsa Foundation has continued to support the education of children rescued through Next Generation Nepal. There are eight students now completing their next levels with our help.
Lessons from 2022 are the importance of trusted independent people on the ground, who do not directly benefit from the project. And, our increasing attraction to pioneering projects. Pilot projects require a willingness to take a calculated risk. But, progress is always made in understanding in what might not work as well as what does.
We are proud to claim that to date our projects and the people behind them are an inspiration to us.
Comments