Santa Fe Community College is reaching outside its normal pool for a new student—way beyond. Frida Alex of the Maasai tribe in Tanzania has been selected to represent her African school in Santa Fe; and in order to help fund her scholarship, the Humankind foundation is holding a benefit yard sale. ---
We're all familiar with the "teach a man to fish" philosophy and catch phrase, but in Africa, a similar yet infinitely more profound proverb exists: "If you educate a boy, you educate an individual. If you educate a girl, you educate an entire nation." Upon this belief is built Noonkodin High School in Tanzania. In addition to providing essential education, the school acts as haven for young women who have fled their villages to avoid twisted a rite of passage: female genital mutilation.
The World Health Organization has declared FGM an infringement on human rights, and although the procedure is of no medical benefit, the practice continues to proliferate due to cultural and religious traditions. In Africa alone, it is estimated that 92 million girls the age of 10 and above have undergone FGM .
The Humankind foundation, a Santa Fe nonprofit, has been active in northern Tanzania for over 10 years, helping to stop the mutilation and oppression of women through education. Their aim is to bring health, education and prosperity to people the world over. As part of this mission, the foundation is helping to sponsor a scholarship for Frida Alex and allow her to continue her education in Santa Fe with the long-term goal of becoming a doctor, returning to her country and assisting the Humankind foundation.
Lori Moody, who is organizing the yard sale points that, ironically, the Maasai tribe, though well known throughout the globe and the recipient of many charitable works, is “subjected to tribalism” in their own country.
"They don't have access to resources the rest of the tribes have," she says. Villagers who are able to educate themselves and come back to assist their friends and families are the best chances the Maasai have.
However, in order to find the necessary funds to bring Alex to New Mexico, the Humankind foundation is hosting a benefit yard sale Saturday, July 7. All proceeds from the event help fund the scholarship. Item donations for the sale are tax deductible and are accepted now—pick up of larger items can be arranged.
Yardsale: Saturday July 7. 1934 Otowi Road. Contact Lori Moody with questions or to arrange donations, 577-5035
