Communications & Development

Over the years Firelight has supported hundreds of grassroots organizations that have mobilized their communities and generated change. We have seen a grant of $5,000 sponsor income-generating activities that now help provide financial security to 90 families. Another grant of $15,000 was invested in training 450 teachers in HIV/AIDS prevention helping them to temper the spread of HIV among youth in their communities. And sustained small grants from Firelight to one woman and girl’s empowerment organization helped three young girls become a community’s first nurse, police officer, and lawyer.

These stories are inspiring and they are happening all across Sub-Saharan Africa. But they are rarely told outside of the villages or communities where they take place. Part of our mission at Firelight is to document and share these efforts, so we can add momentum and leverage support. We also help make it possible for people in the United States to connect to amazing, vibrant African leaders. Through all of our activities, we emphasize the impact that funds invested in effective community-based organizations can have on the lives of Africa’s orphans and vulnerable children.

During Fiscal Year 2006 we published a variety of documents and organized a number of events to convey how grassroots organizations and leaders are responding to the needs within their communities.

PUBLICATIONS
Our most significant advocacy document to date, From Faith to Action, was published in July 2006. We printed 30,000 copies of the 32-page version and 50,000 copies of the summary version. The purpose of the document is to advocate for family and community approaches to care for orphans and vulnerable children. From Faith to Action was written and produced by Firelight with support from UNICEF, American Jewish World Service, the Bernard van Leer Foundation, and Save Africa’s Children. A total of 23 organizations endorsed and helped to distribute From Faith to Action. For more information about the launch of the document, please see page 33. For a description of distribution activities, please see page 16.

Our 2004 Annual Report documented the corresponding fiscal year and highlighted the value we place on collaborations. It focused on how a growing network of supporters, grantee-partners, colleagues, and volunteers are providing vital services for vulnerable children and caregivers in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, the Annual Report took a look back at Firelight’s milestones since incorporation.
Our 2006 Firelight Calendar served as a companion piece to our advocacy document The Promise of a Future. The Calendar highlighted the importance of families and communities in the lives of children through key images and words such as “Tradition,” “Care,” and “Nurture.”

EVENTS
On October 20, 2005, Firelight hosted a dinner in honor of the former president of Botswana, Ketumile Masire, and his wife, Olebile. Staff members Jennifer Astone, Zanele Sibanda Knight, and Joop Rubens, Board Member Jim Hayes, supporters of Firelight, and staff from partner organizations attended the dinner. President Masire offered remarks on his approach to democracy and development, Botswana’s program of support for orphans and vulnerable children, and the general challenges facing African leaders. President Masire expressed support and encouragement for Firelight’s advocacy work promoting community-based care for orphans and vulnerable children.

Firelight had its year-end event in November 2005 at the home of Pradeep Sindhu and Marie-Françoise Bertrand. Over 50 guests attended. Terry Mukuka, former project director for Children in Distress – Kitwe in Zambia spoke about the successes and challenges of the community-based response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa.

At the event Firelight presented a six-minute video advocating for community-based care as a response to the orphan crises. The video was taped in Zambia in July 2005 and produced by Jim Hayes. Three volunteers (Jim Hayes, Dave Katz, and David Wittbrodt), and two staff members (Jennifer Anderson-Bähr and Joop Rubens) spent eight days at grantee-partner Development AID from People to People – Children’s Town (DAPP – Children’s Town) documenting its programs and life in surrounding Malambanyama, Zambia. The video features interviews with many key stakeholders, from youth and community members to volunteers and staff. The video’s key message is best captured in a quote from DAPP – Children’s Town Program Director Moses Zulu, who says, “If a child is given a [supportive] environment, a child can become someone. Give children a chance… and you will discover great, great heroes in them.”

During the International AIDS Conference in August 2006, Firelight organized a number of activities and panels. For more information on these events and other conference-related activities, please see page 33.

On August 24, 2006, Firelight invited Bay-area guests to a dinner with Howard Kasiya, our resource person in Malawi. Howard, who has worked in the HIV/AIDS field for more than 20 years, talked about life in Malawi and his efforts to improve the community’s response to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children. See page 16 for a closer look at Howard’s work and his relationship with Firelight.

FRIENDS OF FIRELIGHT
Holly Burkhalter, a longstanding Firelight volunteer and donor, organized a house party in Washington, D.C., in February 2006. Holly sold handmade jewelry and donated the proceeds to Firelight. Holly continues to find ways to involve an increasing network of people in sustaining Firelight’s work. To read more about Holly and her efforts on behalf of Firelight, please see her letter on page 116.

In May and June 2006, Cathy Aronson completed her second long-distance bike ride to raise money for Firelight. The trip began in St. Louis, Missouri, and ended in Seaside, Oregon, totaling 2,713 miles. Cathy’s goal was to raise funds to directly support children affected by HIV/AIDS. By mailing a fundraising card to 500 of her friends and relatives, Cathy raised their awareness of HIV/AIDS issues. She raised more than $14,000.

Firelight received a $6,500 donation from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Philadelphia & Southeastern Pennsylvania through the generosity of Julia Feinberg. To learn more about Julia and her inspiring donation, please see an interview with her on page 28.

On September 8, 2006, SADZA, a Santa Cruz-based band that specializes in Zimbabwean music, performed at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz. One third of the ticket sale went to Firelight.

INFORMATION
For more information on how to become involved with Firelight, please refer to the Making a Difference section of this report (page 118).