PROJECTS, PROGRAMS, AND PLANS

Projects: Villages often have pressing one-time needs they are unable to meet without our help:

• In Catdang Village, we have purchased and installed a water purification system for the Middle School, provided desks and blackboards for new classrooms, equipment for the kindergarten, made building improvements, brought electricity to schools, repaired roofs, and up-dated sanitary systems.
• In Ethiopia, we have funded the digging of a new well that provides potable water for the Hope Community Services Orphanage in Mekelle, established nutrition and enrichment services for The Blind Boarding School, helped establish a mini-clinic for the children at the Hope Community Services Orphanage, and participated in the proper administration of antiretroviral drug therapies.

Programs: These initiatives are undertaken on a recurring basis:

• In Catdang, we are completing a medical needs assessment for the village, arranging for annual medical examinations for children, and ensuring that basic immunizations are administered. We are working towards a program whereby all children receive ongoing medications for de-worming and other prevalent health problems. We will provide financial assistance for students too impoverished to otherwise attend school, and are establishing an ongoing maintenance and beautification program for school buildings. A nutritional and hygiene education program is being created.
• In Ethiopia, the mini-clinic needs continual re-stocking as it serves an increasing number of children. Additional funding will maintain and expand the education programs that prevent the spread of HIV. TCI will continue its assistance to the Pediatric HIV Clinic in Mekelle Hospital, its participation in the training of medical students, and our ongoing commitment to the proper administration of antiretroviral drugs.

Plans:

• TCI is currently planning for the relocation of the Catdang kindergarten. In addition to providing needed space for the children, this facility will also serve as the base for a number of outreach programs to the community focused on improving the health and nutrition of the children and their families. Our plans include a school lunch program, a library, the introduction of physical education into the curriculum, providing pre- and post-natal care to mothers, and initiating programs to support the local arts and crafts industries to help the village attain sustainable economic viability.
• The new orphanage run by Hope Community Services in Mekelle needs to finish building the residence hall and farm, acquire livestock, plant fruit trees, and hire caregivers in order to meet its goal of accommodating 200 children. TCI helps support Mekelle’s Blind Boarding School which provides Braille education, books, music, and better food and living conditions for its children. TCI is dedicated to extending our commitment to orphaned children and the fight against AIDS.

As resources allow, we plan to broaden our efforts to help children in additional villages and orphanages where we can identify dedicated individuals and help them realize their dreams for children.

*** Help us take the INITIATIVE to help children ***