MAASAI GIRLS EDUCATION FUND
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December 13, 2011
Maasai Girls Education Fund is, without a doubt, the most effective small nonprofit I support. As a donor, I know that my contribution is positively impacting young Kenyan girls and their communities. What a gift to know that as little as $10 can send several children to a Life Skills workshop. When the President, Barbara Lee Shaw, sends updates, I learn exactly how MGEF is changing lives, and how I am a part of that change. I wholeheartedly encourage others to join the cause.
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
June 1, 2010
I learned of the Maasai Girls Education fun through my church. I realized that while it only takes $250 to fund one year of schooling for one child, I was wearing a pair of $100 shoes and had at least two more pairs at home that cost that much. I was ashamed that I was not doing more for people like the Maasai girls. I further looked at the organization and realized how committed the leaders were and knew I could make a difference - a small difference but yet a difference. People ask me why I choose to fund this organization when there are many need within the United States. I answer, "Yes, there are many needy in the United States and many outstretched hands to help them. The Maasai girls deserve this chance also so I have extended what I can to them. Not only my parents but community members helped me to get a bachelor's and master's degree - it's now my turn to pay it forward."
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
By sending money every month I am able to support at least one primary schoolchild and some years two. I've always wished it was more.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 31, 2010
We are delighted with the excellent manner in which this NGO is run and the terrific results in helping young Maasai women get and education that helps them, their families, and their community. We know our contributions are making a difference and our confidence in the organization sustains our own contributions and is the reason we recommend Massai Girls Education Fund to others. Overall, we rate it at the top of organizations we support.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Hearing from the young woman that we support.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 30, 2010
I am a literacy educator interested in social justice and equity issues. The Maasai Girls Education Fund represents an exceptional model of education reform for any number of reasons: (a) It is a "system" level project that enjoys enthusiastic support from the Ministry of Education, the learners, the school system and educators, the business and local communities, and the families themselves. (b) MGEF is uniquely positioned to provide positive, non-ideological solutions to deep cultural, economic and political challenges faced by a people that embrace the need for change and trust the MGEF and Barbara Shaw. (c) MGEF is a strong organization run by extraordinarily capable, committed and tireless leader, Barbara Shaw. On a personal level, my family has provided tuition support for a MGEF student for the past eight years. We have watched her blossom from a shy, struggling student to a confident, academicaly focused young woman. This transformation has not only radically enhanced the life of this person, but her entire family as well. I cannot overstate the profound contribution of MGEF--for the families and communities of Kenya, and for the future teachers who learn about MGEF in their teacher preparation program at VCU. Bill Muth VCU
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
We have sponsored a girl in the MGEF, and wathed her blossom over the past 8 years. Our own daughter spent a month visiting the program, and it changed her life forever.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 29, 2010
After a visit to Kenya a couple of years ago to learn about the role of women in the Maasai culture, I came to understand just how important education is for women in a male dominated culture. These women are struggling daily just to feed and educate their children -most without any help from the men of their communities. The women take care of everything including building the houses, caring for animals, toting the water and firewood daily, caring for the children, cooking, etc. - on the side they find ways to bring in enough money to pay for the education of their children through the sale of beadwork, charcoal, milk, etc. It is a hard life and their faces show it but they are still the kindest people you will ever meet and they still have hope. When I returned home, I found the Massai Girl's Education Fund and immediately began to fund the education of a Maasai girl through them after talking to Barbara Shaw (yes, you can actually talk with the director of this organization)- all of the money I send goes directly to the girl I fund - it is not filtered out along the way - Barbara has worked hard to insure this both here and in Kenya. And the money is not spent on fancy brochures or websites - it is used for real purpose! Thanks Barbara for a job well done and I will continue to help support your girls.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I send a check annually to provide education for a Maasai girl in Kajiado, Kenya. I personally know Maasai women in Kenya that know of the work of Barbara's organization in Kajiado so I have firsthand evidence of her contribution to this effort.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 27, 2010
When was about to clear my primary education in A.I.C Kajiado that was in 2004, i never even had a dream that i will ever step in a secondary school class due to financial problems.I had even started relaxing on my studies, because they were of no help for me since after all won't join a secondary school.Sometimes i had a second thought and i just study for the sake.Infact iwas never poor in my studies i realy liked mathematics and science which boost me on my grade. Come the day when the results of the final exam that i did were announced, iwas position nine in our class.However i was not even happy about it since, it was not of benefit to me Since my mother had no money to take me to a secondary school. Thanks God came the saviour MGEF which took me and told me that they will pay my school fees and also provide me with other facilities such as uniform ,shoes and other requirement. It was like a dream to me,But all in all ithank God for the existance of such a wonderful and blessed organisation the MGEF.This organisation was is bright light to many maasai girls and alsothe whole commuity in general to eradicate the illiteracy and poverty in the maasai community. It also Leads to the improvement of the living stardards in the community.The founder of the organisation is Barbara Lee shaw a from US.the staff are mostly from the maasai community,and are very friendly to us student .It provides all the school requirement to all students when schools open,i.e thrice in a year.With this organisation no student have any reason as to not working hard in her academic work.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
THROUGH OUT MY EDUCATION LIFE AND STILL IN SCHOOL PERSUEING A DEGREE ON BACHELOR OF COMMERCE
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 27, 2010
I have been fortunate to donate on a small scale to this 'mission' of Barbara Lee Shaw from its earliest beginnings. I have seen her steadfast dedication to improving the lives of many girls of Kenya...and happy to see the success of both parties. It is through the single-mindedness of single individuals like Barbara and Greg Mortenson that the larger public can meaningfully engage the worthy task of changing for the better not only the girls involved but their families and villages for generations to come. I believe the work of the MGEF will be the foundation of future advances in economic, social and polical equality for these girls in particular, but for women in general --everywhere it is lacking now.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
in seeing the positive results of the education gained by these deserving students.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 27, 2010
Education, education, education. This is the ultimate answer to improving any life situation. Through the efforts of MSEF an affordable outreach has been made possible. An outreach that not only changes one life without a doubt, but definitely potentially a village. We are sponsoring a young woman to receive her Bachelors Degree in Education. She will return to her village and benefit many many people. Her return brings more than education - it brings a role model and hope. This affordable reach out is only possible because others dream. We are hoping to see this work only grow and grow through sponsorships and support. We are a small part of the dream.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My involvement woke me up. I finally feel I am making a difference and must continue to support education, women and the WORLD of women, not just the US. This foundation is making a world of differfence.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The organization inside the organization. The energy and intelligence put into the success of each student. Extra reach out programs are attached to each sponsorship. It is crucial to the success of these girls.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
the president
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Change the world one educated child after the other. MOST IMPORTANTLY remove the stigma attached to girls being educated. Open up the villages to possibilities, not the fears. Educate so people can participate in making their life better. Ownership
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 26, 2010
I have had the honor to newly sponsor a girl who is in college and will graduate in 2011. Her plans are to use her college education to teach young girls in her village. She is an excellent student and will be a wonderful role model to the younger girls. Thank you MGEF for all your excellent work.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Helping Maasai girls in realizing their dreams of obtaining education in order to help their community.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
May 26, 2010
A development professional once told me that the most effective way to achieve development in an African country is to educate the girls. And that is exactly what MGEF does. When you educate a girl, she develops the skills to earn a living and help support her family. Her knowledge and industry also brings economic benefits as well as new ideas to her village. And the educated young woman herself becomes a role model for the girls who follow her. I believe MGEF does wonderful work. Its work is "on the ground" -- it is culturally sensitive in its dealing with parents, village elders, gender issues, etc. -- and it provides Maasai girls in Kenya an alternative to marriage at the age of eleven or twelve and a life of poverty.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I have watched girls starting in first grade, continuing their education through high school and then college or vocational schools, creating careers and professions for themselves that they never would have had without MGEF. It is inspiring.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
MGEF needs more funding so that it can support the education of more girls.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
I feel good about being associated with an organization that does such good work.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Staff and volunteers are all nice people.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Make a positive and significant difference in the economic and cultural life of Kenyans.
Ways to make it better...
My experience has been fine.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Need more publicity to generate more funding so that it can increase the extent and scope of its work.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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