Good Shepherd Sustainable Learning Foundation

I have known Elizabeth Geitz, founder and chair of this foundation, for over eight years. Her work with this nonprofit is deeply personal and she embodies the vision as stated to bring about “transformational education changes adolescent lives in Cameroon forever.” I recently attended a reading of her book “I Am That Child” that captures her personal journey and experiences in Cameroon. I and others in the audience were lifted up and felt the deep passion for this life-changing work.

Good Shepherd Sustainable Learning Foundation provides an enriching, caring and quality education to children in Cameroon, West Africa. The planning and operations of the academy are judiciously administered to ensure the vision is met and it’s resources are well used. The academy has grown each year to serve children who would not otherwise receive an education. The programs are designed to provide academic, spiritual and physical training for its pupils. I have been blessed to have the opportunity to participate as a donor for this wonderful non-profit foundation for the past three years. The foundation does a terrific job of giving me updates and commicating it’s progress, so I can stay connected, track progress and feel a part of the service the academy provides.

Good Shepherd SLF is a visionary nonprofit educating coed secondary/high school students in Cameroon, West Africa. In five short years, they have built the state-of-the-art Good Shepherd Academy in Bafut, Cameroon. Their blending of strong academics, an Agro Entrepreneurial Program, and the latest in technology equips graduates for economic sustainability either in the job market or through furthering their education at the university level. In addition, this residential Christian school teaches not only Christianity, but all world religions, as well as human rights and community service. All this with the strong leadership of Elizabeth Geitz and the larger team means there is no greater value for the dollar than investing in education in developing nations in general and in sub-Saharan Africa in particular through the auspices of Good Shepherd Academy of which I am proud to be a sponsor.

We support Good Shepard because our great friend, Chris Kales ,asked us to. When a good friend of 12 years , who never asks for anything , asks you to donate to a cause near and dear to her, you do it. Then you take a look at the beautiful school and the hope it gives to a whole community and you want to give more. Thanks to Chris for the inspiration. Keep at it girl. You are maki g the world a better place.

As a donor, I have been so impressed by the progress of Good Shepherd Sustainable Learning Foundation since inception just five years ago. They deliver what they promise. In just this short time they have designed, built and funded a fully operational boarding school in Cameroon. When you consider the challenges of taking on such an initiative in a developing nation more than 3,000 miles away, their progress is truly inspirational.

Education and a strong middleclass is the only future of the African continent. I am proud to be a part of this effort.

This charity is doing amazing work, especially in the current day hard times in Cameroon. No question, a very worthy place to donate to and support. They have real, marked impact on children's lives.

I am lucky to live next door to Christina Kales and have the opportunity to talk with her frequently about this wonderful Good Shepherd Academy. In today's world there are many worthy causes but this one touches my heart and soul.

The development and hard work that goes into Good Shepherd Academy in Cameroon to help these needy children of God is never ending. Locally money is raised by bake sales, items hand made and collected for sale at Christmas Bazaar and appeals for donations and supports from organizations.

Every little bit helps so I am glad to support Christina and the Academy with donations, time, sewing skills and support.

God Bless
Ann

I heard about Good Shepherd SLF through a friend of mine. What appeals to me is that this group partners with the residents and authorities within Cameroon to work together to achieve something that is sustainable to benefit the children of Cameroon for many years to come. They also have an emphasis on providing a safe environment, which is so important in order for education to take place.

The Good Shepherd Sustainable Learning Foundation (GSSLF) is doing incredible work on behalf of children in need. I have personally visited the orphanage in Cameroon that was the inspiration for the work of the GSSLF - the Good Shepherd Home (GSH) founded by Sr. Jane Maanka - and I know first hand the work of both Sr. Jane and the GSSLF. I was moved to create a documentary on my experience with the children being served there, and it is my hope that others, through the the work of GSSLF, will become engaged in this life changing effort on behalf of children in need.

Far too often, well meaning organizations will try to "help" in Africa, but instead take control and impose what they believe is needed, rather than partner to ensure that the outcome is empowering and effective. The GSSLF always maintains the focus on partnering with the people of Cameroon to work together toward a self-sustaining and thriving community that enables all children to receive a good education in a safe environment.

There are times in our lives when we wonder how we can possibly make a difference in the world. Sr. Jane began with nothing, but a desire to help orphaned children. Through the GSSLF, everyone now has a chance to follow in her footsteps, and be a part of changing the world.

My wife and I support Good Shepherd Orphanage in Cameroon, which does great work, including primary education, but clearly there is a need for quality secondary school education in a country where a very low percentage of students graduate from High School. I I have known the Rev. Elizabeth Geitz for years and have great respect for her commitment and savvy, which has increased as Good Shepherd Academy has moved from a dream to a reality. The school has quality leadership on site and vigorous support from this side of the Atlantic. It is thrilling to see it take shape physically as the build-out continues, and to imagine the dreams of young people moving from "wild" to "possible." When I am feeling discouraged about things going on in the world, I go back on this website to remind myself how much good is possible through vision, careful planning, quality leadership, teamwork, and commitment. I We are delighted to be donors. The Rev. Dr. Francis A. Hubbard

I was asked why would I support a school so far away when there is need here and where I had no truly personal connection. The answer is very simple; there was little or no support in Cameroon from within so when I met Rev. Elizabeth Geist and she told me of her involvement in building this school, why they were doing it, the children who were ripe for this essential first step, I had not hesitation whatsoever and I plan to contribute now for the second phase.
To see that the school was finished on time and on budget was incredible and then to see photos of those young students in their uniforms, ready to take on the world, that was the greatest gift of all. Lorraine DiPaolo

The work of Good Shepherd Sustainable Learning Foundation is a blessing to the children of Bafut, Cameroon, West Africa. Under the leadership of Sister Jane Mankaa, founder of Good Shepherd Academy Association in Cameroon, and the energetic and inspiring US leadership of Canon Elizabeth Geitz of GSSLF which is funding this project, Phase 2 of the Good Shepherd Academy is now underway. It is a pleasure to join in this effort with the wonderful US Board. The Board's vision of enriching the lives of 350 Cameroonian students, preparing them for living wage employment, and inspiring them to live moral and responsible lives, is now a reality. I encourage you to join this enlivening effort!

How many American nonprofits are based on a strong grassroots, cross-cultural partnership that spans continents? Not many, but Good Shepherd SLF headquartered in Milford, PA does so successfully with Good Shepherd Academy Assoc. in Bamenda, Cameroon. These two nonprofits have joined hands to change the face of secondary/high school education in Cameroon, West Africa.

Their vision is clear - to build Good Shepherd Academy in Bafut, Cameroon, a residential coed secondary/high school for 350 students with a focus on sustainable agriculture and quality academics, and to develop an innovative curriculum based on 21st century global needs. With dedicated all-volunteer boards, architects, accountants, and lawyers on both sides of the Atlantic, this nonprofit is managed transparently and effectively.

Phase 1 of Good Shepherd Academy was finished On Time/On Budget with Phase 2 well underway. With school opening in September 2016 and 12 full scholarships given to Cameroonian orphans, I am glad to continue donating to Good Shepherd SLF.

Education can change the world and change individual lives along with it. I am honored to participate in this transformation and highly recommend this nonprofit.

Good Shepard does an amazing job providing a safe a loving atmosphere for children to learn. This group has an wonderful and dedicated group of administrators overseeing the development of the school.

The Good Shepherd Sustainable Learning Foundation is an incredible group of individuals striving to make lasting, positive change in West Camaroon, Africa. I commend their focused efforts in providing a solution to prevent child trafficking in this area, and offer a safe place for them to learn and grow. Thank you so much for all you do, everyday!

I learned about GSSLF from a friend on Facebook and was immediately intrigued. The work they have done is amazing and to see the school being built, makes my heart sing. I was in a position to donate and did. A great dedicated group of volunteers have made this foundation work. Maybe one day I will even get to visit.

Why do I give to Good Shepherd SLF? I give because this is a tremendous, well-managed grassroots effort begun by a Cameroonian woman, Sr. Jane Mankaa, who through her own steely will and deep love for the children of Cameroon, managed to build first a refuge for orphans and is now partnering with Good Shepherd SLF to build a future for children throughout Cameroon. Good Shepherd Academy, the first project of Good Shepherd SLF, will provide full scholarships with all expenses paid for 20 percent of the student body, with first priority going to Sr. Jane's orphans. Each will be educated. Each will have an opportunity for a full life. This is why I give.

If you want to put your money where it will do the most good, be spent directly on the project, and literally change a life and maybe even a country, this is it! The GSSLF board works tirelessly to continuously assess the needs, acquire what is needed, and build a school, always with a devotion and dedication to creating opportunities for the children of Cameroon. Offering scholarships for the orphans with Sister Jane and others in need, an innovative curriculum and support programs to create the leaders of tomorrow. With a dedicated team in the ground In Cameroon, including the dynamic Sister Jane, this project is well thought out, well organized, and desperately needed.

The faces of the children at Good Shepherd say it all! Their enthusiasm for life and learning despite unimaginable odds constantly reinforces my commitment to support. But it is the leadership and vision of Sister Jane and her American counterparts that sets Good Shepherd apart. We are encouraged not simply to provide resources in support but also to directly engage in a process that enables these children to create their own futures. Good Shepherd's clearly delineated and communicated goals allow me, as a donor, to understand exactly how my efforts will translate to meaningful change.

Geitz is a long time friend of mine and I know the passion that is behind her work for this worthwhile organization. I have met Sister Jane, and I cannot imagine a more loving, energetic, brave woman to entrust the care of these children to. I believe in their work.

I have been involved with Good Shepherd Home and now with GSSLF for many years. When I learned of Sister Jane's work with children in Cameroons, I immediately wanted to help. Providing both education and life skills is the most important way I know of to respond to poverty. The website and wonderful photographs help keep these children alive in my heart. It almost seems too little to simply send money and prayers. But both are so very important. There are so many needs in this world and it is easy to ignore small children in a distant land but we do so at our peril as we are all part of this global village we call Earth.
I support GSSLF and encourage others to do so that these children may be safe, healthy and have the possibility of a good future.

The strength and integrity behind the GSSLF founders is a driving force to the accomplishments they are making to help educate and build a sustainable economic and environmentally sound life for hundreds of at-risk children. These boys and girls want to succeed and provide for their families and selves. They have the energy and drive, not only to dream, but to touch our souls to help them make it happen!

After returning from visiting Good Shepherd Home in Cameroon, Elizabeth Geitz and I knew what we could and would do to insured that the children had the education to prepare them to build lives of economic and environmental sustainability. Within a few months, we began the process of founding Good Shepherd Sustainable Learning Foundation. Now, two years later, land in Bafut, Cameroon has
been purchased; architectural and engineering plans are completed; and our plan is to break ground on
Phase 1 in late 2015.

The school will be a secondary/high school to eventually educate 400 residential co-ed students per year. We will also provide free tuition to orphans of the AIDS pandemic. Together with our board, we spend literally every day working toward our goal to make the children's dream of a better tomorrow become reality. As we say in our presentations to prospective donors, it's all about "their dream and it's our mission to make it happen". Education is the one tool that will help these deserving students work their way out of poverty and despair into a world of opportunity and possibility.

As Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, I am blessed to support this endeavor in every
way possible - emotionally, financially and spiritually.

Brenda Ruello

I am honored to serve as Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Good Shepherd Sustainable Learning
Foundation. The mission of this organization struck me from the first moment I heard about it. As a
former Vice-Chair of Coopers and Lybrand who grew up in Atlantic City, I know there is nothing more
important than education. Education can and does change lives. It changed mine and it will change
the lives of children in Cameroon forever.

GSSLF is working hard to make this a reality, with a business model that works, transparency, vision,
and hard work. And it is doing it as a cross-cultural mission across continents. I am learning and giving more than I ever dreamed possible.

I am a donor to GSSLF. I manage all donations as carefully as I manage my own. You can count on it.

Sam Ruello

I have worked with GSSLF over the last year, as they are an affiliate of my own fundraising non-profit, Durga Tree International. In fact, we hosted a walkathon in May, called "Walk With Ambe", resulting in a $40,000 contribution towards the building of their school in Cameroon. Elizabeth and Brenda are the perfect example of generous hearts who are so willing to work for the benefit of others. I am in awe of their professionalism, of all they have accomplished in such a short time, and of the goals that they are still working to achieve. GSSLF is an amazing cause providing much needed change in an endangered area of world!

I have been involved as a volunteer with this most worthwhile foundation since before the two women who founded it even began. There are unfortunate circumstances all over the world including here in America. But here we have programs if people will just take advantage of them and no one has to go without food, medicine, a roof over their heads or education.

However in many developing nations there are no programs and in Cameroon not only is there a lack of food, medicine, shelter or education, there are so many orphans whose parents have died of the A.I.D.S pandemic. And if that were not already more than enough, add to it that in Cameroon these children are ostracized from society from the stigma that this disease brings with it worldwide. They are turned out into the streets; used as slaves by family and strangers; denied rights; and risk death on a daily basis from disease, overwork, starvation and human trafficking.

Now that The Good Shepherd Home is able to rescue as many as they can house and feed at least some of these children have a chance at life. To go to regular high school once they reach that age they must travel by foot ten miles to join huge classes with not enough seats and no lunch and really not a great education. With the incredibly long trek to and from school most children spend five days a week making the arduous journey to get a substandard education.

Cameroonian children have often been abducted on the roads to the school. They have been sold, killed and had their organs harvested for sale to the underworld for the purpose of witchcraft. One of our Good Shepherd children was abducted, taken to a remote area for having his organs taken from him. Fortunately he had the wherewithal to overhear what was happening and was able to free himself and make his way on the long journey back to the home to tell his story.

That was the catalyst for the invention of the much needed school with dormitories and resident teachers in order to not only properly educate these children but to keep them safe while doing so.

It is already a difficult situation in Cameroon but without a proper education there will be no one to carry on the work of rescuing more children, feeding, keeping them healthy and educated to be productive members of the new community. I have given time and money to the Good Shepherd Sustainable Learning Foundation because I believe so strongly that it is the right thing to do and I am proud to be a part of the Good Shepherd family.

I have known many of the people who founded and run this charity for years. Their integrity is of the highest. The work that the foundation was established to do--expansion of the original orphanage in Cameroon into a school--is sorely needed, and with the foundation, it is in good hands. I warmly recommend the foundation's work!

Sister Jane had a vision! Casting aside all the attitudinal protocol dictated by her African society Sister Jane opened her heart and began an incredible journey. She founded The Good Shepherd Home, an orphanage for children who were victims of the Aides Pandemic so prevalent in her country. These "throw away children" who were abandoned and left to die were literally rescued by Sister Jane. They were given housing, food and medical attention but more importantly she gave them her love!
The Good Shepherd Sustainable Foundation's goal is to build an academy where these now thriving "thrown away children" will have the benefit of expanded educational opportunities. The opportunity to change their future and the future of their country; the opportunity to begin a change in the attitudinal protocol of the society that abandoned them and left them to die; the opportunity to live in harmony with others regardless of their tribe;the opportunity to love others because Sister Jane first loved them!

What would my life be like without an education? Far different than it is today. I was fortunate enough to have parents who could provide a good education for me. However, I am painfully aware that most children in our world today are not so lucky. GSSLF is giving children in Cameroon, West Africa the same opportunity I have had - to obtain an education that will give them a chance to make their way in the world. To thrive that tomorrow will be brighter than today.

I am Gen-Xer who is an ardent supporter of GSSLF and I plan to be one for many years to come. This foundation is making a difference and with your help and mine, they will change the lives of children who want the same chance I had. Here's to Good Shepherd!

Sister Jane and the work she does with the children of Cameroon has been an inspiration to many. Her work is being furthered by the efforts on the children's behalf of the dynamic pair of Elizabeth Geitz and Brenda Ruello, who started this foundation. Every dollar I donate goes to help to build a boarding school for children who are determined to learn and grow up to be productive members of their country. This project is a ray of hope in a part of the world that has had more than its share of problems. I wholeheartedly support them!

After reading Elizabeth Geitz' story of the children of the Good Shepherd Orphanage, getting to know her and meeting Sister Jane, you can not help but feel their love and devotion to these beautiful children. Sister Jane also helps children with special needs as there are many in Cameroon with epilepsy which is very much misunderstood there. Having a son myself with seizures I got her educational materials she was able to take back with her to share not only with her teachers and the children's caretakers, but also some written on a children's level. These children are "her children". She has a glowing presence that exudes love.
The way to uplift a nation is through the education of its children. This school will raise these children up to a new way of life for the next generation!

Debbie Sharp Loeb
Hodgepodge from: www.geraniumfarm.org

Elizabeth Geitz' compelling story of visiting the Good Shepherd Orphanage in Cameroon (I Am That Child: Changing Hearts and Changing the World) first motivated me to donate to the Good Shepherd Home Board. The remarkable work of Sister Jane Mankaa in rescuing unwanted and abandoned children from lives of neglect and abuse is heart-warming. But all her efforts were not enough when the residents at her home had to trek to schools far away and became victims of kidnapping and attack. Elizabeth has found a solution: an on-site residential school that can extend the safe space and loving environment of the orphanage! It is an inspired effort being carefully shepherded through the hurdles of land purchase and building construction in Cameroon. With the donated expertise of many professionals and persistent groundwork of Sister Jane, the school is taking shape. It cannot happen without ongoing financial support from those of us who received and value a good education. I am proud to continue this good work by donating to the Good Shepherd Sustainable Learning Foundation.

As a supporter of Good Shepherd, I am inspired by their mission and dedication to helping people have the opportunities so many of us take for granted. This organization is filled with love and hope, it is run with the utmost integrity, understanding and care. I am proud to be a donor and am confident in the leadership of their board. They are captained by an amazing soul in Elizabeth Geitz and her selfless dedication is reflected in this wonderful charity every day. I recommend you consider Good Shepherd as one of the charities you choose to support now and in the future.

Good Shepherd Sustainable Learning Foundation is an affiliate of Durga Tree International and we have had the honor of working alongside the Rev. Elizabeth Geitz and Brenda Ruello to raise awareness and funds for their incredible charity this past year.

Their mission to promote access to education in Cameroon, West Africa in a safe environment that prepares students to build lives of economic and environmental sustainability is so very important in the world we live in today. With children being the largest target for human trafficking, education is a key element to their safety & over all wellbeing. In just a few short years, this small dedicated team of volunteers has raised over half a million dollars toward the phase 1 building of their school. This incredible feat speaks to the tireless passion everyone involved with GSSLF has for this cause. What this means for those they serve is that soon Cameroon children will have a safe, modern facility to learn and grow.

This charity has been an inspiration & role model for our new charity. They are incredibly professional, transparent and efficient. We feel confident that every dollar we donate to them will be put to good use. We are proud to be working along side them to foster empowerment and hope for children around the globe & we are confident that we will be collaborating for many years to come with Good Shepherd as their vision grows.

Beth Tiger
CEO & Co-Founder of Durga Tree International

An outstanding charity benefiting orphans of AIDS victims by providing a good education and a loving home. I know personally that the founders-- Rev. Elizabeth Geitz and Sister Jane Mankaa-- are noble and generous people, with high moral standards, giving their utmost to children in need.