I have worked with Stefan Lyon before and witnessed all the good work he's doing, he inspired me to start Pioneer Writers ( pioneerwriters.com ) which provides jobs too and also donates to children in Africa.
I've been involved with this foundation since 2009. The work we do is simple and remarkable. We raise money for the bricks and mortar of schools for impoverished children, and educate American children about the need for literacy both in our country and around the globe.
100% of our foundation's operational costs are underwritten by our board members.
I have witnessed in person this foundation's contributions (building schools in impoverished African towns) and am informed of its future prospects, so I'm enthused about this work.
The board members are volunteers, and absorb all administrative and operational costs; all the money goes to building schools
The order of Brothers who build the schools:
make their own bricks(!) for construction
make desks, school clothing
house and support orphans, many from parents who died of AIDS
teach the classes
live on campus, providing supervision for resident children
Brother Patrick, who runs the schools, and tirelessly advocates for them, is a great spirit.
I love this foundation. The idea came from a 9 years old boy, Stefan Lyon, who struggles with the side affects of Tourettes Syndrome. Having struggled with so many challenges he has developed an empathy for other children who are struggling.
He wanted to build a school for AIDS orphans and other impoverished children in Africa. He wrote three little books about his pet rat, Stitch. This and other simple ideas has been his way of raising funds for these children. To date he has funded the building of 2 schools which have 850 students. He is now working on funding a high school so these children can complete their education. He has worked many hours with friends and family to make a real difference is these children lives so they could find a way out of poverty,.
I am inspired by this foundation because it was started by a child, because they are serving some of the poorest and least desirable, and because they are using very unusual and creative ways to raise money. The back of Stefan's books also tell his story which exposes other children to the idea of philanthropic and humanitarian efforts at any age.
Very inspiring and great work. I give them 5 stars!