Hi Everyone!
Nasio is now 10! He had a birthday party at school with his friends and seemed very happy! He's doing incredibly well at school, his teacher seems very committed and it really helps Nasio build up more confidence. He excels in maths and is doing well in his French class - still spends every other hour possible playing football :)
Makia is such a bubbly child - this year I think she has progressed so much. Last time I went to visit her she was singing their school song with some of the other kids. She is very clever and seems to pick things up very easily. She has an excellent report from her school this year and loves learning. I wish that everyone who has donated money to the foundation could see the impact that they have had on Nasio and Makia's lives - it is truly amazing.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Xoxox
Laura
Monday, December 26, 2011
Graduate to Class 4
Hey Everyone!
Nasio's teacher is giving extra classes to graduate him to class 4, so he skips a year! At the moment he is in class 2, but the idea is that at the end of this year, he will go up to Class 4 and so will be with the other kids of his age! He is doing really well, although I hear that his confidence sometimes lets him down. By being around kids his own age and having had the boost up a year we're hoping that he'll gain confidence.
L.xxxx
Nasio's teacher is giving extra classes to graduate him to class 4, so he skips a year! At the moment he is in class 2, but the idea is that at the end of this year, he will go up to Class 4 and so will be with the other kids of his age! He is doing really well, although I hear that his confidence sometimes lets him down. By being around kids his own age and having had the boost up a year we're hoping that he'll gain confidence.
L.xxxx
Archived Postings (2008 to 2011) ...
| June 2011 |
| Easter Photos! Just thought I'd send through some pictures for the website. We took the kids to the beach for Easter again this year - was such a funny outing! The beach was so busy, but the kids played in the water for ages and then finished off with some football and then a dancing competition! - There's a picture of Small Laura dancing with my Salone flag hat on which is pretty funny! It was a really fun day, and we were all exhausted by the end of it!! Cheers, Laura.xxx   |
| March 2011 |
| Update from Laura: Nasio & Makia Doing Really Well All is well here, work has been pretty crazy as the Kenema Gov't hospital had a huge fire, which burnt down the entire maternity ward, so we've been doing some emergency work in response. Luckily no one was hurt and that it didn't spread...they have no fire engine and a weak water supply, so you can imagine how long it took to put out the fire!! Other than this, work is going well and I really enjoy working with the team here. ... I have been in Kenema for over 6 weeks without a trip to Freetown so it's been ages since I've seen FA and the kids :( but Nasio sent me a valentines day card, and also one for you (cute!), and is doing really well at school still. He is now also attending extra classes after school to learn French! He's loving it. Makia is also doing really well - she is so quick to learn it's unbelievable! Everyone is very proud of her achievements in such a little time. I'm heading to Freetown next week and can't wait to see them all. They are growing up really fast! Big hugs, Laura.xx |
| January 2011 |
| Hey Everyone! Little Nasio came 6th out of 64 children in his class last term! How fantastic is that!!! Everyone was so happy for him! Hope all is well with you and you had a lovely holiday! Cheers, Laura.xxx |
| January 2011 |
We continue to have excellent support for the foundation, rising over 1,800 pounds (3,000 CAD) during the Christmas period, including another major contribution from the Burek family. Thank you to all! Laura, Jason, FA and Aisling |
| November 2010 |
| Update on Nasio Foundation Efforts Hello Everyone! Nasio graduated! He’s now in class 2 this year! Unfortunately Laura had malaria for his graduation day so she couldn't be there to see him, but everyone in the compound is really pleased with him. He is a little trooper, having overcome challenges in trying to catch up with other kids his age and switching schools. Nasio averaged 70% in his maths tests throughout the year!! Everyone is so proud of him! Your support has been unbelievable… and it has allowed the foundation to expand its reach. Laura has been working closely with FA to find a perfect fit for another child to benefit from the foundation. And we found her! We registered Makia a 5-year old girl (possibly 6!!) into school this year. She is one of 9 children from a very poor Temne village near Makeni. Her parents were struggling to provide for her and asked FA to take her in. She is a cute little thing and is just learning Krio. She hasn't yet accessed any education, but FA is keen to start her off at the same school as some of the other kids in the compound - Ibraham and Fajo - so she can catch up. She is totally loved, and loves FA to pieces! ...she's the one in the grey jumper (see August update below). Laura is still working for GOAL, and was recently promoted to manage the field office in Kenema, Sierra Leone as Area Coordinator of the health, water and sanitation programme. All in all, it has been another successful year for the foundation. We welcome donations to continue to improve the lives Nasio and Makia. Thank you for your support! Have a wonderful holiday season! The Nasio Foundation Laura, Jason, FA and Aisling |
| October 2010 |
Aisling's hands-on work for the foundation
Aisling
first met Nasiru and the other kids in FA’s compound when she came to
Sierra Leone as a VSO volunteer in September 2008. Their hugs,
the sound of their laughter in the morning rising up to the first floor
apartment that she shared with Laura, the fun, games, dancing and
sweetest smiling faces were all certainly a factor in her decision to
return to Sierra Leone again 6 months after her year’s placement was
complete.
Working for
GOAL now, she no longer lives opposite the kids, but is only a short
walk away and still gets to visit often. And that’s what’s so important –
seeing Nasiru grow so fast, both physically and in confidence; watching
Makia’s krio improve so rapidly turning her from a sweet, silent child
to a bubbly, happy little girl. The next beach outing with all the
children will hopefully be December and plenty of photos will capture
the happier side of being a child in Sierra Leone.
 |
| September 2010 |
| Nasio set to attend a new private school and more on Makia… From Laura: Just wanted to give you an update on the kids from here! After great end of year results, Nasio attended Murraydeen summer school to see if would feel comfortable to go back there next year. He has struggled again as it is very high pressured and so we have registered him to start at a new private primary school next year which has a good reputation and won't be so difficult for him. Makia is a real cutie. She is one of 9 children from a place near Makeni. Her parents were struggling to provide for her and so asked FA to take her in. She's been with FA for about 6 months now and has now learnt Krio. I paid for her to go to summer school and she is doing really well!! I've registered her to start at the same school as Ibrahim initially - until she's caught up for her age, but later on I'd like to move her to a better school. She's just turned 6. I'll send you on some pictures soon. She is definitely worthy of the foundations money! All is really well here thanks. New job is going really well but pretty hectic! I managed to accidentally adopt some guinea pigs the other day and Ibrahim and Makia are adamant that when I (eventually leave) they are going to take custody of them!! They Guinea pigs just had a baby so I can imagine the kids fighting over who will adopt that one!! So cute. Miss you guys! L.xxxx |
| August 2010 (2) |
| Nasio started summer school yesterday! From Laura: Just a quick update on the kids - Mrs McFoy, Nasio's old teacher at Murraydeen turned up to see FA and recommended that now Nasio has done his foundation year and caught up, he should go back to Murraydeen. FA is happy with the idea as it is by far the best school in the area - so they have started the process to register him there again, he started summer school yesterday! Initially I was wary as I think it is a high pressured school which may not suit Nasio, but I think it's important that FA makes these decisions, and so am happy if she thinks it's the best thing for Nasio. … I'm so proud of him - he averaged 70% in his maths tests throughout the last year!! :) Hugs, Laura.xx |
| August 2010 (1) |
| Nasio Foundation Increases it’s Reach: Introducing Makia! Thanks to the generous donors, and the relatively inexpensive cost of education, the Nasio Foundation is well positioned to expand its reach. Welcome Makia! Like Nasio, Makia is a bright little child, at the right age - 5 possibly 6!?! - making her a perfect candidate to for schooling. From Laura: I have also started the process of registering Makia a 5 (possibly 6!!) year old girl who FA has taken in from up-country. She is a cute little thing and is just learning Krio. She hasn't yet accessed any education, but FA is keen to start her off at summer school, and then register her in the same school as Ibraham and Fajo so she can catch up. I think FA's dream is that she will also make it to Murraydeen eventually too. I will need to get some more background info on Makia (maybe I've spelt this wrong too!!) for the website, but I know she is from a very poor Temne village and is totally loved, and loves FA to pieces! I've attached a piccy here so you can see her...she's the one in the grey jumper. So, I'll keep you updated on my progress with the kids, but I best get back to work! :)  Big hugs, L.xxx |
| July 2010 |
| Nasio graduated! He’s now in class 2 this year! From Laura: Quite a bit has changed since last time we spoke...firstly, and most importantly, Nasio graduated :) so will be starting in class 2 next year! Unfortunately I had malaria for the graduation day so couldn't go, but everyone's really pleased with him. We've had a few problems with the school recently, as the Pastor who runs the church and school thinks that Nasio's 'parents' are not involved enough in the school activities or visit the church enough! I think that's pretty harsh, especially because FA is parenting a lot of children, and school is supposed to be about the child learning!! I think it's more to do with not donating enough money to the church, but I've left it to FA to decide what she wants to do about it. It would be a shame to move Nasio again, but if the school is behaving like this it may be best. Diane and Diana are starting a new school in September so maybe him going with them is an option. As I said, I leave most decisions to FA on what's best for Nasio, so I'll get back to you when I've had chance to talk to her about it. Regarding Satu, again we've had some problems...originally from a village where no body really wanted her, a lady bought her to FA to take care of. This lady, having seen how strong and hard-working Satu is, has decided that she wants her, and so has taken her back from FA! Satu adores FA, and goes to sleep with her every night, but during the day the lady takes her back to basically work for her, and definitely won't be sending her to school. FA's really sad about it as she is really attached to Satu now, but there isn't much she can do without legal guardianship of her. I told FA that we will pay for Satu's schooling if/when the situation is more stable. In the meantime- i"ll keep my eyes open for more children here that need a helping hand (shouldn't be too difficult!!).  I'm still working for GOAL, and as I was about to go home and study an MSc in Health Psychology, I got offered a promotion to manage our field office in Kenema, so as of the end of July, I'll be the Area Coordinator of the health, water adn sanitation programme. It's pretty exciting because I've always wanted to be working in health, and this comes with so much responsibility that I'd be waiting years for in the UK! So, as you've heard before, I deferred my course until next year, and will decide then if it's still the right course to do. The point of doing the course would be to get jobs like this...so it's a great opportunity for me! Having been here 2.5 years now, a change to Kenema is welcome, and Peter will be coming with me too so I'm happy. Aisling came back to work with GOAL, and will be in regular contact with FA and the kids. I'll continue sending them money each month. You wouldn't believe it if you saw the kids now, they've grown up so much!! Hugs, Laura.xx |
| April 8 2010 |
| Easter Weekend Aisling, my old VSO housemate (after you left) came back to visit for Easter and we took FA and all the kids to the beach on Easter Monday. It was so much fun! The kids danced, played football, played in the water and ate huge amounts all day (see photos attached). Probably a record for the number of children we managed to take to the beach, including some of the bigger kids too, like Mary-Ann (who's name I recently discovered to be Marion!! lol), Ida, Kadija, etc. Two of FA's new kids, Satu and Makia are from up-country, and had never seen the sea or beach before! They were totally amazed at first, and enjoyed the day more than anyone! When playing in the water, Satu kept running up to me saying 'there's salt in the water', totally confused...I guess it would seem strange if you didn't know it! We are looking into the possiblity of having Satu benefit from the Nasio Foundation as well. Support has been so good that expanding to include one of the new kids taken in by FA is a real possiblitiy! We'll keep you posted! Laura & Jay   |
| Feb 11 2010 |
| Dear Nasio Supporters: Thank you for your generous donations during this past holiday season! The foundation continues to be a great success, and Nasio is benefiting greatly. Many people – now yearly Nasio supporters – donated in lieu of holiday presents, or just gave Nasio a wonderful gift! A special thank you to the Burek Family who donated £1,600 GBP! ($2,635 CAD) Your donations go directly to Nasio for tuition, books, supplies, clothes, shoes and lunches. This year your donations totaled over $5,000 CAD or £3,200 GBP! As you may know from recent updates, Nasio has settled into a new school and adapting very well. F.A. and everyone in the compound are supporting and encouraging Nasio in his schooling. Last year – Nasio’s first full year – was somewhat intimidating, and his confidence waned. This year, at a nearby school, Nasio is thriving and always excited to share what he has learned. We will keep you posted via the website (hoping to have more photos up pending Laura fixing her camera!!) Once again, thank you very much for making a hugely positive affect on Nasio’s life! With love from Nasio, F.A. Laura and Jason. |
| Nov 13 2009 |
| Dear Nasio supporters, Can you believe it's been a year since Nasio began going to school? Time is flying by here, as Nasio is approaching his 8th birthday and second year at school! Jason and I would once again like to thank you for your support of the Nasio Foundation and would like to give you an update on his progress so far. Nasio had a tough first 6 months trying to fit into Murrydeen School. Due to the high standard and pressures attached with studying at Murrydeen, FA, with the support of Jason and I decided it would be beneficial to move him to a local private school, which is better equipped to attend to his needs for now. Moving schools has been a learning curve in itself for Nasio, but he has come out stronger, happier and with more spellings correct already! So what does it mean to Nasio to go to school and gain a good education? Well, it means making friends. Knowing his alphabet and being able to add simple sums together. It means he's not excluded, or different from the other children in the compound. It gives him confidence. It provides him the opportunity to learn new things, and to develop his skills. One year down the road, and Nasio's already learnt huge amount...maths, spelling, drama! He's learnt how to over-come challenges, try and fail and how to try and succeed! Nasio, F.A, Jason and I would again like to say a massive thanks for all the support you have given to the Nasio Foundation, and hope that if possible you will continue to support our little friend. It's in our own culture to give at Christmas time. We hope that this year, there's a space on your Christmas shopping list to buy Nasio a book or two, whatever you can give will go far! Finally, we would like to wish you all a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year! Many thanks, Nasio, F.A, Jason and Laura  Photo: Baby Laura's Birthday (Baby Laura top middle, Nasio left)  Nasio's new school uniform |
| Aug 26 2009 |
| It’s
been a while since the last update… and the next school year is fast
approaching. There is no shortage of news! It has been a busy couple
of months. In July, Laura – still in Freetown – met with the school to
discuss Nasio progress. He is having trouble keeping up with his
peers. His grades are not sufficient for him to graduate to the next
grade. His confidence is down. Laura has been talking with F.A. and
others to find the best way forward. The consensus is that the best fit might be to bring him to a nearby private school where he has friends … where his confidence can be built up, and the pace of the schooling more at his level. And, for him to continue to be tutored after school in English and other basics. Since this decision was made, Nasio’s confidence has risen and he is really excited about his new school. He’s also loving the extra summer school classes. Read more about Nasio’s summer below… July… … I spoke to FA yesterday, and between us decided that it would be best to move Nasio from Murrydeen. Do you remember the private school up the YSC path with the alphabet on the side of the wall (W is for wowo (ugly!, lol)? Well, FA thinks it would be much beneficial to move him there. It's stilll a private school so the teachers will be good, but the pressure will be less intense, and he'll feel more comfortable there for now. A lot of his friends go there already, and so I'm sure he'll settle in fast. FA is very keen on the idea of him going back to Murrydeen, but only when he's ready for it. He is already having after school classes locally, so we'll keep those up and running too. I'll go and explain to the Murrydeen Headmistres why we're moving Nasio, and also tell them we hope to let him return in a few years. Laura Aug… Nasio seems really happy at the moment, and the most confident I've ever seen him about school. He's been attending summer school at his new school for 2 months now, and seems very enthusiatic about it. I think as the standard is lower, and their isn't so much pressure on him, he's enjoying classes more, and feels like he can contribute. He's much more open about school with me now, and will happily recite the spellings he's learnt, where as before he was always a little shy. I asked him if he was happy there, and he said he wants to stay there forever!! ...not quite sure that we can afford 'forever', but I'm happy that he's enjoying it!! I'll continue to give FA support for lunch and supplies every so often, and as usual, she is most grateful. You're always asked after, especially by Nasio and Ibrahim! Any plans to visit soon...? Laura |
| May 30 2009 |
| Nasio's
still going to school, and is obviously still behind the others in his
class. I'm yet to meet Mrs Mcfoy again, but I know he is trying hard,
and studying a lot out of school hours, He has a new personal tutor who
lives round the corner who Nasio seems to be responding better to. On
Sunday we cooked a ' Chicken Stew' Salone style and invited Nasio up to
eat with us, I think he ate nearly half the chicken himself (country
chicken presented to my housemate by a friends family up country)! ...all the volunteers are doing much better (since the car accident). Paola is hoping to go back to Italy soon for recovery, and CHloe has imroved and hopefully moving back in with her parents for extra care and support. Laura |
| March 21 2009 |
 A
lot has happened since the last update when Laura was preparing to
leave Salone. Since then we completed our second transfer of money;
Laura returned to the UK, accepted a spot in a nursing program to start
in September and returned to Freetown. Tragedy struck a week ago when 4 fellow volunteers were involved in a hit and run accident, which resulted in serious injury including one who remains in a coma. They were all air lifted to the UK. On a bright note, Laura is back in Freetown and gets to spend more time with Nasio, and help him continue on the good track for education. |
| Jan 4 2009 |
| Laura
called me on Christmas day. She was at the beach with the kids. It was
really nice to speak with Nasio on the phone. He said he missed me, and I
told him I would visit at some point. Laura is set to return home on January 25th. On the donation front... all is going well. There were many donations made during Christmas. Thank you! Jason |
| Dec 13th 2008 |
| By popular demand: We now have a printable gift certificate for those who wish to give a donation as a gift. NASIO PRINTABLE GIFT CERTIFICATE |
| Dec 10th 2008 |
| I
went to Nasio's PTA last week to get involved in the school and
understand more about the upcoming events and activites. It was really
well organised, and Nasio's teacher in particular was really pleased to
see me there. She arranged to come and meet me at home the following day
to discuss Nasio's progress. Whilst expressing her concern that Nasio
is still below average in class, she also showed how committed she is
helping him progress by proposing to give him one to one after class
lessons-three times a week to help him catch up. As she is already aware
of his capabilities and struggles I think that she is a perfect chioce
of tutor. Nasio is really trying at school, and I think that the lessons
would really encourage him and boost his confidence. At the moment Nasio's busy attending prizegiving's and thanksgiving and preparing for the end of term. There are school outings coming up which will be great and are already paid for from the initial school fees. The pictures are from Nasio's bday party. I gave FA some money so he could have a little party with the other kids. He had a realy great time and loved the Africana shirt that my new housemate and I bought him. Laura Photos from Nasio's birthday party...     |
| Nov 23rd 2008 |
| I
just got off the phone with Laura, Nasio and Auntie F.A. They are
celebrating Nasio's birthday today - he's now 7 years old! Nasio was
very excited to speak with me on the phone - the first time we've had a
phone conversation Canada to Sierra Leone. My Krio (without seeing my
hand gestures) must have been painful for the little guy!! But he sounds
great! Next week Laura and F.A. will meet with Nasio's teachers to get un update on his progress. They have already been told that he is behind the other students... so, with the help of the school, Laura is trying to find a good teacher for additional classes to help Nasio catch up to his classmates. A friend of ours - Paul Fish - is back in Sierra Leone, and has offered to check in on Nasio when Laura eventual returns to the U.K. (There will be a lot of crying when she leaves!!) J |
| Oct 23rd 2008 |
...
Aunty F.A is being really great in supporting Nasio at school. She
regularly visits his teacher to check on his progress, and yesterday she
told me that the teacher i s
impressed at how hard Nasio is trying, but at the same time is still
concerned that he is struggling to keep up with the other children in
the class. She has suggested that we arrange for him to go to extra
classes after school, possibly 2 or 3 times a week. Nasio seems to be
enjoying school and is happy to do this... I think it would definately
be worth it. I'm really impressed with the school and the efforts they
are making to fully accommodate him. Laura.xx (Photo - Laura with baby Laura and Saffy) |
| Oct 1 2008 |
| Nasio's
not too well at the moment, nothing serious just high fever and
headaches. I let him come and sleep on the sofa yesterday and gave him
some panadol. He randomly stared talking about the day you took him to
the stadium and remembers how you took him right to the top of the stand
and took pictures. ... He's really missing you. He asks if he can come
and sleep in your bed, and was a little annoyed that a temp volunteer
is currently staying in there. School is going well as far as he tells me. He seems to be enjoying it, although Saffy tells me he is struggling a little as he is far behind some of the other kids. I've managed to get hold of some really good basic spelling books so am doing my best to bring him up to speed. Laura |
| Sept 10 2008 |
 Yesterday was really cool at the orientation. All the new kids and parents went just to hear more about the school. Lots of events coming up like PTA, initial assessments and at christmas, a trip to Family Kingdom beach! They were so excited by this and the cost is already covered in what we have paid... Nasio fitted in really well...He was really happy after school yesterday. I asked him if he enjoyed the day and he began telling me about what he learnt... A is for Apple etc. He clearly had a great day because he continued to tell me all evening! Laura |
| Sept 2 2008 |
| An email update from Laura: ... So, he's taking lessons and can now read the whole alphabet! He's pretty excited about this! He still gets stuck if you just point to any letter and ask which one it is, but he's definately progressing quickly! ...Getting a birth certificarte made for him tomorrow hopefully - FA couldn't find his so it's rpb just easier to get one made. Apparently its not too difficult. |
| Aug 29 2008 |
Following Wednesday's article in the Sault Star, the editor of the newspaper published the editorial "Education is a gift that keeps on giving".
|
| Aug 27 2008 |
| A few developments since the last update: 1) The Foundation completed payment of Nasiru's first year's tuition. 2) The foundation has received it's first donations - thank you so much! An update on the Foundation's financial activity will follow. 3) The Nasio Foundation was featured on the front page of the Sault Star newspaper (Aug 27 2008) |
| Aug 20 2008 |
| 1:00pm
Nasiru’s last day of evaluation. Mrs Harding tells us that Nasio made
the cut! He has been accepted to Murraydeen Private School! Yes!!!
Next step – uniform fitting. He’s so excited!! Actually I think we are
more excited ;-) School officially starts on Sept 8th. Until then, Nasiru will be taking extra classes on the side to help him with math and English. |
| Aug 18 2008 |
 12:34pm Laura,
F.A. and I took Nasiru to his first day this am. It's his evaluation
week, to see where he fits in the school. F.A. was all dressed in nice
African dress. Nasiru had a sharp shirt and dress pants. He was really
nervous. Didn't crack a smile until we gave him his book (with football
players on it). We didn't want to leave the poor little guy. He was so
nervous. I hope he makes some fri  ends! |
| Aug 15 2008 |
| 8:00pm
well, well. funny thing. F.A. just handed us a neatly written letter
with information for Nasio's application. I think there are some errors
here... he was born in 1991?? I think they meant 2001. So he's almost 7!
His BD is November 29th. One other small detail. His name is NASIRU!
hahahahah. I guess we're not good with African names... guess we tried
to make it Italian! Nasio. But we're not gonna change any of the
Foundation title stuff. Too funny. He's so excited to go to school on Monday! |
| Aug 14 2008 |
 10:30am met
with Mrs Harding and Mrs Scott to register Nasio. They were both
extremely accommodating and genuinely interested in Nasio’s
case.Contrary to rumours I heard, there is not indication of a “white
man” price different from the regular price. Mrs Harding showed me the
standard costing guide, which was already lying on her desk. They even
brainstormed ideas to help Nasio get up to speed should his evaluation
come in under Level 1, which is highly likely. 11:08am The Foundation incurs it’s first cost, 10,000 Leones ($3.00 CAD) for Registration Application. 11:30am I met with the Rokel Bank to pick up vital information for transferring funds to the school’s account, and also confirmed the process by which the school will know the Foundation has paid for Nasio. 8:00pm We met wit F.A. to discuss our intentions and get her approval. She was so happy. She gave us her blessing and ensured us that she would walk Nasio to school everyday. A group hug ensued. Nasio starts on Monday Aug 18th at 10am. Laura and I will take him to the school to meet Mrs Scott to begin his weeklong evaluation. There will be an opportunity for him to take additional classes during the 3 weeks before school begins. I’m so excited! Must remember his birth certificate!! Hope he has one. :-) J |
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)