2008 Update
JAMAICAN RASTAFARIAN DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY SCHOOL (JRDC) IN SHASHAMANE

The latest news on the
JRDC Kindergarten and Primary School in Shashamane

June 27, 2008

 In the academic year starting September 2007, an Acting Director, Sis Bunny Asher – (Angela B. Heron) a volunteer from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Jamaica, and Board member of two Donor Organizations to the project, was appointed by the JRDC in order to restore the stability of the rapidly growing school initially established by the team of co-founders.  Since that time, significant improvements have taken place at the school –Pictures follow which tell the tale:

Although in the recent past there have been problems relating to the management and ownership of the school, this is slowly being resolved while the school progresses and now a school population of under 300 students allow individualized attention because of a lower student/ teacher ratio. This stability has encouraged supporters and potential supporters to visit the school, and make donations and/ or contributions to the school Class rooms – three in the Kindergarten and eight in the Elementary sections are now improved by teaching aids. Activities in the Art room thrive, as students make papier mache plates, cups, Greeting Cards, Models of Ethiopian Artifacts The rains finally came, so the caretaker, some staff, students and community members, donated and planted flowers, enhancing the beauty of the School grounds

Financial contributions in recent times come mainly from the Shashamane Foundation Inc, USA and a handful of individuals. There is a severe strain on the Foundation’s limited funds and on individuals on the ground in Ethiopia. In spite of the stability and improvements, the school is nevertheless in desperate need of funds to meet not only contracted teachers salaries, but daily operating expenses such as the lunch programme, the purchase of printer ink, paper, toilet paper, school books, glue etc. These basic costs are often met through contributions from individuals in Ethiopia and overseas. While Sis Bunny, the acting Director and staff have committed to bringing back the JRDC School to its full operational capacity, external funding is urgently needed.

The JRDC is hoping that this update to all houses, mansions and donors and potential donors worldwide will encourage those wishing to support this school in Shashamane to commit or/and resume financial assistance. Strengthening the lifeline of support to the school is greatly needed, not only for current operational costs, but with long term plans which are summarized below:

1. Monthly Operating Cost – Salaries and Operating Costs US$2,700; Annual Cost  -  US$32,400

2. Building capacity for fundraising: One Staff member plus computer equipment, Annual Cost – S$2,500

3. Strengthening institutional capacity: Three Administrative Staff members, Annual Cost - US$5,000

4. Project Phase II: Implementation of Community Skill Training Centre: Projected Cost – US$25,000.

Any one of these costs may seem above your ability for assistance, but no contribution is too small. For eg. US$5.00 can cover the cost of one child’s lunch for a month, or US$80 can sponsor the education of a child for one year. Chairs and desks are also needed. Further information can be obtained from: www.Shashamane.org or the JRDC at jamrascommunity@yahoo.com.  You may wish to identify one or a few areas to which you can contribute – as a one time contribution, or on an ongoing basis. Donations can be made by cheque payable to:

·         Shashemane Foundation Inc; 5782 2^nd St. NE, Washington DC 20011, USA.

·         Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Swift Code: CBETETAA; International Banking Division; for further credit to Jamaican Rastafarian Development Community; Account # 963; Shashemane Branch. (Let me know when you have sent funds, so it can be monitored at the bank.)

We would also be grateful for your prayers as we strive to continue the mandate given to us by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I:

“It is the duty of the educated few to fulfill
the legitimate aspirations of the unfortunate many.” 

Wish list of small projects to be completed before September term, 2008. - 1 US$ = 9.70Birr