Sponsoring education pays forward

Over the years, the AACDP has found sponsorships for many students, and has discovered that it is one of the best investments possible. So many of them (including our own Zambian manager, Sydney Mwamba) want to return home after graduation, and use their education to help their community.

Several years ago we found a couple in Massachusetts to sponsor Busiku's education. When I met Busiku at the Mama Bakhita in 2017, she was earning $70 per month as an aid, and supporting her daughter, parents and siblings at the same time. She had never attended school regularly, but had a dream of becoming a physiotherapist. After a lifetime of spotty education it was a struggle to catch up scholastically, but Busiku worked hard, and after completing vocational school, went on to earn a university degree.

Last year when I was at the Mama Bakhita, Busiku came to one of my art sessions. Her skill, patience, and gentle way with the children were truly inspiring.

Busiku helps a child with cerebral palsy

Like many students who have found sponsorship through the AACDP, Busiku would love nothing more than to return to the Mama Bakhita to use her skills to help the children with disabilities, many of whom she has known for years. It has been my dream to hire a physiotherapist for the Mama Bakhita, and Busiku is the perfect choice!

Are you interested in sponsoring a student? The AACDP is currently seeking educational sponsors for two young African women. View their profiles on our website. This may be the most effective way you can improve a young person's chances in life.

Florence, and beyond

I am so excited to finally schedule our first Italian tour in four years. We had planned two tours for 2020, but like many plans that year, they had to be canceled.

Florence has something for everyone. There are so many lenses through which to view this complicated ancient city. When planning a tour, I sometimes like to start with a concept, such as gardens, sacred sites, cooking, architecture, Renaissance art, or medieval Florence. No two AACDP tours are alike. Depending on the interests of the small group of participants (usually about 6), I can alter the itinerary to make it valuable for everyone. 

Take a look at the itinerary for October 12 - 19, 2024. If there are other activities you’d prefer, let me know! One of the main features of an AACDP tour is flexibility.

A future for art programs at the Mama Bakhita

This year, like every year, one of the highlights of my Africa trip was the time spent making art with the children with disabilities at the Mama Bakhita Cheshire Home. They are energized and empowered by creating art, and in the process, they exercise important muscle skills. 

The Mama Bakhita changes leadership every few years. While I was there I was fortunate to spend time with the new director, Sr. Magdelena Sitondo, and was so impressed. Not only is she very smart and caring, but she also instinctively understood and took a keen interest in my creative work with the children. It has always been my dream to make art therapy a permanent part of their program, and with Sr. Magdelena at the helm, it may soon be possible!

Sr. Magdelena