Artists Supplies New York

Thursday, December 30th, 2010 at 5:59 am

Whether it's George Clooney to know the violence in Darfur, Bono's campaign for debt relief, or Angelina Jolie visiting as Goodwill Ambassador Nations United, the stars are using their power to increase public awareness of the problems facing Africa today. Hand in hand with other celebrities, Oprah Winfrey, recently opened her Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. "Despite their efforts, there remain millions of orphaned African children who need food nutrition, clean water, housing and education, "says Sarah Ehrlich, founder and president of the nonprofit Help for Orphans (www.helpfororphans.org). "Despite all possible aid, the challenge is to create a sustainable system that nurtures and educates children for years to come."

The numbers speak for themselves. According to the UN, the number of African orphans increased from 30.9 to 41.9 million between 1990 and 2000, and projections indicate that the number will increase to 53.1 million in 2010.

But Ehrlich is the challenge. Inspired by an organization in India which has several hundred schools orphanage and encourages children to go back, Ehrlich's Help for Orphans (www.myspace.com / helpfororphans) has already given thousands of books to orphanages in Uganda, Kenya and India. On the other hand, organization is currently building two schools orphanage in Kenya, Kisumu school will educate 60 children, while school Kisii educate other 50 children. While the reading curriculum and aural Applied Scholastics (www.study-tech.org) will be crucial, Ehrlich wants to go beyond the basics to provide students with the tools they need to stay within their culture. "In order to really make a difference, we must also build confidence in themselves, teaching them about human rights, values, how to avoid HIV, and using their creative energy through art program including painting and dance, "he says.

Leave a small footprint is key to the philosophy of support for orphans. To this end, the organization AB Architekten has committed (www.abarchitekten.com), a New York architectural firm that specializes in the design of green buildings. " "We want teach by example, "says Ehrlich, who is paying 100 percent of the administrative expenses of the organization." It is important to assure our donors your $ 30 sponsorship months go directly to children for food supplies and school, and other donations are being used for construction projects food and educational materials. "

Ehrlich and his team are preparing for a trip to Kenya, where he will partner with additional orphanages in order to sponsor their children and build more schools and donate books, food and school supplies. But Ehrlich does not feel their mission is carried out Help for orphans until it has launched at least 500 schools around the world. "We are starting in Africa, but there are orphans in many countries that need our help," says. "Right now we are focusing on Africa, but we also have immediate plans to build sustainable schools for orphans in southern India and America Central. Finally, we will launch efforts in Southeast Asia, North and South America and Europe. "

Ehrlich says the response to Help Orphans has been overwhelming, and concludes: "When you do things right, everything seems off." Ehrlich's ability to create that synergy is sure to help orphans Africa off and reach for the stars.

Kris Nickerson is the Editor-in-Chief of Press Direct International (http://www.pressdirectinternational.org), a global information website that provides reliable information tailored to professionals in financial, media, and corporate markets. His thorough knowledge of industries ranging from health care and travel to real estate and financial investing enables him to quickly grasp the nuances of emerging markets and technologies.

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