The Global Partnership Award (GPA) is the COSAD’s highest recognition presented annually. The award is triggered by two facts: It serves as a symbol of our greater appreciation of the solidarity in the fight against poverty and our journey together to create a more loving and a just world whereby, because of our creative collaboration the impact we have made will last for many generations to come. Secondly, it is awarded as a sign of gratitude to organizations, companies, individuals and/or families for their continued generosity and tireless monetary support to our community development initiatives in Tanzania.
And the 2010 Award goes to….
Saira Yusuf, Founder of Rafiki Education Scholarship, (RES), San Francisco, California.
Recognition Description: Saira was one of the members of the GCN (Global Citizen Network) volunteer team who came to Bukoba in August 2009 for a two week volunteer program. She was there with her parents Zia and Paru, as well as her younger sister Sanam (age 8). Because of her active participation in the conversation between COSAD local leaders and GCN she often asked many tough questions but the biggest one was one for which she decided to come up with a solution for. She wanted to know what happens when a kid passes their exams, is smart enough to continue school but the parents don’t have the money. She had also heard that young people were leaving Kangabusharo because of lack of opportunity and wanted to know who will help the people then. Answer: If young people receive education and commit to come back eventually Kangabusharo would be better off. Thus was born Saira’s Rafiki Education Scholarship!
Today, Saira’s idea is a practical reality. Three orphans are attending boarding school with full scholarship from Saira who organized car wash, baking cookies from her fellow children to ensure that their fellow young children in Bukoba have an opportunity to go to school.
COSAD believes sustainable development requires enlightened and informed citizens. That is why in every community we partner with we start with Community Resource and Learning Centers which is designed to promote the culture of reading and provide space for learning and exchange of ideas.
I personally believe nothing ensures sustainability like education.
Smart Baitani | COSAD Executive Director | smart@cosad.org | 612 227 0065
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