Dear Friends,
In Uganda, one million children between the ages of 6-12 are not in school. Five people per minute become infected by HIV and the AIDS virus kills one child every minute. Families travel miles to gather fresh water. Off the Mat, Into the World's Seva Challenge 2009 exists to help the people of Uganda experience a life where human, basic needs are met.
Off the Mat, Into the World is a non-profit organization formed by three yogis- Seane Corn, Suzanne Sterling, and Hala Khouri. These women wanted to create a forum for people to come together and brainstorm projects in support of conscious activism. Their annual seva (service) challenge asks participants to go out into their local and global communities to individually raise $20,000 in support of countries that need assistance. 2009's spotlight was Uganda, a country that has been plagued by civil war for more than 20 years. OTM is partnering with 3 different organizations- Shanti Uganda, Building Tomorrow, and YouthAids to fund the development of an eco birthing center, sustainable farms, and a seven room school house in Uganda.
My name is Megan Ridge and as of September 19th, 2009, my community officially raised the full $20,000. I feel incredible gratitude for my financial and emotional supporters for helping me reach this goal in 8 short months. The reward for reaching the $20K goal is a trip to Uganda from February 5 - 21, 2010 with the Off the Mat team to help lay the brick and dig the wells for these projects. Twenty-one people reached the $20K goal, and between all 160 participants, we raised a total of $570,000 and counting. The trip will be very physical and interactive. To prepare mentally, emotionally and physically for this kind of work, the group will do 2 hours of yoga in the morning and processing work in the evenings. Our support system is strong, and we will leave Africa knowing that we have saved many lives.
I never could have known the innumerable ways this challenge would change me. Everyone who has taken the time to browse this website, join the facebook group, blog, and email list, or who has run into me on the street to ask about my progress has contributed to the success of this project. There is still more to do, and may the process remain as joyful as these past 12 months have been. Together, we will change the lives of the people living in Uganda. I thank you so much for sharing in the experience.
Namaste,
Megan
TO TAKE THE JOURNEY WITH ME, PLEASE VISIT MY BlOG AT:
HTTP://ALLIEDFORUGANDA.BLOGSPOT.COM/
80% of this year's funds will support the organizations below
20% will support OTM's nationwide yoga for at-risk youth programs
$150k to Shanti Uganda
To build an eco birthing center with a sustainable garden and to support birthing education and training programs for women with HIV/AIDS.
http://www.shantiuganda.org/
$125k to Building Tomorrow
To build a primary school, housing for all seven teachers and their families and to develop a farm on the school's property. With additional funds we can support the organization in updating and improving Building Tomorrow academies.
http://www.buildingtomorrow.org/
$10k to PSI/YouthAIDS
To support their work in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS worldwide.
http://www.youthaids.org/
$10k to New Hope School
To support the orphans and improve/ update existing facilities.
*Breakdown of funds courtsey of OTM |
