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Published: February 28th 2013
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In Honor of the Oswald Family Foundation
Donations from the Oswalds make building KARUCO possible The Touchstones
Presenting Touchstones. I took time to share that the
Oswald Family Foundation of Minnesota was the first large donor to invest in ETI and KARUCO.
Julie Oswald, who is the Executive Director, met with me in 2011 when we were just 5 months old and encouraged ETI to apply for a start up grant. The Oswald Family Foundation believed in the vision of KARUCO before ETI had any track record of achievements. When I shared that the Oswald Family Foundation donated even more than the initial grant, the people clapped with joy. ETI's hope is that Julie Oswald and her family and friends will find their way to Tanzania and touch the stones that honor the ideals of the Oswald Family Foundation and the difference they make through their support of educational causes. They will be welcomed heartily. I presented the touchstone to honor the Oswald Family Foundation to the bishop and he gladly received it.
In Memory of Jacqueline Nolte Jones
The second stone was presented in memory of Minnesota philanthropist and supporter of education, Jacqueline Nolte Jones. Jacqueline was from a long line of educators who made big differences in
In Memory of Jacqueline Nolte Jones
Educate Tanzania Honors the Nolte Jones Family Supporters the lives of many by lifelong commitments and contributions to education and related causes. I told those at the groundbreaking that Mrs. Jones became aware of the goals and vision of ETI and KARUCO through her son, Christopher, who was a student of mine at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. Before she passed away in 2011, she shared with Christopher that she would like to make a "game-changing difference" and would like to donate $55,000 USD to ETI for the KARUCO project. This large gift from the Estate of Jacqueline Nolte Jones made the groundbreaking today possible. ETI's hope is that Jacqueline's family and all who loved her would find their way to the people of Karagwe and would be able to honor Jacqueline's memory and the ideals she upheld as they touch the stone at KARUCO. On behalf of Educate Tanzania, I presented the touchstone in memory of Jacqueline Nolte Jones to the bishop and he gladly received it.
In Honor of Educate Tanzania
The third touchstone honored Educate Tanzania, Minnesota, USA. I was careful to say that the stone does not honor ourselves but instead honors the hundreds of donors and volunteers who
Educate Tanzania
Giving ETI Donors a Touchstone in Tanzania care about KARUCO and support ETI (applause). I mentioned the dedication of our volunteers and the contributions of many--big and small--that all together make KARUCO possible. My hope is that the 450 people in our data base will each find their way to the people of Karagwe, Tanzania and will find this touchstone at KARUCO. I presented the touchstone to the bishop and he gladly accepted. I couldn't help but be moved by Emmanuel who looked so proud as he delivered each of the three stones to the bishop.
In closing my speech, I told the people of Karagwe that this was one of the best days of my life because
I am privileged to participate in something that is making a difference. I reminded the people that ETI will continue to work with the people of Karagwe as partners and friends to help build KARUCO.
This was a beautiful day. I looked out at the people and felt the hope. My heart nearly burst as I sat down- relieved it was over and satisfied with how it went. I received quite a bit of feedback that the ideas were appreciated and that people understood what ETI has
done and wants to do to support KARUCO. Some noted that besides the ELCT, I was the only program dignitary that had actually been to Karagwe prior to the Groundbreaking Ceremony. ETI - "feeling local".
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