Furthering the Mission of Non-Profits
Not only is the idea behind Loretta’s Hearts is to remind us that love is all around but to also help others. When you purchase any of our Sharing Heart products a portion of the proceeds will go to a non-profit. With that in mind, we are pleased to announce that our first non-profit to work with us is the African Education Program (AEP).
I was introduced to AEP over 10 years ago when I started sponsoring a young girl with her school fees. As I learned more about her, the other children, and young adults at the Amos Youth Centre I wanted to meet them in person. I remember my first trip to Zambia and how amazing and life-changing it was. A piece of my heart is always with them as I continue to visit and watch them move forward in their lives. Please see below for more information on this wonderful program.
African Education Program
Since 2007, the African Education Program (AEP) has awarded over 2,600 individual annual scholarships, enabling 450 young women and men to complete high school and 80 to graduate from college. Scholarships enable girls and boys to continue their education in schools and, most importantly, create a base for the programs provided at AEP’s pilot educational resource center in Kafue, Zambia. On a daily basis, over 400 children and youth take advantage of programs focused on quality education through academic tutoring, leadership development and volunteerism, HIV/AIDS and health awareness, nutrition and food security, the arts and creativity, and gender equity. AEP’s model is based on creating opportunities so that these children and youth can build their resiliency and overcome any challenges that may prevent them from reaching their full potential. This creates an environment for these youth to break out of their impoverished situation and become the leaders that their communities need to systemically end poverty. For more information about AEP, please visit www.africaneducationprogram.org.
Be sure to visit us often as we continue to add non-profits in the coming months. With your purchase of a Sharing Heart gift, you can share the love with one of our partner non-profits of your choice. In addition, please feel free to send us charitable organizations that you feel might be interested in joining us, or ask them to contact us at info@lorettashearts.com. We thank you for your support.
Keep smiling and your heart open,
Karen
