Looking Back
As we wave goodbye to the year 2005, we remember all that has been accomplished in Bola Moyo’s first year. Besides incorporating as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, which in itself is quite the undertaking, Bola Moyo has built a remarkable base of friends and partners both in America and in Africa.

Over the summer Bola Moyo and you provided a better life for three Malawian youth by sponsoring their education. Together we provided a better life for four children (ages 6-14), already orphaned by their mother and soon their father from HIV, by providing the building materials for a lasting house that will not have to be forfeited when the father is gone. And in October, we created a better life for a few families (approx. 40 people) in famine-stricken Malawi by supplying the resources for a community garden.

Looking Forward
By the looks of it, 2006 will be a year packed full of more activity, more challenges, and even more excitement.

On January 21st, Dustin, one of Bola Moyo’s founders, will board a plane and begin his third trip to Malawi. He will spend five months there getting the bulk of our projects, including the microlending and creative arts programs, off the ground. Cara Pattison will stay in the US through the month of February to tie up some loose ends, continue raising funds, and will join Dustin in Malawi at the beginning of March.

Between the months of January and July, Bola Moyo will work to sponsor 30 Malawian students by paying their way to secondary school. We will work to empower ten women by coordinating appropriate business and skills training for them, as well as supplying small business loans. We will also facilitate the formation of a handful of creative arts clubs designed to not only give young people skills and positive activities, but also provide an outlet to discuss HIV/AIDS, gender issues, and ways to live a “better life.” Bola Moyo will also work toward a higher level of cooperation between various aid organizations, church groups, and individuals.
Believe it or not, this is only the beginning of what the coming year has in store.

Keeping in Touch
We look forward to your continued partnership in this work and keeping you abreast of both Bola Moyo’s successes and struggles. On our website, www.bolamoyo.org, you’ll find our Bola Moyo blog (web log) which is a regularly updated journal and will include our experiences in Malawi. And if you have not already made a commitment to support the work that Bola Moyo is doing, check out the insert in this newsletter to find out how and what it means to become a monthly partner. Thanks!

Stay well,
Dustin & Cara Pattison