Happy New Year Reflections

As 2017 comes to an end, and we welcome 2018, we reflect on the past year. At Sunrise of Life 2017 was a year of ups and downs, of progress, and fallbacks. Here are some reflective thoughts as this year comes to a close.

 Exciting News! 

In Tanzania Sunrise of Life achieved a long-term goal of gaining  NGO registration. Due to the dedication and perseverance of the Tanzania board, we were able to obtain registration for both the Drop-in and the Residential Centre. The NGO registered name in Tanzania is ‘Youth Power in Social Action.’ Due to all names related to ‘Sunrise of Life’ being spoken for in the office of the register we were not able to register under that name in Tanzania. The Residential and Drop-in Centre projects continue to operate under the name of  Sunrise of Life, under the umbrella of Youth Power in Social Action (YPSA). Moving from a Non-Profit registered organization to an NGO registration is a huge step for the organization, and we are so happy to be moving forward on this goal we set for the organization since its conception in 2011. Not only does this open the doors for fund opportunities in Tanzania, but it also further legitimizes the organization and our cause in Arusha.

 Thank-you to our Volunteers

As you are all aware, Sunrise of Life is run entirely by the tireless dedication of volunteers. So many board members have put in tireless hours of work in ensuring accountability and efficient operation of Sunrise of Life. From re-writing the Memorandum of Understanding to organizing international volunteers and interns to taking leadership in committees, each board member has been instrumental in making this year a success. This past year we implemented three committees: the Lethbridge Fundraising Committee, Edmonton Fundraising Committee, and the Grant Committee. So many dedicated people have joined these committees and have worked very hard to bring fun and successful events to life. From the Annual Social Evening and Charity Dinner and the Land-o-Lakes Golf Tournament in Lethbridge to the It Takes a Village Wine and Cheese evening in Edmonton each event was unique and was a huge success. This past year the Grant Committee secured a very generous grant from the Government of Alberta to run the Outreach and Drop-in Centre for another year. The countless hours put in by each committee member has made these successes possible. In 2017 many volunteers were given the privilege of traveling to Tanzania and helping on the projects there. Each volunteer set aside some time in their busy lives to help the less fortunate, and each one had a unique impact on the children and organization in Tanzania. At Sunrise of Life, there are ongoing opportunities for these international volunteers to continue helping once they return home, and many have dedicated themselves to helping on the various committees here in North America.

 The Children 

The countless hours of work and dedication from our volunteers do not go unnoticed by the children and youth at Sunrise of Life. We can all agree that the ultimate goal of fostering sustainable futures for vulnerable children in Arusha has been accomplished. From the many children who are attending school at the residential centre to the youth participating vocational training and university in the Transition Program, each child, and young person is acutely aware that their life situation would be much different if it were not for the Sunrise of Life programs. During this time of reflection, it is essential for us to remember that children at the centre, and on the streets have had a traumatic past, and for each one of them individually, functioning on a daily basis can sometimes seem impossible. Our dedicated staff in Tanzania have provided loving support to the children on the streets and at the Residential Centre this past year. This love and support have seen each child and young person through this year, albeit not without challenges. Your prayer and support have not gone unnoticed by them. This past year some youth have graduated from Primary School and moved on to Secondary School, others have graduated from Secondary School and moved on to Vocational Training or University Preparation, and still, others have graduated from University Preparation and moved on to University and College, we are all so proud of all these accomplishments!

Our Donors 

All of this would not be possible without the unwavering support of our many donors in Alberta, Canada and around the world. Each one of you has supported the organization and this cause in a different way, and for this on behalf of the children and the Sunrise of Life Team we would like to say Thank-you Thank-you Thank-you. Your support, guidance and encouragement does not go unnoticed by the Sunrise of Life team and has been instrumental in sustaining the futures of all the children. Please continue to remember our organization and the children in your prayers.

Looking Forward 

It is with excitement and anticipation that we look forward to 2018. As you have read, 2017 has brought significant changes to our organization, and these changes have set the stage for an even more exciting 2018. Looking forward to the unknown can sometimes be frightening, but through prayer and perseverance, we will continue to strive to help the children living on the streets in Tanzania. In 2018 look forward to the ongoing partnership with organizations with the same overarching goal of assisting vulnerable children, for when we work together that success can be realized. We also look forward to ongoing partnership with local, municipal and national government in achieving our goal. From renovation projects at the residential centre, planned volunteer trips, to a growth of the Drop-in Centre Program 2018 is promising to be an exciting year!

From the Team at Sunrise of Life

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Best Regards

~Tom Kuperus~