I’m so excited ~ Let the Building BEGIN!

There have been some new developments here at LeapingStone, and I am excited to be able to tell you about them:

First, to date, we have raised over $29,000.  With only ~$2000.00 left in our goal to complete the first phase, there is still time for you to contribute to this very important project.

Second, the board of directors and I have made a decision on the contractor we will be using to build the school in Dédékè, Togo.  His name is Laté (Ruben) Lawson-Lartego and he works for Care International.

Ruben Will Lead the Building Effort on the Ground

Ruben has worked in development in Togo for twelve years and brings a high level of confidence to the project that it will be completed on time and on budget.

He also has an organization in Togo, Affordable Housing Owned by Everyone, A.H.O.E.   He is well aware of the needs of the village, and the difficulties in doing philanthropic work.  We are lucky to have him on board.

Third, the board and I have decided to break the school building project into three phases:  Phase I will consist of drilling a well that will be used for construction purposes and then finished to provide clean drinking water to the citizens of Dédékè, pouring the foundation for six classrooms, and finishing three classrooms.

We have enough money to start phase I as soon as possible.  We only need to raise another $2,000.  As of today, we think the well could be started by the end of March.  Weather permitting, we could conceivably start the construction on the school itself in April; however, we may have to wait until August to begin building the school.  Thankfully, Ruben’s commitment to excellence and the wisdom of the LeapingStone Board has foreseen the seasonal complications that might arise and accounted for contingencies in the project time line.  We are soooooo lucky to have such a smart and talented team to make this building project finally happen!

As always, your contributions are vital to the success of this project too, so please, visit our donation page and help us leap forward to Phase II

Oh, and one last thing, in the Chico Area, we are hosting a Wine Tasting Benefit.  You are invited!  Thank you so much for your help ~ stay tuned for more great stuff to come!