News for the schools in Morocco!!

Hi there,

I have been terrible keeping our loyal readers on track but now I will be better at it! In order to remind you all about the situation in Morocco, here is a short reminder: There are hundreds of illiterate kids that are in dire need of anything and everything we can provide for them. We, F.A.B. members, believe that education is a huge chance for kids to develop themselves and to have a chance to succeed in life. The reality is that these kids walk over 5 miles to school both ways (insert our grandparents joke, "we walked to school 5 miles uphill each way"). However, in this case, it isn't a joke! Yes, it is very awful but in underdeveloped regions of third world countries, life is a challenge that kids face every single day.

For our first year, we have decided to start with the Central School of Foum Jemaa (I would love to hear you pronounce it!) which represent 500 kids from 5 to 15 years old and 17 teachers!
We will provide them with all the supplies they need in order to study for one year! The cost per child is $15 in American dollars! What is that to you in the scheme of things? 2 drinks at a bar? 1 meal? 1 trip to the movie theater? If you could say no to one of those and instead donate those $15, you would be providing a much deserved (and appreciated) year's worth of education to a child! You like that deal? We love it! So we have been fundraising in France (we still are) and will be in the U.S.A starting today!! Yay! Yes, now that we have our EIN number and our bank account open we can fundraise and have U.S. sponsors!

So, in addition to providing the kids with school supplies, we will have the funding to provide the, with transportion to and from school. No more daily 10 mile walks! Yay!! We would like to give a shout out to our French sponsors who are amazing and who give us the strength to pursue this adventure.

Also, as you can read our previous post, Kaylan Reabold, our U.S. president decided to run a Marathon in early 2011 in New York state and she is also thinking of running the famous New York city Marathon 2011. This is an exciting announcement, and as soon as we know more about it, you, our dedicated readers and supporters will be the first to know!

Want to bring a smile to the kids... Donate a few bucks :), send us a check (make it out to Friends Across Borders) at the following address:
Friends Accross Borders, inc
65 Ainslie street apt 510
11211 Brooklyn, New York

We are thinking of going there by December - January 2011 to finalize the first transfert...
Thank you for your support!

Hicham

Running for Money!

Yet another rainy day in NYC but that doesn't mean blogging and fundraising aren't on my mind!

I need your help! I have decided to run another marathon - this time with Friends Across Borders in mind! Ideally, the marathon would be in the early months of 2011 (with a half marathon or two before for some training). Does anyone know any good marathons taking place in early 2011 and some half marathons in late 2010? Why not combine two things I love - running and raising money for Friends Across Borders - and run for money!?

So please let me know the coolest marathons you've run in or heard about! They can be anywhere in the United States as traveling and going to new places = a great opportunity to spread the good word about FAB! :)

TGIF!!

TGIF FABulous people!

While you are laying on the beach, relaxing, or catching up with friends this weekend, think about some ways that we can work together to do a good thing. As another school year approaches here, another school year is approaching our young friends in Morocco, too. We desperately need to put our heads together and get them the things they need!

In the meantime, we are hard at work looking for schools in the U.S. to take part in all of our exciting upcoming activities!

Do you know any schools that would be interested in getting involved?
--> The benefit to the schools involved is that 1. they'll get to network with students in France AND Morocco 2. they'll become experts in geography 3. they'll enhance their writing curriculum with all their FABulous pen pal letters 4. they will be doing an awesome thing by raising money for their new friends in Morocco 5. they'll have a chance to visit Morocco and see for themselves how their awesome efforts here are helping bring supplies and learning materials to Morocco 6. they'll make new friends in their own schools by participating in really cool activities - how can you beat FUN that makes you feel GOOD and is helping OTHERS!


Have a great weekend, friends! Stay FABulous!

Hello Friends

Friends Across Borders is a FABulous organization. I am so excited to be the lady in charge of bringing our news, updates, local events, etc. to you, our readers!! We have spent the past few weeks working out kinks required to make our dream a reality (basically, becoming a legal incorporation). Now, we are ready to trudge forward! I am new to blogging but can’t wait to keep you guys updated and to hear from you! So don’t be shy… I want to hear your ideas and suggestions!

A FABulous non-profit organization

Welcome Friends!

We are Friends Across Borders!

We are assisting the National Education Association of Morocco in enhancing education in underdeveloped regions of Morocco by creating partnerships with schools abroad… That’s where YOU come in!

Through our fundraising efforts, we will have the ability to provide young Moroccan students with the essentials required to learn. These schools are in dire need of anything and everything we can provide for them.

Obviously, our main goal is to raise money for the students in Morocco so we can get them books, desks, back packs, notebooks, pencils, calculators, etc.

However, in creating partnerships with schools in the United States, the idea is that the students will get more than just tangible goods... they will enhance their reading, writing, and communication skills while creating friendships. They will develop a greater sense of awareness, learn to share, open their minds, and hopefully, everyone involved will be inspired! :)

Getting people to join our group on Facebook, following our blog(!!), and watching our YouTube videos helps us by: 1. proof to a big sponsor that we have caught people's interest and we're worth investing in 2. more members = more awareness which yields more people that can help!

Please: I urge you! Don't think that joining our groups or following us is the end for you. No Way! If you are (and hopefully you are) inspired by what we're doing, please message us and share with us ideas or perhaps you know a school that would like to get involved. Or do you have an idea for a fundraiser!?

Remember: a small step here is a HUGE step over there. Together we can make a FABulous difference!!! :)