Washington, DC (PRWEB) October 6, 2006
The 6th Annual “A Taste of Africa” will feature African drumming and dancing, delicious African foods to wet one’s appetite, an entertaining and educational documentary entitled “400 years And An Ocean Apart-Return to Your Roots, African Marketplace where all kinds of handcrafts can be purchased at tremendous discounts, a creative art exhibit entitled “400 Years And An Ocean Apart-The Connection", and lots more. The climax will be an unbelievable gospel concert by the world renowned Patrick Lundy and The Ministers of Music. Most events are free. Tickets are required for some of the activities because of limited seating. Come out for the day and bring the entire family. You will be blessed. For ticket information, call Sankofa at (301) 627-8492.
Sankofa, in collaboration with the leadership and people of 11 rural villages in the Ashanti Region, developed plans to implement a transportation system to help ease the suffering of approximately 10,000 people, which is the total population of the 11 villages. Two passenger vans and a cargo van will be used to support the transportation system, scheduled to begin in late 2006. However, the need is so great that, in October 2005, Sankofa returned to Ghana to discuss plans for expansion. Currently, village residents walk up to 5 miles, one way, to a main road to wait on unreliable transportation. Even worse, they often have to carry heavy loads. Many suffer neck, back, and spinal cord problems, at a very young age, due to carrying heavy loads on their head for long distances. Sankofa will offer scheduled runs to all villages during rush hour. Outside of rush hour, residents can call for services. It is noteworthy to mention that Sankofa is including a communication program with the transportation program to enhance emergency response times. Currently, for emergencies, a child will run to the main road for a taxi to take the individual to a medical facility, which can take hours. In the near future, an emergency call will be made to Sankofa’s central communications for immediate response. The residents are elated over these plans and thank God for bringing Sankofa into their lives. For other Sankofa projects and accomplishments, visit our website at http://www.sankofaintl.org.
Sankofa’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of needy Africans, especially children, living in rural African villages. With continued oversight, Sankofa provides a consistent and organized foundation, along with the technical guidance and assistance needed so that problem areas can be addressed effectively at the grass roots level. Short to mid-term, the expected outcome is continued growth and development to help ease the everyday suffering of the people. Long-term, the expected outcome is the creation of communities and people who are self-sustaining.
Since its founding in 1994 by Mr. Richard C. Willis, Sankofa has not received any corporate/government sponsorship. Therefore, to establish and maintain programs, Sankofa founders along with a handful of supporters have covered the overwhelming majority of related expenses. The remainder has been covered by individual donations.
Sankofa has received national and international recognition. Fox T.V. news covered Sankofa’s annual fundraiser and aired portions of the program, CNN and Comcast aired a story on Sankofa, and the Prince George’s Journal in Maryland printed a front page article on Sankofa’s efforts. In Ghana, the Ghana News printed an article covering medical exams and scholarships and Sankofa officials have been interviewed on numerous Ghana radio stations. In recognition of Sankofa’s efforts, Sankofa officials were invited to the Palace of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Supreme Ashanti Leader.
Finally, on September 21, 2006, The African Methodist Episcopal Church, Service And Development Agency (AME-SADA), at its Annual Awards Banquet, presented to Sankofa the 2006 Mrs. Wilburn Boddie Peace Award, in recognition of Sankofa’s promotion of peace in Africa and efforts to bring peace in poor African communities through grass-root development efforts.
Sankofa is a 501©(3) public charity and is continually looking for both public and private financial support to continue this worth-while mission.
Richard C. Willis, Chief Executive Officer
Yaw Fobi Agyapong, Treasurer
Everett W. Hackney, Secretary
P.O. Box 27174
Washington, D.C. 20038
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