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Current Projects

 

Build a School For the children of Bodhgaya

FACES will be visiting and leading the fundraising for the constructioin of a School at Ghongharia  Khatano Village, near Bodhgaya, District of Gaya, Binar, India,  to continue our mission of helping cultures that are at risk of extinction. We can’t wait passively any longer.


On our last trip, we visit the ancient city of Bodhgaya, A Buddhist Holly place where the Buda tree is  located, from there we went to Ghonghariya; This village is one of the poorest backward village in Bodhgaya . Travel is difficult, the roads are not on good conditions and the transportation to the place is always unpredictable.


The nearest markets of Ghonghariya is Bodhgaya so most of the people cross the river and reach Bodhgaya by walk. It is about 10 km (7 miles), in rainy season it is very difficult to cross the river due to water of flood but, one good news for the people, The bridge is going to be build by Bihar government. This bridge is hope for the people of this area.
FACES in partnership with Niranjana Pubic Welfare Trust  plans to help these incredibly resilient, humble people. Literacy is a fundamental human right and the key to a better future. It is our goal to invest in making it possible for these deserving children to get an education by building a school.


Be part of positive change in one of the poorest countries in the world, with the most beautiful charm children by helping FACES  build a school in India and provide them access to an education.


We cannot do this alone, we need your help now. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of the children of Ghonghariya. Your donation will make a genuine and lasting change.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

(Margaret Meade)


Our Goal : 45,000.00

 

 

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Build a Medical Clinic

Saving lives in the Sahara desert

Mali is a country in desperate need of help. One of Africa’s poorest countries, it faces many health challenges related to poverty, malnutrition and inadequate sanitation. 45% of the children are critically malnourished, and one in four dies before the age of five. The rate of maternal mortality is one in twenty.  There is no pre-natal or post –natal care for mothers.  Malaria is a constant threat and the #1 killer.  The crisis has dramatically increased the risks of cholera, TB, rabies and severe skin diseases.  Outbreaks of meningitis often occur and childhood diseases such as measles and polio are of serious concern.  Isolated, poor, malnourished, these humble people are struggling to survive.

In the United States we take health care for granted.  When we’re sick we don’t think twice about picking up the phone to make a doctor’s appointment. But in the Sahara Desert, many families have never seen a doctor before.

By camel, the journey can take 3-4 days to the nearest city and many die along the way.  I remember Mamatal, in our documentary, “Behind the Blue Veil” telling us how his sister with a high fever was put on a camel to go to the nearest city, Timbuktu, for antibiotics, and died before she reached a medical clinic.

FACES recently visited an abandoned building in the middle of the desert that could provide basic health care to hundreds of families and save countless lives.  By improving their health and well-being, we promote a goal of self -sufficiency.

Opening your heart to the suffering and needs of others enriches our own lives.

Please help us help them. Together we can make a difference!



Our GOAL: $40,000


Budget

   

Repair existing building
   
 
$7,000
Medical supplies (pharmaceuticals)
   
 
$7,000
Basic equipment, furniture
   
 
$20,000
Nurse/midwife training for 2 villagers
   
 
$2,000
Supervision of project
   
 
$4,000

 

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Sponsor a Student

Support us

  The Takdah School is an elementary educational institution. It accommodates approximately 150 students and teachers. The school lies in a quiet and rural area about one hour away from Darjeeling, India. Classes are held in a traditional English school building which is almost a 100 years old. It is our heartfelt desire to give each single student the best possible education and thereby help to preserve the endangered wisdom of the precious Himalayan culture. We are looking for compassionate donors who provide us with the means to do our best work.

Sponsor a student

  Since a lot of our students are orphans between 5 to 15 years old, we are looking for generous people who are willing to help to sponsor a student and finance his education. It only requires $1.50 a day to buy food, shelter and education. Education is the best gift you can give them. With as little as $45 a month you could help a little boy and provide him with his most basic needs.

   The language of instruction is Tibetan but the students also learn Nepali, as well as English, reading and grammar. Additionally the students study history in order to gain a basic understanding of the current situation of the Himalayan countries.

  On campus the children also have the possibility to play volleyball, football and badminton as well as do other sports. Most of the students come from Nepal, Bhutan and India. Almost 60 are orphans and depend entirely on the School for their livelihood.

  This project was founded with the wishes to provide a safe environment for underprivileged children of all Himalayan communities to receive a well-rounded education. It is our wish to continue this activity to benefit as many children as we can.

  It is possible to sponsor one or more child. With this sponsorship you will be provided with a report and photos with some information of the children to show you their progress and maintain a personal connection.

These young children’s lives can be significantly improved by a very small contribution. We thank you in advance for you generosity in this very meaningful project!


 

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Completed Projects

Documentary: BEHIND THE BLUE VEIL

The recent military takeover of the Malian government and rebel conflict have forced thousands of Tuareg to flee the country, including the subjects of our documentary. Innocent people are being displaced as Islamic extremists and rebels battle over the Sahara. Many Tuareg have abandoned their homes and fled to neighboring countries. Refugee numbers are rising and their is a severe shortage of water, food and clothing. The current situation challenges the region's stability as well as our own national security. Check out the new trailer as we kick off a campaign to raise $100,000 to complete Post Production of the film. For a tax deductable donation click DONATE. You will also receive a film credit.

For centuries the Tuareg have roamed the Sahara Desert. Known as the "Blue People" from the blue dye left on their skin from their long, indigo-dyed robes, their traditional lifestyle has revolved around herding animals, salt trade caravans, and selling unique artisan jewelry.

Once a thriving civilization rich in history and tradition, today the Tuareg are threatened by severe droughts, geographic isolation, starvation, lack of medical care and education. Infant, child and maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the world: one in five children do not survive beyond age six and one in twenty mothers die in childbirth. Most Tuareg cannot read or write.

Emmy award-winning Producer/Director Robyn Symon and her film crew in cooperation with local film makers, documented the Tuareg in the mythical city of Timbuktu and beyond. The film crew collected stories and filmed rituals as they met with tribal chiefs, government officials and Tuareg families living deep in the Sahara Desert.

 

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George Washington Carver said "Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom."

Be part of positive change in one of the poorest countries in the world, by helping FACES and Caravan to Class build a school in Mali and provide children access to an education.

FACES (www.faces-ngo.org), a tax-exempt non-profit foundation whose mission is to preserve cultures in remote regions around the world, is partnering with Caravan to Class, whose goal is to build schools and bring literacy to children in villages near Timbuktu. Together, we are also carrying on the mission and extraordinary work of Turtle Will, a non-profit organization that for 28 years dedicated itself to helping indigenous people around the globe.

We cannot do this alone, we need your help now. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of the children of Samdiar, a remote village south of Timbuktu, near the Niger River. Your donation will make a genuine and lasting change. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Meade)

GOAL: $28,000 CONSTRUCTION IS PLANNED TO BEGIN NOVEMBER 1

If you or someone you know, a small business or corporation can help us build this school, please forward this e-mail to them, or contact us, and we will be glad to contact them.

Partnering with FACES is making an investment in a child's future. Your support and generosity will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Warm Regards,
Linda Simon
President - FACES

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Trailer for the Documentary: "Behind The Blue Veil"

Plagued by drought and government neglect, the son of a Tuareg chief sets out on a mission to save his people caught in the crossfire between Islamic extremists and rebels battling for control of the Sahara.

EDUCATIONAL DVD & GUIDE NOW ON SALE!

Click here to visit the Store

 

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TurtleWill

In January 2013 the Torch of TurtleWill's work with Malian Tuareg was passed to FACES and Caravan to Class. TurtleWill and FACES share a personal commitment to helping the Tuareg, a unique people, retain their traditions and dignity. FACES, with a generous donation from TurtleWill now supports the Malian Refugee Min-Business Programs in Burkina Faso promoting economic self-sufficiency for 218 men and women. FACES is also providing food, medical support and housing for 5 refugee sites and over 600 refugees. Our goal is to continue helping these refugees until they can safely return to their homes in Mali. Once back home, FACES and Caravan to Class will work together to ensure that Tuareg children will be able to resume their education.

TurtleWill also made a generous donation to help complete the documentary "Behind the Blue Veil". This film tells the story of an ancient culture facing extinction. With recent headlines of Al Qaeda taking control of key cities in Mali, the Tuareg now face new dangers. This documentary takes you behind the scenes of the latest War on Terror and how it affects us all and why the Tuareg just may be the best hope for defeating these terrorists.

Please make a donation so we can continue to help the Malian Tuareg. Thank you for your help.


Soles For Africa a Success

We're thrilled to announce that FACES summer SOLES FOR AFRICA campaign surpassed our goals! While the Tuareg refugees wait for peace and stability to return to Mali, the need for supplies continues. One critical need - shoes. Foot infections and injuries are common. Our SOLES FOR AFRICA campaign collected more than 300 pairs of new and used children's shoes and thanks to the tremendous generosity of MacroTransport Services, we were able to ship them to Burkina Faso for a nominal fee. FACES continues to assist 650 refugee families living in 2 camps. By exceeding our collection goal, not only will all the children have shoes, but any remaining shoes will be sold at the market, providing much needed income for these refugees.

It is only through the generosity of many people, that SOLES FOR AFRICA was a SUCCESS! THANK YOU from everyone here at FACES! We'll keep you posted.


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The Kickstarter campaign for "Behind the Blue Veil" is finished. Thanks to many of you, we reached our goal - and then surpassed it! THE NEXT PHASE IS UNDERWAY.

We are delighted to let you know that color correction and the audio mix have begun. We are able to start these important projects thanks to your donations.

The Tuareg, famous for their handcrafted jewelry and leather products, are busy working on getting gifts made and shipped. Salah, his family and the other refugees in Burkina Faso say "Thank you" from the bottom of their hearts for all that you are doing to help their people. DVD's are being made and will be sent to donors and will also be available for purchase for those interested in having their own personal copy.

Don't miss the premiere of our documentary "Behind the Blue Veil" opening Friday, November 1 through Thursday November 7 in New York City at the Quad Cinema. We would love for you to attend this important event. After the film we will have guest speakers featured in the documentary available for Q and A. Several Tuareg currently living in New York will also attend.

Again, thank you for your continued support and interest in FACES and our mission.

Behind the Blue Veil is a compelling and important film that goes behind the headlines of the latest War on Terror and the "blue people of the Sahara" who just may be the best hope for defeating terrorists in that region but instead are facing extinction because of government neglect.

We're offering some very cool gifts or PERKS for your donation such as authentic Tuareg jewelry made in a refugee camp by a family featured in the film, limited edition Sahara prints on canvas and much more! Best of all, your donation is completely TAX DEDUCTIBLE through FACES.



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HIV/AIDS Workshops

FACES founder Linda Simon was invited in January 2010 by the Gaia Vaccine Foundation to present a workshop on HIV/AIDS to the staff and patients of Hope Clinic in Sikoro, Mali. This clinic serves the community and outlying areas, as well as approximately 140 identified HIV patients. The presentation covered a range of topics, including modes of HIV transmission, prevention, and safer sex practices. Pillboxes were distributed, patients were instructed on their use and medication compliance was highlighted. Many myths, fears, and misinformation were dispelled. Linda met with the clinic director, Karamoko Tounkara, the pharmacist, and medical staff, and conveyed the CDC's latest protocols on HIV/AIDS.

With your help, FACES donated more than 2,000 male and female condoms, 50 baby bottles, 200 pill boxes, medical supplies and HIV literature to the Hope Clinic.

The tribal council of Mamari, Mali invited Linda to their clinic to conduct a workshop on HIV for the villagers. Causes, prevention, and myths surrounding HIV were addressed, and application of male and female condoms was demonstrated with the use of models.

KENYA: 5 Workshops, June 2012

Kenya is home to one of the world's deadliest  HIV/AIDS epidemics . It is estimated that 2.2 million people are living with HIV (almost 7% of the population) and 1.2 million children have been orphaned by AIDS.  There are many challenging and complex issues involved in the fight against this dreaded disease.  One of the most difficult challenges involves the opposing views on preventative strategies between the western scientific community and the traditional beliefs and cultural customs of the local communities.  In addition, the geographic isolation of these communities makes access to medicines and condoms difficult. Without education on the use of condoms and the teaching of safer sex practices, as well as access to life saving medications these numbers will increase and more people will become infected and die.  As part of FACES' mission Linda visited Kenya and presented 5 workshops on HIV/AIDS.

The first workshop was presented at the LGBT Nyawek Coalition Communty Center.  The workshop was conducted clandestinely, as the stigma  of having HIV can result in ostracism and acts of violence against these individuals. Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya and disclosure could result in long term prison sentences.   No photos were taken to ensure the safety of the participants.  Linda provided educational material using three dimensional models on how the virus attacks the immune system, discussed risky sexual behavior, and distributed condoms to those in attendance.

Linda's next workshop was to the NYANZA Provincial General Hospital where she distributed  3000 male and female condoms to the patients.  All those in attendance were HIV+ and many were receiving medication . Emphasis was placed on proper  condom use, safe sex practices, mother to child transmission, and the importance of medication adherence. 

The final stop was a two day visit to the Episcopal Church of Africa Great Lake East Diocese Orphanage run by Bishop Joshua Koyo.  The orphanage cares for 300 children ages 5- 18, many of whom are infected with the virus.   "My parents died of AIDS, am I going to die?"  This question was expressed by many of the children who were concerned about their future.  The workshop focused on how the virus affects the immune sysytem and the health benefits of maintaining a positive attitude.  Linda also explained how the new generation of medications will allow them to grow up and live full, productive, and happy lives.

On the second day, Linda met with the caregivers from neighboring villages who act as foster parents to the orphans.  Many of these caregivers are also HIV+.  Both adults and children expressed fears of prejudice  and  the consequence of social isolation. Discussions relating to disclosure of the children's HIV status and how to facilitate re-entry to their communities of origin once they became 18 years old was also addressed.

The workshops were well attended and all the objectives met. All participants shared interest in learning about transmission, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

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Miami Herald Article

On February 18, 2011 the Miami Herald published a story by Ana Veciana-Suarez spotlighting the work of Robyn Symon and FACES on behalf of the Tuareg. This article appears in its entirety here.


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Well and Solar Pump

In 2011 FACES completed construction of a well and solar pump for a Tuareg school located deep in the Sahara Desert. The well provided needed water for 87 children, ranging in age from six to twelve, their teacher, and approximately 100 nomadic Tuareg families living in the area.

The school was located far from many of the nomadic families' encampments, which made it difficult for these children to return to their families during the year. They were living at the school in what was basically a shack, without protection from the harsh climate and dangerous environment. FACES was planning to build a new school, dormitories and latrines. However, due to the recent political turmoil and al Queda terrorists taking control of northern Mali, thousands of Tuareg were forced to flee to neighboring countries seeking safe refuge. FACES hopes to complete the school project in the future, when the area is again safe and the Tuareg are able return to their desert homes.


Does a culture have to die before we know it exists?

 

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