AWEF was started in 2004 by a small group of committed individuals from Croton-on-Hudson, NY who believe that educating women is the single best way to help reduce the cycle of poverty, and improve the future of women and their families in sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Connie DePinho, President
Lori Vlad, Vice-President
Richard Snow, Treasurer
Dr. Susan Vierczhalek, Secretary
Tino DePinho, Corresponding Secretary
Priscilla Bellows
Claire Cronin
Jim Donegan
Ayisha Gelin
Cathy Gilmore-Barnes
Sue Ellen Maher
Charlotte Thornton
Karen Thornton
Patty Buchanan
Br. Jack Rathschmidt
AWEF’s mission is rooted in the belief that the single best way to combat poverty in the developing world is by educating women. AWEF is operated exclusively to perform its mission which is:
AWEF is a not-for-profit organization that funds high school equivalent education for young women in Africa. One hundred percent of the funds raised by AWEF goes directly to the schools that provide the girls’ education.
“I have decided to join AWEF due to its unique mission that every dollar raised goes directly to a girl’s education. Having grown up in Africa I am keenly aware of the dearth of opportunities for impoverished girls to have the minimum amount of education necessary to succeed.“
“I helped found AWEF in 2004 and remain on the board because the need for girls’ education is still so great throughout Africa. When a family is in need or a parent dies, the girls in the family are the first to be withdrawn from school for lack of funds. We have already helped more than 1000 girls get some education and I hope we can do it forever!”
“In 2004 we gathered with a group of women who were committed to changing lives through education at a home in Croton on Hudson. What started as a discussion turned into a plan of action and that evening over 7,000 dollars was collected. Each year we gather to renew our commitment toward young women in Kenya and Tanzania. Our gatherings have expanded and our outreach now includes Zimbabwe and Angola. Through the years we have remained true to our mission and we are continually looking for new energy and inspiration!”
Board members and volunteers at one of our fundraising events helping to spread the word. All external expenses are paid for by board members, all raised proceeds go toward funding the education of women in Africa.
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