Dear Friends,
As we embark on another year filled with hope and promise, we find it crucial to share with you the current state of Tikondane Community Centre and our ongoing efforts to sustain and grow this vital community resource.
REFLECTING ON THE IMPACT OF DONORSEE
Our partnership with DonorSee and GlobalGiving has been a lifeline for our community. Through these platforms, numerous members have received life-changing assistance, ranging from the simple joy of having a mattress to more significant and transformative support. This aid has proven crucial, particularly during the challenging times brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, which significantly affected our traditional fundraising methods.
THE CHALLENGE OF SUSTAINING TIKO
Since 1999, Tiko has served as a haven for 80 extended families, providing employment opportunities, lodging, and educational programs. Our founder and director, Elke, has played a crucial role in fundraising efforts, which have been our mainstay for over two decades. However, the pandemic brought these crucial activities to a halt, leaving us in a precarious position.
Thanks to an unexpected donation of $25,000 received last October, we’ve been able to keep our doors open. However, our monthly requirement stands at $6,000, with consistent support from our friends in Laer, Germany, and varying contributions from the Roundtrip Foundation. We are immensely grateful for this support but remain mindful of the need for sustained funding.
LOOKING AHEAD: THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY AND BEYOND
On the upcoming 30th of July 2024, we will be marking our 25th milestone, and we’re gearing up for a grand celebration. We extend a heartfelt invitation for you to join us in this joyous occasion, extending your stay until after the culminating Kulamba ceremony on the last Saturday in August. This vibrant and culturally rich event gathers the 12 million-strong Chewa community, just 10 km away from Katete, as chiefs pay homage to their paramount leader.
In the meantime, we appeal to your generosity to support the Friends of Tiko. Your donations are critical in maintaining the services we provide at the Tikondane Community Centre, supporting initiatives ranging from hunger relief, food security, shelter assistance, medical support, funeral aid, education, and more. Every contribution makes a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
YOUR ROLE IN OUR MISSION
As we navigate this year, fraught with challenges both natural and man-made, we turn to you, our long-standing friends and supporters. Your contributions, whether financial or through raising awareness, are the lifeblood of Tiko. We aim to expand our reach, particularly through projects like the SMART SOLAR MEDIA SYSTEM, empowering children to see agriculture as a viable business opportunity.
In closing, we thank you for the incredible support you’ve given us in the past. Your continued partnership is vital as we strive to make this year a success against all odds. Please consider making a donation today and follow our journey on our website.
DONATION HANDOVER AT GEORG-SCHULHOFF-REALSCHULE IN DÜSSELDORF
All pupils worked on one day in June 2023 wherever possible. In return, they received money for a charitable cause. This time, too, a large part of it was donated for Tikondane.
In addition, the sports teacher Mr. Löbel organized a sponsored run on the sports field on Wilhelm-Heinrich-Weg on September 28, 2023. All secondary school pupils took part in this and made many rounds. Money was donated for the laps run. A large part of the proceeds was earmarked for Tikondane projects. The boys and girls had a lot of fun with their work and especially for running for a good cause.
Johannes and Ulrike Kluck as well as Helmut and Silvia Hagemann from the association “Friends of Tikondane” were invited to a little celebration by the Georg-Schulhoff-Realschule in Düsseldorf on January 23, 2024 to symbolically receive the donation.
The friends of Tikondane were very warmly welcomed by the teachers and pupils there and thanked them very much for their great commitment. They informed the pupils, some of whom knew little or nothing about Tikondane, about the people and their work and gave them a big framed photo with a group of Tiko residents. Helmut Hagemann was able to report that since 2014 this school has transferred the enormous sum of almost 35,000 €.
STARLINK HIGH-SPEED INTERNET
We’re thrilled to announce an exciting development at Tiko! In our quest to enhance connectivity and access to global resources, we have recently acquired a new StarLink satellite internet dish. Scheduled for installation next week, this cutting-edge technology promises high-speed internet access, a transformative tool for both the Tikondane Community Centre and the Tiko Lodge.
Developed by Elon Musk’s StarLink, the system employs a network of small satellites in low earth orbit, ensuring a fast and reliable internet connection globally. Unlike traditional satellite internet services, StarLink’s lower orbit significantly reduces signal travel time, offering unparalleled speed and efficiency.
This technological advancement is set to revolutionize our operations. In addition to being half the cost of our current internet access, we anticipate attracting more visitors to the Tiko Lodge, enhancing our hospitality services, as we will be the only high-speed internet in the district. Additionally, our crew will gain access to online workshops and video conferences, expanding our learning and engagement opportunities. Beyond these practical benefits, this upgrade also means our entire community can enjoy streaming movies and other online entertainment, bringing a new dimension of digital access to Katete.
Stay tuned for updates as we embrace this new era of connectivity at Tiko!
With heartfelt thanks and best wishes for a fulfilling year,
Elke and the Crew
Tiko online!
Just in case you haven’t seen them, here are the links to our Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and even Linkedin.
And all information about visiting, volunteering and rooms on our website: Tikondane.org
– For donation information please have a look on ‘Support Tiko‘, Global Giving, our fundraising page at DonorSee or Tribuntu –
