[span-announce] SpanAfrica Poised for Rapid Growth, Expansion in Africa -- Press Release 17 June 2009

[Kai Staats]

SPANAFRICA LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAMMING, EXPANDED OPERATIONS, SEEKS SUPPORT

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, 17 June 2009 - SpanAfrica showcases the fruition of 
six months vigorous effort by the Executive Board through the introduction of 
the new GlobalReach program, initiation of operations in three additional 
African countries, and expansion of domestic volunteer and paid staff.

This comprehensive effort undertaken by Executive Board Members Rebecca 
Mitchell, Cameron Dunkin, Brad Beherns, and Kai Staats is in preparation for 
scalable growth as this year SpanAfrica moves into Zambia, Ghana, and South 
Africa, with expanded activities in Kenya. Directors Cameron and Kai will be 
conducting Regional Director training and Grassroots Partner outreach during 
the months of June and July in Zambia and Ghana.

This coming fall will see the launch of the new program 'GlobalReach', a 
database driven, web interface that connects Grassroots Partner Organizations 
with worldwide experts in the field to facilitate virtual support and 
collaboration. All GlobalReach project materials created through these 
partnerships will be compiled to serve as an on-line resource center 
accessible by Grassroots Partners and volunteers anywhere in Africa.

Internally, SpanAfrica underwent substantial reorganization and expansion of 
volunteer staff, and is pleased to welcome Cindy Sarai, Chris Emmel, Emily 
Mattox, Chris Murtagh, Jake Fedie, and Kenneth Kisweshi to the team.

This summer Director Cameron Dunkin will arrive in Capetown, South Africa 
where he will in two years time gain his Masters degree in Community 
Development. On July 5 Director Kai Staats returns to Kenya with Construction 
Project Coordinator Chris Emmel to work with the Morokoshi Nursery School to 
upgrade the SpanAfrica installed solar PV array, design and build a 
composting toilet, and improve the water catchment and filtration system.

SpanAfrica needs to raise approximately $7500 USD before July 5 in order to 
complete the designated projects for Morokoshi where school attendance has 
increased 2-fold to approximately 80 students. This new demand requires 
improved sanitation and increased electrical power to support evening 
learning by the children and the surrounding community, as well as a growing 
number of computers.

	By the close of June, SpanAfrica will launch a new website with
	improved content and knowledge sharing portals for Regional 
	Directors, Grassroots Partner Organizations, and Volunteers.
	Stay tuned to http://www.spanafrica.org

	Your support of the effort of SpanAfrica volunteers in their work at 
	Morokoshi this summer will be greatly appreciated. A contribution 
	may be made at http://spanafrica.org/forms/paypal/


About SpanAfrica
Founded in 2005, SpanAfrica supports and enhances the initiatives of 
communities, offering a unique portal through which grassroots development 
organizations access global expertise, resources, and both virtual and 
hands-on volunteers.

SpanAfrica Grassroots Partner’s are organizations developed and run by local 
African communities, resulting in local empowerment, cultural sensitivity, 
and comprehension of the issues at hand.

For more information, visit http://www.spanafrica.org

	Media Contact
	Rebecca Mitchell
	Founder & Executive Director
	rebeccam at spanafrica.org
	+1 612-226-6460