LITERACY IS FOR EVERYONE (LIFE)
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When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion
~Ethiopian Proverb |
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WHAT IS LIFE?
Literacy is for everyone! We are a coalition of seven diverse Minnesota women-led organizations hosting our inaugural fundraiser together because we believe in the power of collective action and collaboration. We want every child and adult to have access to books and to be able to read. Below you can learn more about each of us women and our organizations.
LIFE is a partnership with Africa Classroom Connection, Africa Strong, herARTS in Action, Holistic Ministry of Children of the Horn of Africa, Project LOLO, Sanitation & Literacy Ghana, and The Lighthouse. herARTS in Action is serving as the fiscal host, and proceeds will be distributed equally to each organization for their work on literacy.
LIFE is a partnership with Africa Classroom Connection, Africa Strong, herARTS in Action, Holistic Ministry of Children of the Horn of Africa, Project LOLO, Sanitation & Literacy Ghana, and The Lighthouse. herARTS in Action is serving as the fiscal host, and proceeds will be distributed equally to each organization for their work on literacy.
IN THE NEWS
PHOTOS FROM OUR EVENT
ABOUT THE WOMEN OF THE COALITION
Africa Classroom Connection, Robyn Coquyt
Robyn is a long-time volunteer and Board Officer of Africa Classroom Connection (ACC) and has been leading the nonprofit organization as its Executive Director since 2020. She has been profoundly moved after each visit to ACC’s rural South Africa classrooms, delighting in the people the organization cherishes. Robyn is passionate about community involvement and volunteerism, actively and enthusiastically lending her time and talents to many nonprofit organizations. Prior to ACC, Robyn was a global leader in clinical research at Medtronic for over 20 years.
Africa Strong, Erin Bagniewski
After a fulfilling career in consulting and at a Fortune 6 health insurance company, I embarked on a transformative journey in 2016. Volunteering in Zambia for six weeks, I witnessed the untapped potential of students lacking proper guidance. This experience led me to join HealthPartners in their Uganda field office, where I found my true calling. Joining the Rotary Club of Mbarara in Uganda, I focused on enhancing the quality of education in under-resourced primary schools. Currently, I serve as the volunteer Executive Director of Africa Strong, collaborating with local partners in Southwestern Uganda to improve the quality of education.
herARTS in Action, Sarah Drake
Sarah Drake, MS, is an award-winning collagist, author-illustrator, and teaching artist in Sauk Rapids, MN. Her work on human rights and social justice topics over the past two decades inspire her artistic creations. It was an artistic calling that brought her to Burkina Faso in 2011. The women and children in the village of Tiébélé, Burkina Faso, West Africa that she met inspired Sarah to collaborate with them to fundraise for projects that will lead to health, education, and sustainable economic status. Sarah survived an illness that (at that time) killed 25,000 children under the age of 5 every year in the country, all because she had access to healthcare that the locals didn't. This compelled Sarah to use her artwork as an education tool and fundraiser. When Sarah returned to the United States she created herARTS in Action as a working single mom and from the living room floor of her one-bedroom apartment because existing organizations were not working in that region, and they weren't willing to either.
Holistic Ministry of Children of the Horn of Africa, Carol Pfleiderer
Carol Pfleiderer loves to travel, especially doing volunteer work. She taught in a small city in Brazil for seven years before returning to Minneapolis to teach in the Minneapolis Public Schools. She became involved in Holistic Ministry of Children of the Horn of Africa through Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, and subsequently joined the board. Since joining the board, she has traveled 18 times to Ethiopia to train teachers and work with the staff there. She loves the innovations and progress that have been accomplished by HMCHA and is proud to be part of this work.
Project LOLO, Leslie Pitt
Educated in Law, Nursing, Biology, and Global Health and Human Rights, Leslie Pitt created and founded Project Lolo to provide access to orthopedic devices and educational items to kids in developing countries. After reading a United Nations report describing the too-often unfair conditions facing children with disabilities in developing countries, Leslie felt a compelling need to act. This was driven by her own experience of living with limb loss since the age of six and her perspective of being a child with a disability. Project Lolo has clinical partnerships in Ghana, and soon in Uganda and Kenya.
Sanitation & Literacy Ghana, Rosemond Sarpong Owens
From Ghana to Minnesota, my dream of becoming a diplomat led me on a different path—a Main Street Ambassador. With Books for Africa, I found my purpose—empowering women and enriching communities. Now, through Sanitation and Literacy Ghana (SALG), my heart finds its home. SALG is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting a culture of literacy and sanitation in Ghana. Inspired by Dr. Mecca and The Global Sustainability Project, and with support from Books for Africa, we tackle accessibility and health issues arising from inadequate sanitation facilities. Their innovative Microflush Toilet offers sustainable, eco-friendly solutions, ensuring cleaner environments and healthier lives. In 2018, SALG trained and certified 16 local entrepreneurs to build their own toilets, fostering economic growth and community development. By partnering with Books for Africa, we've shipped and distributed 10- 40 foot containers of books to libraries and schools in Ghana, sparking a passion for learning in young hearts. Grace guides me forward as I continue transforming lives—unlocking potential, nurturing dreams, and empowering others to rewrite their destinies. Through SALG, we are scripting a story of hope, one community at a time.
The Lighthouse, Saintanne Tipton
Born in Haiti, Saintanne Tipton grew up in an orphanage, where she lived until she was adopted by a local Minneapolis businessman. She is now the president/CEO of The Lighthouse, a nonprofit charitable organization that is a symbol of safety, guidance and a beacon of light in the darkness for the neediest children in Haiti. The Lighthouse serves children, young people, and families, who are homeless, vulnerable, and/or orphaned. She serves as Chairperson for Mission Outreach Ministry at her Church. Saintanne holds a degree in Elementary Education and an Associate Degree in Theology. She volunteers for Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization.
Robyn is a long-time volunteer and Board Officer of Africa Classroom Connection (ACC) and has been leading the nonprofit organization as its Executive Director since 2020. She has been profoundly moved after each visit to ACC’s rural South Africa classrooms, delighting in the people the organization cherishes. Robyn is passionate about community involvement and volunteerism, actively and enthusiastically lending her time and talents to many nonprofit organizations. Prior to ACC, Robyn was a global leader in clinical research at Medtronic for over 20 years.
Africa Strong, Erin Bagniewski
After a fulfilling career in consulting and at a Fortune 6 health insurance company, I embarked on a transformative journey in 2016. Volunteering in Zambia for six weeks, I witnessed the untapped potential of students lacking proper guidance. This experience led me to join HealthPartners in their Uganda field office, where I found my true calling. Joining the Rotary Club of Mbarara in Uganda, I focused on enhancing the quality of education in under-resourced primary schools. Currently, I serve as the volunteer Executive Director of Africa Strong, collaborating with local partners in Southwestern Uganda to improve the quality of education.
herARTS in Action, Sarah Drake
Sarah Drake, MS, is an award-winning collagist, author-illustrator, and teaching artist in Sauk Rapids, MN. Her work on human rights and social justice topics over the past two decades inspire her artistic creations. It was an artistic calling that brought her to Burkina Faso in 2011. The women and children in the village of Tiébélé, Burkina Faso, West Africa that she met inspired Sarah to collaborate with them to fundraise for projects that will lead to health, education, and sustainable economic status. Sarah survived an illness that (at that time) killed 25,000 children under the age of 5 every year in the country, all because she had access to healthcare that the locals didn't. This compelled Sarah to use her artwork as an education tool and fundraiser. When Sarah returned to the United States she created herARTS in Action as a working single mom and from the living room floor of her one-bedroom apartment because existing organizations were not working in that region, and they weren't willing to either.
Holistic Ministry of Children of the Horn of Africa, Carol Pfleiderer
Carol Pfleiderer loves to travel, especially doing volunteer work. She taught in a small city in Brazil for seven years before returning to Minneapolis to teach in the Minneapolis Public Schools. She became involved in Holistic Ministry of Children of the Horn of Africa through Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, and subsequently joined the board. Since joining the board, she has traveled 18 times to Ethiopia to train teachers and work with the staff there. She loves the innovations and progress that have been accomplished by HMCHA and is proud to be part of this work.
Project LOLO, Leslie Pitt
Educated in Law, Nursing, Biology, and Global Health and Human Rights, Leslie Pitt created and founded Project Lolo to provide access to orthopedic devices and educational items to kids in developing countries. After reading a United Nations report describing the too-often unfair conditions facing children with disabilities in developing countries, Leslie felt a compelling need to act. This was driven by her own experience of living with limb loss since the age of six and her perspective of being a child with a disability. Project Lolo has clinical partnerships in Ghana, and soon in Uganda and Kenya.
Sanitation & Literacy Ghana, Rosemond Sarpong Owens
From Ghana to Minnesota, my dream of becoming a diplomat led me on a different path—a Main Street Ambassador. With Books for Africa, I found my purpose—empowering women and enriching communities. Now, through Sanitation and Literacy Ghana (SALG), my heart finds its home. SALG is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting a culture of literacy and sanitation in Ghana. Inspired by Dr. Mecca and The Global Sustainability Project, and with support from Books for Africa, we tackle accessibility and health issues arising from inadequate sanitation facilities. Their innovative Microflush Toilet offers sustainable, eco-friendly solutions, ensuring cleaner environments and healthier lives. In 2018, SALG trained and certified 16 local entrepreneurs to build their own toilets, fostering economic growth and community development. By partnering with Books for Africa, we've shipped and distributed 10- 40 foot containers of books to libraries and schools in Ghana, sparking a passion for learning in young hearts. Grace guides me forward as I continue transforming lives—unlocking potential, nurturing dreams, and empowering others to rewrite their destinies. Through SALG, we are scripting a story of hope, one community at a time.
The Lighthouse, Saintanne Tipton
Born in Haiti, Saintanne Tipton grew up in an orphanage, where she lived until she was adopted by a local Minneapolis businessman. She is now the president/CEO of The Lighthouse, a nonprofit charitable organization that is a symbol of safety, guidance and a beacon of light in the darkness for the neediest children in Haiti. The Lighthouse serves children, young people, and families, who are homeless, vulnerable, and/or orphaned. She serves as Chairperson for Mission Outreach Ministry at her Church. Saintanne holds a degree in Elementary Education and an Associate Degree in Theology. She volunteers for Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization.
ABOUT THE COALITION ORGANIZATIONS
Africa Classroom Connection
Africa Classroom Connection raises funds and works with local communities in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to build urgently needed classrooms that allow deserving children the opportunity to learn. Without these classrooms, students are either overcrowded in limited structures or taught under trees in harsh conditions and with few resources. During rainy seasons, they are unable to learn at all. Founded in 2006, ACC has already helped over 49,000 kids by building over 135 classrooms!
To learn more, visit: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube
Africa Strong
Africa Strong Inc. is a US nonprofit dedicated to enhancing education in Uganda. Through building safe learning spaces, investing in quality educators, and empowering girls, they have achieved remarkable results. Teacher absenteeism has decreased, while classroom enrollment, graduation rates, and test scores have all risen at Rwemiyenje Primary School. Their collaborations with local stakeholders prioritized equity, inclusivity, and sustainability, breaking the cycle of learning poverty exacerbated by prolonged COVID-19 school closures. Africa Strong collaborates with other nonprofits and NGOs to ensure access to quality education for every child. Now, Africa Strong is ready to expand its successful pilot to four other schools in the community requiring significant support.
To learn more, visit: Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
herARTS in Action
herARTS in Action was founded by Sarah Drake in 2011 after a trip to Burkina Faso because no existing organizations wanted to help with the work in the region. We obtained 501c3 status in 2014 and in 2018 obtained NGO status in Burkina Faso. The mission of herARTS in Action is to create an equitable world through increased access and social justice with art. We achieve this by producing art, facilitating art experiences, and selling artwork that educates on global topics, creates social change, and funds sustainability projects globally and locally.
To learn more, visit: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok
Holistic Ministry of Children of the Horn of Africa
HMCHA (Holistic Ministry of Children of the Horn of Africa) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working in rural, impoverished villages in Ethiopia to sponsor children so they can attend school and make a difference in their community and families as they are educated. In addition, HMCHA meets with local committees to help them with projects they cannot do by themselves. These include building a pedestrian bridge, a solar water project, community center with library, playground, and a primary school. High school students move to a larger town to study, and they are helped with rent money to live during the school year. Founded in 2006 by an Ethiopian refugee living in Minnesota, HMCHA receives high marks from the Ministry of Charities in Ethiopia.
To learn more, visit: Website, Facebook
Project LOLO
Project Lolo is a U.S.-based 501 (c) (3) non-profit that raises money to help provide access to orthopedic care and devices to children in underdeveloped countries. We believe that all children have equal standing in life regardless of their physicality, ethnicity, or geography. Project Lolo also empowers children to examine and harness their inherent value and the core qualities of who they are, by providing books and educational toys that children can touch, hold and identify with. Through our Give-a-Book program, we partner with schools, hospitals, and daycares to provide books and educational materials that teach out diversity, inclusion, and equity.
To learn more, visit: Website, Facebook, LinkedIn
Sanitation & Literacy Ghana
Sanitation and Literacy Ghana (SALG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a culture of literacy and sanitation in Ghana. Our goal is to address the accessibility and health problems resulting from the lack of sanitation facilities and to recognize the foundational role reading plays in educational development of children. At SALG, we believe that access to clean and safe toilets and books is a basic human right, and we are committed to providing sustainable and innovative solutions to promote literacy and improve sanitation facilities in Ghana.
To learn more, visit: Website
The Lighthouse
The mission of The Lighthouse is to bring about a positive change in the lives of at-risk children and families through support services that directly impact their spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing. The Lighthouse serves children, young people, and families, who are homeless, vulnerable, and/or orphaned, and in need of activities, programs, and wrap-around services, in the areas of: Food & Nutrition, Residential shelter, Education, Vocational Training and Sports & Recreation.
To learn more, visit: Website, Facebook
Africa Classroom Connection raises funds and works with local communities in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to build urgently needed classrooms that allow deserving children the opportunity to learn. Without these classrooms, students are either overcrowded in limited structures or taught under trees in harsh conditions and with few resources. During rainy seasons, they are unable to learn at all. Founded in 2006, ACC has already helped over 49,000 kids by building over 135 classrooms!
To learn more, visit: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube
Africa Strong
Africa Strong Inc. is a US nonprofit dedicated to enhancing education in Uganda. Through building safe learning spaces, investing in quality educators, and empowering girls, they have achieved remarkable results. Teacher absenteeism has decreased, while classroom enrollment, graduation rates, and test scores have all risen at Rwemiyenje Primary School. Their collaborations with local stakeholders prioritized equity, inclusivity, and sustainability, breaking the cycle of learning poverty exacerbated by prolonged COVID-19 school closures. Africa Strong collaborates with other nonprofits and NGOs to ensure access to quality education for every child. Now, Africa Strong is ready to expand its successful pilot to four other schools in the community requiring significant support.
To learn more, visit: Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
herARTS in Action
herARTS in Action was founded by Sarah Drake in 2011 after a trip to Burkina Faso because no existing organizations wanted to help with the work in the region. We obtained 501c3 status in 2014 and in 2018 obtained NGO status in Burkina Faso. The mission of herARTS in Action is to create an equitable world through increased access and social justice with art. We achieve this by producing art, facilitating art experiences, and selling artwork that educates on global topics, creates social change, and funds sustainability projects globally and locally.
To learn more, visit: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok
Holistic Ministry of Children of the Horn of Africa
HMCHA (Holistic Ministry of Children of the Horn of Africa) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working in rural, impoverished villages in Ethiopia to sponsor children so they can attend school and make a difference in their community and families as they are educated. In addition, HMCHA meets with local committees to help them with projects they cannot do by themselves. These include building a pedestrian bridge, a solar water project, community center with library, playground, and a primary school. High school students move to a larger town to study, and they are helped with rent money to live during the school year. Founded in 2006 by an Ethiopian refugee living in Minnesota, HMCHA receives high marks from the Ministry of Charities in Ethiopia.
To learn more, visit: Website, Facebook
Project LOLO
Project Lolo is a U.S.-based 501 (c) (3) non-profit that raises money to help provide access to orthopedic care and devices to children in underdeveloped countries. We believe that all children have equal standing in life regardless of their physicality, ethnicity, or geography. Project Lolo also empowers children to examine and harness their inherent value and the core qualities of who they are, by providing books and educational toys that children can touch, hold and identify with. Through our Give-a-Book program, we partner with schools, hospitals, and daycares to provide books and educational materials that teach out diversity, inclusion, and equity.
To learn more, visit: Website, Facebook, LinkedIn
Sanitation & Literacy Ghana
Sanitation and Literacy Ghana (SALG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting a culture of literacy and sanitation in Ghana. Our goal is to address the accessibility and health problems resulting from the lack of sanitation facilities and to recognize the foundational role reading plays in educational development of children. At SALG, we believe that access to clean and safe toilets and books is a basic human right, and we are committed to providing sustainable and innovative solutions to promote literacy and improve sanitation facilities in Ghana.
To learn more, visit: Website
The Lighthouse
The mission of The Lighthouse is to bring about a positive change in the lives of at-risk children and families through support services that directly impact their spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing. The Lighthouse serves children, young people, and families, who are homeless, vulnerable, and/or orphaned, and in need of activities, programs, and wrap-around services, in the areas of: Food & Nutrition, Residential shelter, Education, Vocational Training and Sports & Recreation.
To learn more, visit: Website, Facebook
More information
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Join us online leading up to the event!
Questions?
What is the address for The Dovetail Building?
1307 2nd Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN
Where do I park?
There is FREE street parking all around the neighborhood of The Dovetail Building.
Do I have to be there the full three hours?
No, not unless you want be! This is an open house-style event, not a sit down meal with a program. People are encouraged to come and go and to mingle with others.
What should I wear?
This a casual, open house fundraiser. This is not a black tie, fancy dress gala event, so please wear what makes you comfortable.
Do I have to be present to participate in the auction?
No, you can bid in the auction whether you are at the event or not. In fact, it's live now! You also do not need to be present to win. If you are present when the auction closes at 8PM, you can take your winning bid item home. To bid and win, you must be willing to arrange pick up in the Twin Cities if you aren't present.
What forms of payment do you accept for donations and auction items?
We accept cash, check, credit card, CashApp and Venmo.
How will the money be divided and used?
Each of the seven organizations will receive an equal amount of the funds raised after approved expenses. Read about each organization to learn how they use funds. In the future there is a plan for an intentional cross collaboration for greater impact.
1307 2nd Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN
Where do I park?
There is FREE street parking all around the neighborhood of The Dovetail Building.
Do I have to be there the full three hours?
No, not unless you want be! This is an open house-style event, not a sit down meal with a program. People are encouraged to come and go and to mingle with others.
What should I wear?
This a casual, open house fundraiser. This is not a black tie, fancy dress gala event, so please wear what makes you comfortable.
Do I have to be present to participate in the auction?
No, you can bid in the auction whether you are at the event or not. In fact, it's live now! You also do not need to be present to win. If you are present when the auction closes at 8PM, you can take your winning bid item home. To bid and win, you must be willing to arrange pick up in the Twin Cities if you aren't present.
What forms of payment do you accept for donations and auction items?
We accept cash, check, credit card, CashApp and Venmo.
How will the money be divided and used?
Each of the seven organizations will receive an equal amount of the funds raised after approved expenses. Read about each organization to learn how they use funds. In the future there is a plan for an intentional cross collaboration for greater impact.
