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| First graders in the Holy Mother of Consolation Parish, Oregon, faith formation program have donated over $16,000 to purchase donkeys over the past nine years for farmers in the Diocese of Navrongo-Bolganga, Ghana. (Contributed photo) |
First in a two-part series on the Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga and Diocese of Madison Donkey Project.
OREGON — The first grade children at Holy Mother of Consolation (HMC) Parish in Oregon have learned to care for those in need.
Over the last nine years, these children have earned funds by performing tasks at home. Through the inspiration of Jenny Hansen, coordinator of the first grade faith formation, working together they have raised nearly $18,000.
Inspiration for project
The inspiration for this project started in August of 2005 when Hansen’s friend and fellow long-time first grade catechist, Dawn Kirley, died from cancer.
Hansen and other friends of Kirley wanted to do something special to honor her memory. At the same time, the Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga (N-B) and the Diocese of Madison Donkey Project was just beginning. Here was an opportunity to help others in need while honoring their friend.
How funds are raised is quite simple. Each January, Hansen goes to the first grade classes. The children are shown a short video containing pictures of the donkeys that have been purchased for the poor women farmers in N-B.
It is explained to the children how these donkeys improve the lives of the women and their families. Although only first graders, they get it and soon learn to help others through their own activities.
How it works
Every year, each child receives a picture of a donkey and some stickers. The stickers represent tasks that they can do around their home.
With their parents, the child helps set an amount of money to be earned for every task performed. For example, every time they make their bed, they put a sticker on their donkey. If they make their bed 10 times and each sticker is worth $.50, they have earned $5 for a donkey.
At the end of each month, the students will add up their stickers and collect the money they earned. The money is then pooled by all of the first graders to purchase a donkey.
A favorite part is that the kids are able to name their donkey. Their first donkey purchased was named “Kirley.”
At HMC a “donkey wall of fame” proudly displays all the certificates for the donkeys purchased. After nine years, it is amazing to see how many certificates are there.
Hansen personally loves this project because the first graders are the ones doing the work. Mom and dad aren’t purchasing a school supply or food item for them to donate to a cause.
The first graders are vested — the harder they work, the more people they help. And in the process, their home is neater and cleaner, too.
Special liturgy
On the first Sunday in February, the first graders plan a very special liturgy. They hand out the bulletins and learn special songs.
But the best part is when they all proceed into the Church at the beginning of Mass. Each child proudly holds up their donkey pictures with all their hard-earned stickers. They are so proud of their work, and they should be.
By working together, they are making a difference in the lives of many people. What an accomplishment and a life lesson in caring for others.
Funds are running low
As we begin our 10th year, we are learning that funds for the Donkey Project are running low and there are concerns about the sustainability of the Donkey Project.
The first graders have perfected a simple way to raise funds for those in need. Hansen is offering assistance to any parishes interested in starting this program. Please consider starting up a donkey project of your own in your faith formation or school classes.
The donkeys help not only the women that receive them but also in other ways. Producing more food allows for some food to go to market for other families; when there is more food, children are allowed to attend school rather than staying home to help with farming; and the Donkey Farm provides jobs for caretakers of the donkeys.
These donkeys are bringing hope and peace to an area of the world that so desperately needs it. The children of HMC look forward to buying donkeys every year; it would be sad to end such a rewarding experience.
To date, the HMC children have donated $16,000 for donkeys for poor women farmers in Navrongo-Bolgatanga, Ghana, Africa, and an additional amount of $1,800 to purchase mosquito nets for children in Malawi, Africa. Many kudos to the children of HMC.
If you have questions about this program or would like more information, Jenny Hansen can be contacted by email at [email protected] or telephone 608-276-8701.