Four years ago, during her service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay, Nora Maresh dreamed up the idea of providing a community member the gift of higher education.  Nora's vision transformed into FIMRC's Project Alto Vera and Ignacio Cristaldo is a year away from graduation.

Project Alto Vera supports all costs associated with Ignacio 's five-year program at the Universidad del Pacífico in Asunción, Paraguay.  It is thanks in large part to Nora's consistent generosity and that of those she reaches out to year after year that has allowed Ignacio to pursue his aspiration of attaining a university degree.

*The following excerpts were taken from a recent interview with Nora and FIMRC team member John Bova.

RPCV Nora Maresh

When did you first get involved in supporting Project Alto Vera?

I first got involved in supporting Project Alto Vera when I identified the need for Ignacio Cristaldo to attend university. He was my community contact while I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Paraguay, and I had never been so convinced that this motivated young man would greatly benefit from higher education.  Unfortunately, a local or national scholarship was not available.  I then contacted FIMRC to see if they would be willing to support me in the efforts to launch Project Alto Vera and they agreed. 

Ignacio has now completed four of his five years of university study and we are in the middle of a fundraising campaign for year 5.  Our wonderful donors have been crucial for this project to be a success.  

Has supporting Project Alto Vera led you down other paths (professional/personal) that you might not have otherwise discovered?

I have been working in international health and development for about 7 years, and while my involvement in Project Alto Vera has not changed my professional path, it has proven to me that education is an extremely effective form of development.  Education has the power to change the trajectory of someone's life.  On a personal level, I have been pleased with the support Ignacio has received from the donors who have supported a successful fundraising campaign for the last 4 years. We only have one more to go!  I encourage everyone to check out FIMRC's webpage to read more about Project Alto Vera and how you can support!    

What fundraising approaches do you find to be successful?

I find making direct, personal requests to people with a connection to the project has the best way to raise support.  No one likes receiving a form letter!  I have also used the FIMRC website and social media outlets such as Facebook to publicize the fundraising campaign.  Also, and for me most graciously, a church in Alabama has supported the Project and has donated money from their Thanksgiving Day offering.  

FIMRC would like to thank Nora for being a rock in the fundraising efforts for Project Alto Vera.  If you would like to join her in this cause, click here for further information.

CHE of the Month Richard Kimanayi

In just two short weeks of exposure on the FIMRC website, two generous donors have sponsored Project Bumwalukani's Community Health Educators (CHEs).  To provide some background, CHEs are a dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly to serve community members as front-line healthcare providers, educators, and supporters.  Their impact is felt throughout the villages, at the clinic, and within the lives of many individuals.  The success of Project Bumwalukani is due chiefly to the work of these amazing people!

To become a sponsor of a CHE today, click here.