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July 2014

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In This Issue
Context is Everything
A Second Wind
Video Feature
Quick Links
APP Provides Access to Learning Materials, Clean Water and Advanced Health Care 

Context is everything. In the harsh climate and unforgiving sunlight of the Congo and Nigeria, the few school books available in remote and impoverished villages have a shelf life of a few short months. That's why it is crucial for Sisters and their students to have access to educational materials via computer. Where our photovoltaic systems are in operation, there is electricity to power those computers. Electricity generated by these systems also powers water purifying systems, lighting infrastructures, communications systems and medical equipment such as incubators to improve health care and save lives. 
A Second Wind for the African Photovoltaic Project
Three attendees of the Solar Summer Soiree lend their support to the APP, which has provided electricity to African mission sites since 2003.
It's summer! What better time for a Solar Summer Soiree to showcase our African Photovoltaic Project (APP)? Members of Boston Rotary and an association known as TUGG -- Technology Underwriting Greater Good -- attended a special event at Cuvilly Arts & Earth Center in Ipswich, Mass., at the end of June.The event, sponsored by our Mission Support Office but initiated by a growing cadre of young supporters, highlighted the history of the project as well as plans for expansion. Ipswich Rotary was a contributing supporter of the event. Building partnerships with civic groups, private companies and nonprofits is crucial for the successful continuation of this project. Rotary International and multinational corporations have long collaborated with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur on a variety of initiatives. More and more young adults are asking how they can become involved.  
Promoting Peace Through Access to Electricity  
To paraphrase U.S. President Lyndon Johnson: A war on poverty today creates a more just and peaceful world in the future. Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have operated according to that premise for more than a century.The African Photovoltaic Project is one of our more recent attempts to continue working for peace. Watch a 60-second clip created for APP's tenth anniversary celebration last November:  
APP Event Invitation
 
Visiting Congolese and Nigerian Sisters who attended the Solar Summer Soiree inspired other attendees with stories of success and changed lives because of the photovoltaic systems operating in their remote mission sites. That so many new young supporters of the APP were able to hear the Sisters' stories encourages the continuation of the project. Please join in our efforts.

 

With a Grateful Heart,

Sister Leonore Coan

Director of Mission Support