Open Hands To Africa



Rwanda
While Larry Sherman continues his work in Namibia, Geoff travelled to Rwanda and Tanzania during August of 2011. An amazing trip serving coffee farmers, learning about community needs from the Starbucks partners at the Farmer Support Center, partnering with Heifer International and Kilicafe (Tanzania). Both Rwanda and Tanzania are amazing countries with awesome people. Check out the photos on the pics page. If you're wanting to get involved, check out our donations page. We're trying to raise some additional funds to purchase and loan cows and to buy supplies. Send and email to let us know how you'd like to get involved through our link on the contact page. Remember Open Hands to Africa utilizes 100% of its funds on projects. Admin is covererd by Open Hands to Africa volunteers. Thanks,. Geoff
We had an amazing time in Namibia! Our plan was to visit the Himba tribe in northern Namibia, and it was certainly a remarkable experience. five hours past the end of any real roads, and wonderful, beautiful people. Our water well project is underway. It will take some time to complete, as with anything in this day and age there are steps to take, approvals to happen, and bureaucracy to jump through. After our trip north we returned to Okahandja to the community center in Nau-Ib. It was amazing to see the positive changes that are happening. Outside of Okahandja we returned to Paulus' farm school where we helped with a playground and bringing a new water well system to the school. They will have water all the time and an ability to grow a fantastic garden. We certainly have more stories to share, but take a look at some of the pictures on the "pics" tab. A personal thank you to Brenda, Bailey, Larry, Bill and Lee. It was a blessing indeed to have you all on this journey. Geoff

Larry Sherman Retiring...And Going to Africa! LARRY SHERMAN – Retiring and Off to Africa After a rewarding and satisfying career spanning parts of five decades and 8 U.S. Presidents, Port Director, Supervisor, Passenger Service Manager, Inspector and Customs Patrol Officer Larry Sherman announces his retirement, effective July 3, 2010. Serving 36+ years in 3 countries, at seaports, land borders, airports, and preclearance stations, he will be moving to Africa in August 2010 to begin the next chapter of his life. Since 2002, Sherman began fulfilling a life long passion by spending his annual leave days in the African countries of Namibia and Angola where he co-founded a non-profit charitable organization named OPEN HANDS TO AFRICA. Their mission statement is to provide SEEDs of Hope (Spiritual, Educational & Economic Development) to the poorest of poor in Namibia and Angola. Extensively traveling the remote regions of these countries, Sherman has embedded himself in the lives of the indigenous folks by living and working in their villages. There he provides micro-business loans, livestock plus animal husbandry techniques, agricultural seed projects, medical & eye care, as well as educational opportunities to help people help themselves by offering a helping hand rather than a hand out. A roast, celebration, or sigh of relief for his departure will be held in the International Departure Lounge at the Orlando Sanford International Airport at 1900 (7 PM) on Thursday July 1, 2010. Those of you who wish to attend are welcome and those who care to send an email can do so to Mr. Sherman directly (larry.sherman@dhs.gov) or in care of CBP Officers Lee Pugh (lee.j.pugh@dhs.gov) or Jamie Schiefer (jamie.c.schiefer@dhs.gov). Please RSVP to Officers Pugh or Schiefer if you plan on attending. (407-322-6019 Ext. 0). Jun 16, 2010 Add comment Share
Paulos and the Farm School This is our friend Paulos, he is a traveling pastor. He and his wife, Maria, also run a small school for poor farm families outside of Okahandja, Namibia. We will be visiting with Paulos and Maria helping them serve the children. Paulos and Maria have also taken in two beautiful girls who were born HIV positive. They pay for all their medicine. Do you want to help Paulos and the kids at his Farm School? Visit our Donation Page...it's easy.	Bikes for Students For the past several years Open Hands to Africa has donated a bike to the top elementary student at Five Rands School. The top student graduating on to the Okahandja High School, which is several miles and a couple hours by foot away, is awarded a bike. This makes the journey 20 minutes and often times two kids can carpool on one bike. Are you interested in giving a bike? Visit our Donation Page...It's easy to help.

You CAN help. Visit our Donation page...It's easy to get involved.

Rwanda

Larry Sherman Retiring...And Going to Africa!