TPRF Real Stories

Alex Wiredu has undertaken the fascinating task of learning about the history and daily lives of the people served by the Food for People program that opened in Otinibi, Ghana on May 15, 2012, almost one year ago. Alex’s co-worker, Francis, is a photographer who has documented the development of FFP in Otinibi since the acquisition of the land it is built on. Soon a film crew will go to work to interview participants in FFP, or the Canteen as it is known locally. What follows is only the beginning of an ongoing story.

Francis and I went to the village again on May 7, to further look into which people to interview and to build their confidence to face the cameras. When we arrived at the facility, around 11:00 am, the cooks were preparing “banku,” a local food made from cooked fermented corn and cassava dough, served with the main meal.

We proceeded to the house of a 94-year-old man, Dorfur Tetteh, to find out how he was doing. As we came to his house, we saw him sitting under a huge baobab tree enjoying the mid-morning breeze. He offered us chairs, and soon we were deep in conversation. We didn’t know that he was the chief priest of the village until he told his story and, along with it, the story of how Otinibi came into existence.

Francis asked where the first people to live in Otinibi came from, and Dorfur began his story. “We have six clans forming the Ga tribe: Osu, La, Ga, Teshie, Nungua, and Tema. All these clans lived along the coast of the present day Accra, and their main occupation was fishing.

Being fed up and tired of always having fish as their main meal, compounded with petty squabbles that were going on, a group of three men and a woman decided to move inland. These were their names: Adjei Kweigyanmansa, Sowah Okumose, Nii Ayi Ampah, and their sister, Atwe. They were fishermen who needed a change.

They kept moving inland for months, roaming through the thickets. In time they discovered a natural pond, if not a small lake. Knowing water was key to their survival, they pitched their camp close to the lake on land that is called Otinibi today.

Because the lake never dried up even in the harmattan (dry wind) season, it was perceived to be a god. They worshiped it, as it became the source of their livelihood. Sowah and Kweigyanmansa shared the chieftaincy position. Nii Ayi Ampah became the first chief priest, and I am third of that lineage. That is why I had the authority to advise our immediate past chief, who has recently passed on, to offer the land for the facility.

And so we asked how they came by the name “Otinibi.” Dorfur explained, “When the four first arrived at the lake, there was an adjacent hill that was so bare that they called it eti a eni nwin, which means “a head without hair.” Over time the name has been corrupted to become Otinibi.”

When asked what kind of work the people did after settling, he replied, “Farming, of course. We cultivated maize, yam, cocoyam, plantain, and other vegetable crops. On market day we would exchange our crops for fish and other commodities.”

When asked how people work today, there was a certain sadness expressed. “It is a pity what modernity has done to us. In the old times you could eat at your neighbor’s hut without any problem, but today people are so greedy they do not even share with their neighbors. If they do, with the least provocation, they will use it to insult you. That is why I am very happy that this canteen is situated in my village. There you can eat in peace without thinking of any consequences.

“We are very happy to have this canteen in this village. The beauty it has brought to this village words cannot express.”

Photos by Francis Ahore

Path to the Lake

TPRF volunteer Lisa Rossetti recently fulfilled a lifetime ambition of returning to her childhood home in Ghana. She shares her moving story with us in this week’s post.

I was a colonial child, brought up in the Gold Coast in the early 50’s. We lived in the British colonial quarter on the outskirts of Accra. (I have pieced this together from correspondence and memory, as there were no postal addresses in those days.) I remember painting the Flag of Independence at my school, proud and excited.  Innocently, I believed Ghana to be my home and my nation.

Lisa Age Seven

In March 1957, my father took me for a walk down Independence Avenue. The newly-built white arch and star gleamed in the early morning sun. Tall flagpoles topped with golden eagles lined the long road. The country was preparing for vast celebrations and tribal gatherings as Ghana reclaimed its independence from Great Britain. Just five months later, we were boarding the plane back to England. We were leaving for good.

My parents made new lives for themselves in England. My mother put a few mementos around the house; some Ashanti gold weights, a carved wooden stool, some woven place mats, and an African mask on the wall. We never went back.

Then in 2009, I discovered a story I’d once written about that mask. I unearthed a box containing letters as well as some black and white photographs of our house in Accra. Vivid images and memories of my childhood began to rise to the surface. I experienced a deep desire to return to Ghana. But the journey seemed impossible somehow. Ghana was too out of reach financially, too far away in time and place.

A couple of years later, I became a volunteer for The Prem Rawat Foundation. I followed avidly the development of the new Food for People facility near Accra. I offered to write an article about the centre if the opportunity arose.

Then the chance finally came. In November 2012, my husband had some work with Words of Peace Global in West Africa, and he offered to pay for me to travel with him. We planned to attend a conference with Prem Rawat in Accra and also to visit the TPRF Food for People centre in Otinibi. I was both overjoyed and scared. What if I found Accra changed beyond all recognition?  What if I had no connection whatsoever with the people?

Landing at Kotoka airport, walking down the steps from the plane, I am standing on Ghanaian soil for the first time in 55 years. The airport is much bigger than I remember!  But the sounds and smells, the pungent aroma of fruit and dust, are somehow so familiar.

On a hot and humid morning, we drive out of Accra to the Food for People center in Otinibi. Colorful stalls line the roadside. Street vendors are everywhere, hawking tea-towels, iced water, nuts, scouring sponges, CDs, magazines, slices of coconut.

Once we turn off onto the bumpy track to Otinibi, the memories come flooding back again. Over there is the same skinny chicken scratching in the dust, the tiny scrap of shade under a spindly tree, ramshackle buildings roofed with corrugated iron. Poverty is still here.

We arrive at the center. I am struck by its simplicity.  Inside all is order and cleanliness, with rows of tables and fans overhead. The Center Manager welcomes us. She takes me for a tour of the kitchens, the vast pots, huge mounds of yams, and the vegetable garden.  I tell her my tale: “I used to live here in Accra as a child.” She looks me in the eye and smiles. “Welcome home,” she says. I have tears in my eyes.

Then the day of the event arrives. I have a guest to invite—a young artist who is exhibiting his paintings in my hotel. The foyer is packed with a throng of people, many in their local dress, a swirl of bright colors and happy voices.

When Prem Rawat takes the stage, the hall explodes with delight. The entire audience rises to its feet, waving white pieces of cloth in a traditional welcome. There is laughter and rapt attention. He tells us that we are more related to the sun, moon and stars than to our father, uncles or aunts. I am so moved to be sitting here in Accra, listening to his words of peace and wisdom.  The circle feels complete.

After the event, as I leave the conference center, a young Rastafarian clasps my hands and says, “You are our sister; you are Ghanaian now.”

What did I learn? We are all truly connected at the heart of us. Nothing is as impossible as it may seem. We only have to stretch out and make a little effort.  What we want and need is closer to us than we think.

Will I return?  I truly hope so.  There are many more stories to gather …

Photos Courtesy of Lisa Rossetti and Francis Ahore

Dignitaries in the Audience

November 23, 2012

We arrived at Otinibi, about one hour’s drive from Accra, on a mixture of paved and dirt roads, crowded with cars trying to navigate around the people selling everything from fruit to clothing to automobile parts.

We could hear the rhythmic beating of the drums as the car pulled up and we waited for the large gates to swing open and let us enter. We parked around the backside of the FFP facility. The four drummers were really going at it, and everyone was in a festive mood.

The large white canopy tents had been magically installed in the graveled courtyard since the day before and looked clean, cool, and majestic, with rows and rows of simple plastic molded chairs set out in neat sections for all the 400 plus students, teachers and distinguished guests.

The canopies appeared to offer a welcome relief from the direct sun, which at 9 a.m. was already a sizzling ninety degrees, with humidity to match. Soon it became obvious that although the canopies were helpful, they provided a false sense of security. Everyone had beads of perspiration, damp heads and clothing, and we all tried our best to ignore the stifling heat.

There was excitement in the air—the founder, Prem Rawat, was coming soon!

The children started filing in, wearing clean and freshly starched uniforms. They were amazingly quiet for such a large group of youngsters. I suspect they were in awe of the fair-skinned people who looked different from them in some ways, and of course, all the cameras being set up.

While we were arranging the seating, we heard that the Chief of Otinibi and his entourage were attending unexpectedly. Although he was generous in offering the land to build the Otinibi facility free of charge, I learned that he seldom attends even the most important events. The Ashanti King was sending his most senior advisors to attend the event as well. So we spent some additional time deciding how to seat these honored guests according to protocol.

What a handsome and impressive group. The Otinibi Chief was elegantly dressed in his traditional clothing and carried an impressive staff. He and his group also had an air of elegance and authority. The King’s entourage wore colorful traditional wraps and lots of gold! I saw gold crowns, armbands, wrist bracelets, rings, staffs, and gold woven into cloth. Between the sun and the precious metal, the whole place was glittering.

Shortly after the audience began to settle, the drummers picked up the pace to welcome Prem Rawat. Dressed simply in slacks and a light blue shirt, Mr. Rawat greeted everyone and took the seat of honor in the middle of the front row. Emmanuel Adjei walked to the microphone to welcome everyone.

The headmistress, Grace Ninsaw, spoke first about how important this facility was for the community, how the school enrollment had increased by almost 300 since construction began, and how well the children were doing. She said that many charities had promised to build a facility to help feed the children, but then never followed through on their promise. It wasn’t until construction of the FFP facility was well underway that people dared to hope, and then to believe, that there would be such a wonderful place in their community.

The Otinibi Chief spoke about the difference between the school before and after the FFP facility was built and graciously offered more land to grow vegetables for the program.

The Ashanti King’s representative spoke next. He mentioned having attended Prem Rawat’s public event the night before and remarked how pleasantly surprised he was by how much he enjoyed it. He assured everyone that he would report to the King about Prem Rawat, his message of peace, and the wonderful work that is being done through TPRF, and he offered that perhaps we could work together to build another facility.

Then I spoke a little about TPRF, trying not to be self-conscious that I might possibly look as I felt—soaked, head to toe, from the intense humidity.

There was some unexpected traditional dancing, which most everyone seemed to enjoy—giggling children and wide-eyed adults alike.

A school skit by the young children thanked Prem Rawat, TPRF, and the Foundation’spartner, PremBaf Ghana (PBG).

Prem Rawat addressed the children throughout his talk. “You are the future of Ghana….You are important. You are giving this facility its importance, not the other way around.”

The Chief and the King’s representatives were duly impressed with Prem Rawat’s talk, mumbling their agreement throughout. They wanted their photos taken with Mr. Rawat, which he readily agreed to. Afterwards, they were individually introduced to Mr. Rawat and were beaming with pleasure as they shook hands.

The last scheduled event was the unveiling of the plaque, followed by the students beginning their meal. Mr. Rawat walked from table to table, saying hello to the children and asking how they liked the food, which they were obviously enjoying. Then he walked through the facility, looked at the kitchen, the prep rooms, and storage areas. The facility was extremely clean. Mr. Rawat was pleased, noticeably impressed, and stayed an extra twenty-five minutes.

It was a wonderful occasion, enjoyed by all who attended. What a glorious day!

Linda Pascotto reports on Prem Rawat’s recent visit to Food for People, Otinibi.

Some Background:

“You’re going where for Thanksgiving?” “Ghana?” “You mean Africa?” “Can’t you leave after Thanksgiving?” “Can’t you go just a few days later?”

The American tradition of gathering family and friends together during the 4th Thursday in November, i.e., the Thanksgiving holiday, is so strongly embedded in the American culture that I feared it would be awkward to intentionally miss the occasion—but that is exactly what I did this year.

It was early in September when I had confirmation of the event. I immediately started planning (scheming really) how I could gracefully remove myself from the Thanksgiving family dinner table. Luckily, my husband was the easiest to convince, as he is my strongest advocate, gracefully accepting my extended travel schedules and weekend work habits.

For several days, I thought about all the excuses I could offer my mother, my siblings, and loved ones for missing this most significant holiday, for the first time in my life. None of the excuses seemed nearly as compelling as the real reason I longed to attend, and so in the end, whenever someone brought up the subject of Thanksgiving, I enthusiastically blurted that I had already made my plans for Thanksgiving. I was going to Ghana!

After a few expected protests, sweet resignation followed, and then curiosity and interest in my latest adventure involving TPRF. I offered some poignant reminders about the other Food for People facilities that are well established in India and Nepal, the profound impact these programs have had on the children and local communities, and my unbridled enthusiasm to see this newest FFP first hand. Calm was restored, and I sensed that everyone appreciated and respected my viewpoint to attend this important event.

The flight to Accra from Los Angeles was very long, somewhat delayed, but mostly uneventful. Finally, settled in my hotel room in Accra, I felt excited about my morning’s visit to the Otinibi FFP facility, and began thinking about the important event scheduled to take place with Prem Rawat in two days.

We left after the morning rush hour and although much of the hour-long drive was along paved roads, construction interrupted many segments, and potholes were an ongoing safety concern.

When we finally came into Otinibi Village, it was really a thrill to see the Food for People sign hung on the crisp white wall of the facility. When we arrived, the children were just heading into the dining hall. They were dressed neatly in their school uniforms, walking and chatting and seemed very happy. They even thought it was fun that I wanted to take their photographs and posed a little before running off, giggling.

Ms Grace Ninsaw

It was the first time I met the headmistress, Ms. Grace Ninsaw, an absolutely delightful person, thrilled with the prospect of tomorrow’s event. With her eyes shining and a smile so broad and beautiful, I couldn’t help offering a wide smile in return. We had hardly said two words to each other, but somehow I felt very connected to the woman who has been so helpful in managing as liaison between the school and TPRF.

Ms. Ninsaw was on cloud nine as she showed me around the school. I visited the very modest classrooms and noticed there did not seem to be enough of anything for the 400 plus students. They managed remarkably well with the assortment of desks, tables, chairs, and benches. What they really longed for, she said in a shy response to my question of what they needed most, were computers. If the children were going to compete for jobs, they needed to have computer skills. Even she, the headmistress, did not have anything more than an old typewriter. I thought surely that we could manage to purchase a couple dozen computers locally to help the students begin learning these important skills.

Accra Street Vendors–Photo by David Andeweg

I left that afternoon for a much longer and interesting ride back to Accra. I was happy that I had a chance to see the facility grounds, to discuss the plans for the next day’s event, and to go through the proposed rundown of what we expected to happen during the ceremony. The traffic was much more congested than in the morning because it was now rush hour. There was a continuous bumper crop of street vendors walking and sometimes running after a customer when the traffic moved ahead. They zigzagged deftly between the rows of cars looking for customers. The items they sold were as varied as any you’d find in grocery stores, fast food shops, clothing shops, automotive shops, or toys and school supply stores. It seemed like a very convenient way to shop while waiting in traffic. The vendors even offered men’s suits and shoes!

This, combined with women carrying massive quantities of foodstuffs on their heads, was stunning to watch. Several woman had piles of peanuts stacked on a tray, which they carried on their heads—I was amazed to watch as they walked, never dropping their load. It seemed a convenient way to manage, leaving both hands free for other activities.

(Continued next week in Part II)

Students Gather Before the Daily Meal

Bruce Keenan, founder of the Himalayan Children’s Charities (HCC) in Nepal, forwarded these letters from college students who recently visited Food for People in the village of Tasarpu, Dhading District, forty kilometers from Kathmandu. The students live in an HCC group home called Kushi Ghar (happy home) while they are attending school. Bruce is a supporter of the Food for People program and a TPRF adviser. He is profiled in a previous blog article posted on July 12, 2012.

Laxmi:

I was really delighted to go to the FFP mainly because it is far from the crowded city. The other reason is that when I come here, my mind is at peace. I came here two years ago in 2010, and  I was really amazed to see everything in the same condition.  Nothing had changed.  For example, the environment was orderly and clean, the maintenance of the kitchen was spotless, and everything looked perfect.  Seeing the kids and the elders enjoying their meal, I really wanted to express my gratitude to all the people who collectively generated ideas for opening this kind of organization.  In the future, if I am able to save enough money, I want to open an organization to help poor people and eradicate poverty.

I want Food for People to extend its services in areas of Nepal like Humla, Jumla, Solukhumbu, and other remote locations.

Manmaya—My Visit to Dhading:

My happiness knew no bounds when Bruce decided to take us on a trip to the Dhading Food for People a week ago. I was eagerly waiting for that day to come, and on the 6th of October we went.

We started our trip at around 6:30 a.m. with fifteen people. We reached our destination at 9:15 a.m. My heart leapt with joy when I got the chance to see the FFP for a second time. The environment was so peaceful and pleasant. I wanted to stay for a week, so that I could help there and learn something new from them. The FFP had its own beautiful and well-managed kitchen garden where there were various vegetables.

The kitchen was well managed, neat and clean. Now I have made a promise to myself that I will plant various vegetables in my kitchen garden and keep my kitchen and store room as I saw it at the FFP.

Nari:

I had visited the FFP three years ago. I was excited to know about our next trip to Dhading. Waking up early at five AM and taking a two hour drive on a bumpy and winding road was a little boring. However, getting out of an overcrowded city with pollution and traffic made me relaxed and happy.  We arrived on time, and I started talking to the kids who were there for lunch.

We then went inside the kitchen. There were nine staff members doing their duties sincerely. The kids sat on the floor with a TV in front of them. We were taken to see the store and kitchen. I had never seen the system of covering your hair before entering these places. It prevents your hair from falling out into the food. After that we were served tea and biscuits. Then they took us to see a home provided to some staff from the village.  Since everyone was hungry, we went for lunch. I must say the food was quite tasty in spite of being cooked in such a large quantity.

Khil:

When Dinesh told me we were going to the FFP in Dhading, I thought it would be a general kitchen like a restaurant, serving a different variety of food to many people. We often see kitchens like these in the capital. When I reached the FFP, I was so amazed to see a different food kitchen serving many children the same food.

Food for People, often called the “Food Kitchen,” is a social organization started by Prem Rawat through Premsagar Foundation Nepal. The general objective of Food for People is to serve a healthy meal to poor and underprivileged school children before going to school. Everyday around three to four hundred people are served by nine staff members. I was really surprised to see how well-managed and clean the food kitchen was as it serves poor and needy people. It made me motivated, and I hope I can do such great work someday for poor and needy people.

Food for People is the first step in Nepal. Now the time has come to unite the people of Nepal to help our own brothers and sisters. Such a food kitchen or alternative should be opened to rural areas where people are dying of hunger. If we unite and work together nothing is impossible.

Lastly, I feel great and lucky visiting such a place.  I am very motivated to work for people. I would like to thank everyone for providing me with such an opportunity.

Photos Courtesy of Bruce Keenan and Himalayan Children’s Charities

Bobby Hendry is the man responsible for planning menus and setting up hygiene and staff service procedures for the Food for People facilities currently operating in India, Nepal, and Ghana.

In a supervisory role, Bobby recently made a surprise inspection at the FFP in Otinibi, Ghana, to ensure that the operational guidelines were being followed and a high level of service was being maintained.

The reason for the trip to Accra:

I arranged to fly to Ghana unannounced on July 26, 2012, to make an inspection at the FFP facility in Otinibi. The reason for making the journey without telling anyone in Ghana beforehand was to enable me to see if the facility was being run properly on a daily basis. I needed to see the facility “as is,” and I have to admit that I had some trepidation.

I had a number of concerns. Was the team possibly slack in their daily running of the facility? Would hygiene and service be a big issue (which it cannot be allowed to be)? Would the food be prepared and cooked properly? Do the menus consist of a balanced diet? Do the children enjoy the meals?

I wondered if the facility, as an operational unit, was being run smoothly. Were the teams gelling and working well together? Were they following the procedures we agreed on and trained for before the facility officially opened?

A series of surprises:

The long drive from Accra to Otinibi is still hot and dusty. The unfinished, jammed highways still require knowledge of local shortcuts. Arriving at Otinibi, the neat, clean, blue and cream facility building is a very welcome sight. The driver and I wait until the main gate is unlocked and we drive into the courtyard.

First surprise: When I departed on my last trip just before the opening, the courtyard had been unfinished with a team of workmen raking dirt. Today, it is very neat with a gravel bed and a well-tended, walled border with mature flowers.

Another surprise: I had planned my arrival to coincide with the dining room tables laid up and ready for the children to arrive for lunch. Great, I thought. It looks good. All the tables are neatly laid and the floor is gleaming and clean.

Another really nice surprise: The team suddenly realized I had appeared in the dining room and starting shouting and doing something akin to what looked to me to be an uncoordinated Scottish wedding jig. The staff wanted to know why, when, where, and how long I would be at the facility.

I joked that I had come to check up on them. After we calmed down I told them it was not a joke.

Next surprise: They took the explanation of the visit seriously and then we did a tour of the whole place. To say my previous worries disappeared is an understatement. That they were replaced with relief mixed with pride and gratefulness was something I won’t forget. The facility looks really good—very clean and well-ordered. The team has even started growing vegetables in a plot at the end of the building within the compound.

Another surprise: The older children arrive for lunch.

The younger children had gone home for the holidays the day before. Despite their absence, the dining room was packed. I saw that the staff really did not have to organize the kids. They already knew the routine well. The big surprise is that after finishing the meal, the children took their stainless steel plates to the sinks, rinsed them quickly, washed them in the soapy water provided, and then stacked them neatly.

Why was I so surprised?

During the first days before the opening, we tried to organize the kids to do this same routine exactly, but because they were so unused to the whole facility setup, the routine was a bit of a shambles. So we decided to abandon it on the second day. Now, the kids are so accustomed to the routine that they do it themselves unbidden and efficiently. They ate their lunch and cleared up well and departed back to school—all within their allotted break time. Yeessss!

Also, seeing some of the village elders coming for lunch made me realize that the facility is now known and accepted by the community at large.

A final note:

As I was leaving, I knew that the FFP facility and the staff had matured very well in a surprisingly short time. With such a dedicated and organized team working in such a lovely place, I wondered why I had been so apprehensive.

Photos by Bobby Hendry

This story updates a June 15 post about the positive effect the Food for People (FFP) facility has had on students of the Adarsha Secondary School in Nepal. The Adarsha students scored high on the School Leaving Certificate (SLC), a national exam designed to measure how well secondary school pupils in grades 7 through 10 have mastered their studies.

61% of the Adarsha students passed the exam compared to the national average of 47%. Prem Dugal, administrator of the Nepal Food for People program, wrote this supplemental report.

To honor the Adarsha graduating students, the school organized a celebration. Members of the FFP team from Premsagar Foundation, the local TPRF affiliate, were invited to attend. Speakers at the function, including local government officials as well as social workers, guardians, teachers, and students unanimously praised the Foundation for its contributions.

The program included folk songs, dances, and gymnastics. On behalf of Premsagar Foundation, the graduates and their teachers were given gifts of books and stationery. The chief guest at the ceremony was Arjun Parajuli, poet, educator, and founder of Pathshala Nepal, a renowned school in Kathmandu. He recited poems and shared his own experience of struggling hard to get an education.

“Someone supported me so that I could complete my education,” Mr. Parajuli said. “I continued my studies while working. That’s why I’m able to be what I am now. So, if you study hard and never give up, you will also be able to stand on your own feet.”

Mr. Parajuli promised to provide a scholarship for one of the female graduates to continue her studies at the nearest college or higher secondary school.

After the ceremonies, all the students and the invited guests had a meal together at the FFP facility.

Mahakali Secondary School

In contrast to the positive developments at the Adarsha Secondary School since the opening of the FFP facility, attendance at nearby Mahakali Secondary School in Bahunthan, Tasarpu is low. New enrollment is also down. Only 24% of students passed the SLC exam. Premsagar Foundation Nepal noted that very few students at this school were eating meals at FFP.

A team led by General Secretary Dornath Neupane visited the school at the beginning of this academic session to talk with teachers about how this situation could be improved.

School starts at 10 a.m. Normally, in Nepalese villages, children have an early lunch before going to school, but most people in the villages of Tasarpu are very poor. Instead of preparing food before their children go to school, parents have to go to work in the fields, and most of the children are compelled to work alongside them. Some children don’t attend school at all. Those who stay do so only for the first half of the school day. Then they run home for the meal their parents make at midday and do not return.

A few of the children attending Mahakali live within a 15-minute walk from the FFP facility. They come regularly to enjoy a meal before going to school. However, most of these children live farther away. They would have to climb uphill for an hour and then downhill for another 45 minutes to reach the facility. The distance and difficult terrain discourages the majority of the Mahakali children from taking advantage of the FFP.

In an attempt to solve this problem, the school used funds set aside for scholarships to buy beaten rice and the teachers distributed a handful to each student at break time to reduce their hunger and keep them in class. However, this has not been very effective.

The Premsagar team suggested that the school arrange transportation to take the children to FFP in the morning. In the meantime, they set up a schedule for the teachers to take turns leading the students from the school to FFP and back.

This program has already started, and each day about 100 students from the Mahakali School are enjoying hot meals at the facility.

 Photos Courtesy of Premsagar Nepal Foundation

Bruce Keenan acts as chief financial advisor to TPRF, donating his time and valuable experience as a non-profit financial executive. He founded the Himalayan Children’s Charities (HCC) in 1999. The 501(c)3 organization provides quality education to orphaned and abandoned children in Nepal. Bruce grew the organization from two donors in 1999 to 180 supporters in 2010, who contributed over $110,000 in charitable donations. HCC currently supports over 70 children in Nepal.  Thirteen of these children are currently studying at the college level. Keenan is also the founder and President of Hearts for Horses, a non-profit horse rescue organization based in Clarkesville, Georgia. Prior to his charitable work, Bruce enjoyed a highly successful business career as a CEO, financial executive, and entrepreneur.

TPRF: Please tell us about the various causes you support through your family foundation, the Keenan Foundation.

BK: We are required by the IRS to donate at least 5% of the total assets of the foundation each year. The Keenan Foundation supports TPRF, Himalayan Children’s Charities, Hearts for Horses (www.heartsforhorses.org), and other organizations that support animals, like the Humane Society.  Several years ago we purchased a van for the local Humane Society so that puppies scheduled to be euthanized in Georgia shelters could be transported to northern states in the U.S. where they are adopted.

My main focus is on Himalayan Children’s Charities (www.hccnepal.org) where we help educate, care for, and support orphaned and abandoned children in Kathmandu, Nepal. I go there twice a year to check on the kids and staff and to develop/update our programs. We are one of the few charities working in Nepal that educates our students through to a bachelors or technical degree.

TPRF: What prompts you to support these causes? Is it partly due to a family tradition?

BK: Good question. It is not a family tradition. My father was an accountant and my mother worked part-time as an assistant librarian, so they never had the funds to do much charitable giving. I think it comes from my inner connection that encourages me to see that we are all in this together, and it gives me satisfaction to help others that are not as fortunate as I am. My wife, Susan, and I were able to attend the opening of the Food for People facility in Nepal, and we have been supporters of the program ever since.

It is incredible to be able to witness the impact that a healthy meal has on a child’s life and on the entire community.

TPRF: Why do you support TPRF? 

BK: I support TPRF because of the vision the Founder had when he created the organization. Providing dignity, peace and prosperity to people around the world through various programs is what excites and inspires me. I am honored to be able to make a contribution to Prem Rawat’s vision and work. I also like the fact that a high percentage of the donated funds are used to deliver critically urgent humanitarian services.

TPRF: You’ve put yourself in a position to spend your time doing what you want to do. What is a typical day like in the life of Bruce Keenan?

BK: I do actually get to choose what I do each day, and the actions I choose are to try to have a positive effect on the world around me. I feel very blessed to have the life that I have been given and want to express my gratitude through my actions.

TPRF: What are your plans for the future?

I am taking it a day at a time. Currently, I’m working with TPRF as a financial adviser and would like to continue assisting in that way. I like this organization and the people I get to work with.  It is a joy and pleasure to contribute to TPRF.

Photos by Bruce Keenan. All Rights Reserved.

Helping Orphaned and Abandoned Children in Nepal

Recently published results of Nepal’s School Leaving Certificate Exam revealed the dramatic impact the Food for People program has had on the students attending Adarsha Secondary School at Damechaur, Tasarpu, near the FFP facility. The national exam tests students in the tenth grade.

Sixty-one percent (61%) of the Adarsha students passed the exam compared to the national average of forty-three percent (43%).

“In addition to the effort of teachers and students, all the credit for this exciting result goes to Food for People and Premsagar Foundation,” said Bishnu Gautam, Headmaster of the Adarsha School.

This is the first time students eating at Food for People Nepal took the national SLC Exam. Almost all the children from the Adarsha School have been eating regular meals at the local FFP for the past three years.

After the FFP in Nepal opened and began serving free daily meals, school enrollment climbed to new high levels. Another educational improvement has been the addition of grades seven through ten to the Adarsha School.

At the School’s request, FFP Nepal provided evening meals in addition to the morning meals to Tenth Grade students taking extra classes to prepare for the SLC exam for four months prior to the test. In addition, Premsagar Nepal Foundation provided $1,300 to the school as a partial contribution to pay for additional teachers required for Grades Seven through Ten.

Half of the students who passed the SLC exam from the Adarsha School are girls. One of them is 22-year-old Kumari Tamang. Normally, students taking the SLC exam are 15-16 years old. In the past, difficult conditions in the area forced girls like Kumari to drop out of school. Now, she can continue her education thanks to the regular meals served at Food for People.

Photos Courtesy of Premsagar Nepal Foundation

Kelly Moore is a musician and performing artist who uses his talents to raise funds for TPRF and other humanitarian non-profit organizations.  We recently interviewed Kelly to get a glimpse of the man who founded “Music for Mankind,” a charitable organization that works with its partners to alleviate world hunger.

TPRF: Tell us about your nonprofit organization, “Music For Mankind.”

Kelly Moore: I started Music For Mankind® in 2007 as a series of benefit concerts with the proceeds contributed to The Prem Rawat Foundation and the United Nations World Food Program.

Since that time, I have added an annual local community charity food drive, and traveled as US Delegate for World Food Program USA to the mountains of Nicaragua and the high Andes of Peru. I produced a documentary of this trip called “Nicaragua – On The Ground” for my lecture series “Music For Mankind® – How Can We Help.” I have also held a fund-raiser motorcycle rally, and completely changed my concert series from a full ensemble performance of original music to a show called “Give My Regards To Broadway” that I perform as a solo vocalist and dancer with piano accompaniment. With my new show, I have performed some sixty shows in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York and California to help raise funds and awareness about chronic global hunger.

I have also raised awareness about Music For Mankind® and our efforts for this cause by performing the National Anthem at sporting events around the Northeast, as well as participating in fundraisers for other organizations that have graciously highlighted Music For Mankind® and our efforts in their programs.

TPRF: What inspired you to establish your organization?

Kelly Moore: I have been inspired by Prem Rawat’s work and his contributions in helping those who struggle every day just to survive. I thought that possibly, with my talents, I could help a little, too.

TPRF: How did you become familiar with TPRF?

Kelly Moore: I was introduced to Prem Rawat and his message of peace in 1973. That peace which he taught me to find within myself is my daily guideline.

TPRF: What made you want to support the work of TPRF?

Kelly Moore: When I became aware of Mr. Rawat’s charitable efforts and his organization, I knew I wanted to do what little I could to give back. Late one night while trying to get to sleep,  the idea for Music For Mankind® came to me as a clear possibility to accomplish this objective.

TPRF: What motivates you to help other people to the extent that you have with your organization and in your travels?

Kelly Moore: Funny thing about feeling peace…I simply want to help.

When I was in Nicaragua with the United Nations World Food Program, I saw what I call “The Face of Hunger.” I also saw the face of hope. Both the incredible work that TPRF is doing and the work that I witnessed first-hand in my travels gave me a lifetime of memories and an unending drive to continue.

In my show “Give My Regards To Broadway,” I perform popular Broadway and American songs as a solo vocalist and dancer with piano accompaniment. Since July 2010, I have performed the show over 40 times. The show is very portable, easy to set up, and is a simple and efficient way to raise money to help.

If you would like to invite me to your area or region to do some fundraising for TPRF, I can bring my show and help organize an event. Feel free to contact me at www.musicformankind.net or on Facebook. Post comments here as well if you wish. I’d love to partner with others interested in this topic!