You did it ETI Supporters! Over $10,000 raised for Rural Opportunity Centers #ROC(s) at the #ETISpringBreakfast 2018 – you #ROC !! Now SHARE to tell the world! educatetanzania.org
This is the hashtag fest that ETI shared with its 1950 followers on Twitter to announce the success of the ETI Spring Breakfast 2018. ETI set a record on April 26th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Eden Prairie as the largest event they have held.
We were privileged to have the Hon Kjell Bergh (Ambassador, Tanzania, ret.) with us to set the tone and introduce Mr. Bruce Engel of BURO Engel Architects (NY). Kjell Bergh has worked with ETI since its inception. Kjell was the only international partner present with ETI’s Jan Hansen at the KARUCO Ground Breaking Ceremony in 2012. He was again present at the KARUCO Dedication and Inauguration in 2017. He has been a steadfast friend to ETI and to the people of Tanzania.Kjell acknowledged the many challenges and stereotypes of Tanzania and then countered with how he would easily and comfortably walk down the streets of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania late at night – and probably not choose to do in our own state of Minnesota. Kjell introduced Bruce by highlighting his many accomplishments as well as the sound character of ETI and its partners, then turned the ‘stage’ over to Bruce Engel.
Bruce Engel is an award-winning architecit who designed the Women’s Opportunity Center in Rwanda just across the border from Karagwe. He is well known for his professional skills – and as important to ETI – his compassion, listening skills, and eagerness to learn from a developing community. Designing Rural Opportunity Centers (ROCs) is no small task and we are convinced that Bruce is the ‘man for the job’. He presented on the many facets of opportunity centers including water collection technologies, building design and techniques, women-inspired businesses such as brick-making, and of course, increasing incomes for area farmers. ETI is privileged to have earned Bruce’s trust and participation and is honored that he is part of our team.
Our dear friends at Westwood Community Church, Chanhassen and EVS Engineering, Eden Prairie were the 2018 ETI Distinguished Partners. Mr. David Hoff of Westwood’s Central Africa Team accepted the award on behalf of Westwood and Dr. Dennis Kim, Ms. Sungsook Kim and Mr. Andy Kim accepted the award on behalf of EVS Engineering. Westwood has been instrumental in the purchase of a first tractor for Karagwe and EVS has been instrumental in philanthropic gifts that have advanced the ETI and Karagwe agenda. ETI takes great satisfaction in acknowledging those partners who make it happen. Thank you Westwood and EVS. Thank you ETI Donors who make it happen.