Giving Back Magazine June 2019 | Page 55

San Diego MONA visits Panama development programs. Badi School is now completely self-sufficient, and is widely acknowledged as one of the best schools in South and Central America. Additionally, its service to the community has transformed it into a thriving neighborhood. Recently, the San Diego Chapter visited the Badi School to see how all the funding raised had made an impact. Nessa Samimi, daughter of one of the members, raised funds in lieu of gifts for her birthday and funded the schooling of 5 children for the year. The Badi School The Badi School Nessa Samimi visits the Badi School Another Mona Foundation success story is that of Kali who attended the Barli Institute for Development of Rural Women in Indore, India. A poor girl, disabled by polio, Kali faced insurmountable odds. After their training program, she now supports herself with her own tailoring business and pays for the education of all the children in her family. You can join this movement and support education by attending their 20th Anniversary Celebration on September 6 at La Valencia Hotel. The evening will feature music, comedy and stories of lives changed. The featured speaker will be Dr. Urvashi Sahni from India who is a leading expert on girls’ education and the use of technology. www.monafoundation.org JUNE 2019 | GBSAN.COM 55