‘We are a poor school. We don’t have the money to do many
things. We are doing this to get noticed so some government officials
might help us.’
Samantha frowned.
‘We will, however,’ I said,‘do a good show. The local MLA is with
us.’
‘I believe you will. Since you mentioned lack of funds, would you
like to be considered for our grants programme?’ Samantha said.
‘What’s that?’
‘Our foundation gives grants, or a sum of money, to deserving
social projects.We had you as a tourist stop for Mr Gates, but you are
doing social service, too.'
‘Well, it is service for us. My mother has given her entire life to this
school. Even I turned down job offers to come here,’
‘Great.You can make a pitch tor that, too.’
’Pitch?’
'The grants programme is highly competitive. We get a lot of
wonderful proposals, but give funding to only a few.'
‘What do I need to do?’
‘Ideally, you need to submit a proposal and make a presentation to
the selection panel. However, there’s no panel meeting expected
anytime in the near future.’
‘Then?’
Samantha paused to think.
‘Please, Miss Samantha, I realty need money tor my school. You
have seen the condition it is in’
Samantha finally spoke. ‘Here's what I suggest. Make a good
speech to the visiting delegation. Mr Gates himself will be present. If
he and the delegation like what you say, they may grant you something
on the spot.’
Really?’
’If you can say something inspiring, a pitch that comes across as
genuine, a small grant might be possible.’