The Sonder Project
A LETTER FROM THE CEO
Dear Sonder Supporters ,
In 2021 , after a delay due to Covid , I was finally about to get back into the field . It was so refreshing to be back ! There ’ s no better way to see our impact than by witnessing it firsthand . Each community I observed rejuvenated my resolve to do more . I also came home with three affirmations that I ’ d like to share with you as you read through this annual report and reflect on our year .
1 . Water is precious . Replacing a stagnant open water source with a closed-system deep well has massive impacts . The change goes deeper than obvious health implications . Clean water equates to dignity and self-worth . It was sobering to listen to woman after woman speak about the futility of washing clothes with dirty water , not to mention drink it . But to see those same women dancing and singing around the new Sonder well , smiling and celebrating with authentic joy , is inspiring . Access to clean water is a first step to overcoming poverty , and it ’ s absolutely precious .
2 . Education is the most sustainable form of development . Why ? Because it doesn ’ t break down , it can ’ t be taken away , and its impact is felt through all the generations that follow . A child who is educated is more likely to have children who will be educated , and so on , and so on ! Meeting the students sponsored as part of the Student Sponsorship Program we piloted last year , only reinforced this point . We ’ ve been funding the construction of school blocks since our founding in 2015 , but new classrooms do not guarantee every student an equal chance for success . Are solid classrooms important ? Absolutely ! But it ’ s equally important for students to have clean water to drink , a flashlight to study by , notebooks to take notes in , a pen to write with , and a school uniform that reflects a students ’ pride . As a result , I can ’ t wait to expand our sponsorship program to reach even more students in 2022 .
3 . It ’ s all about connection . Covid has created isolation , and The Sonder Project has been unable to travel with groups of people to see our programs in action . Being on the ground in Malawi reminded me how much we are missing ! We will continue to do our best to connect you to our programs on the ground through stories and pictures , but no virtual world can replace the energy of being there in person . So , as the global pandemic continues to evolve , you better believe we are thinking ahead about how to travel again . We hope some of you will be ready to join us .
Looking back at 2021 , I ’ ve never been so proud of where we are and as invigorated for the road ahead . As you read through our Annual Report , I hope you will feel as inspired as I am , and then I hope you will get involved in whatever capacity feels right to you . We ’ ve come so far , and yet there ’ s so much more we can do — together .
With respect ,
Chad Zibelman
CHAD ZIBELMAN
Chief Executive Officer , The Sonder Project
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