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"Love is the only thing that changes things." -N.A. Noel

As a little girl playing up in a tree in her backyard, Nancy pretended she was riding an elephant in Africa while most girls were playing with dolls. Since she can remember, Nancy dreamed of one day going to Africa. She was intensely curious about the land, the tribes, the animals and the culture. In 1987, she experienced Africa for the first time and her reverence for it only deepened. Nancy would return again and again to quench her thirst.

On one of her trips, while looking for children to paint, Nancy discovered a small hut with 60 children in an impoverished fishing community. Nancy was amazed at these children who had lost everything - parents, friends - to AIDS, accidents and illnesses. And many had AIDS themselves. They had been facing death from the moment they were born. Nancy observed, "As has always been my experience in Africa, the children were full of enthusiasm despite their circumstances. No matter how much they lacked, they were still vibrant with laughter and kindness." After Nancy left the children that day, she promised to take care of them.

Twelve years later, Nancy's preschool has 239 children and continues to grow. There are three classrooms, several teachers, access to supplies and a doctor on staff. The kids appropriately call Nancy "Mum" as she has mothered them all with her unwavering commitment.

 "It's been a far greater gift than I ever expected. The school grows and gets better every year and I get to be part of that," says Nancy. "I know exactly where the money is going and how and who it is helping. Also, the children and staff are so appreciative. Their gratitude is extraordinary." 

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