Cattaraugus African Mission Outreach
One UMChurch's Response to Helping African Education
One UMChurch's Response to Helping African Education
You educate a child...
You educate a nation!
Sister Margaret Aringo
You educate a nation!
Sister Margaret Aringo
CAMO Early Beginnings:
During the time Avion Brooks lived in San Francisco, she became friends with Susan Rickert at their church, Temple United Methodist Church. Avion became very interested in what Susan was doing for education in Africa. Susan invited Avion to go to Africa and see for herself. To finance her trips, Susan sponsors a safari tour to Africa for a group of willing vacationers. After the planned trip is complete, she visits her schools and returns to the states later. Avion joined the next safari and then stayed with Susan to visit the schools. Avion fell in love with the African children and became passionate to help Susan with her work. Avion met Brother Patrick Misiati in San Francisco while he was fundraising with Susan. Avion's first contribution ended up buying the bricks for Brother Patrick to build his school at St. Gonzaga. The children were formerly using a cow barn.
Avion moved back to western New York 2006 and continues to fund-raise for Brother Patrick's schools and high school sponsorship that he represents. Brother Patrick came to Cattaraugus in 2011 to meet people involved in fundraising for him. Attendance in the schools has increased considerably since their start. A group of 5 students at the St. Gonzaga Academy has increased to over 400 students. A dormitory was added to accommodate orphan students at the school. Providing food for the children is always a need.
During the time Avion Brooks lived in San Francisco, she became friends with Susan Rickert at their church, Temple United Methodist Church. Avion became very interested in what Susan was doing for education in Africa. Susan invited Avion to go to Africa and see for herself. To finance her trips, Susan sponsors a safari tour to Africa for a group of willing vacationers. After the planned trip is complete, she visits her schools and returns to the states later. Avion joined the next safari and then stayed with Susan to visit the schools. Avion fell in love with the African children and became passionate to help Susan with her work. Avion met Brother Patrick Misiati in San Francisco while he was fundraising with Susan. Avion's first contribution ended up buying the bricks for Brother Patrick to build his school at St. Gonzaga. The children were formerly using a cow barn.
Avion moved back to western New York 2006 and continues to fund-raise for Brother Patrick's schools and high school sponsorship that he represents. Brother Patrick came to Cattaraugus in 2011 to meet people involved in fundraising for him. Attendance in the schools has increased considerably since their start. A group of 5 students at the St. Gonzaga Academy has increased to over 400 students. A dormitory was added to accommodate orphan students at the school. Providing food for the children is always a need.
Avion with the St.Gonzaga students
