When an LPGM traveler visited Eripoto, a safehouse in Tanzania for Maasai girls escaping forced early marriage and other harmful cultural practices, she was impressed by what she saw and moved by Eripoto’s founder Esuvat Lukumay’s innovative leadership. She has since become an ardent champion of Eripoto’s work.  

The traveler visited Eripoto for a second time and learned that Esuvat had started an onsite preschool. While the majority of Eripoto’s safe house residents were away at school, Esuvat turned their living quarters into preschool classrooms. When the girls returned to the safe house during school vacations, the preschools would also have vacation. As a long time educator, the traveler knew the importance of early education and was overjoyed to see the preschoolers at Eripoto. She was once again impressed with Esuvat’s resourcefulness.

Eripoto preschool is welcoming to all children in the village - Christian and Muslim alike. In addition to supporting families in the surrounding village, Eripoto preschool provides a safe environment, English language instruction, and most importantly a wonderful learning opportunity for the village preschoolers who otherwise couldn’t afford preschool. (Eripoto preschool charges a small fee but if a family can not afford the fee concessions are made.) 

It was clear to this traveler that Eripoto’s preschool was exactly what the village families needed, but it was also easy to see how a little financial support would improve the learning environment at the school. The traveler decided to start a fundraiser for the preschool, and she reached out to friends and family.

The response was swift and enthusiastic. The goal was to raise $10,000 for the preschool. That goal was exceeded and a total of $15,000 was given to Eripoto preschool! With the money raised, Eripoto purchased educational teaching materials, toys, puzzles, computers and created an outdoor classroom playground. Although Eripoto preschool’s three excellent teachers are paid very little, they came to Eripoto because they believed in Eripoto’s mission. Thanks to the fundraiser, the teachers' salaries were increased!

The preschool enhancements were made possible because Eripoto preschool got the boost they needed from this fundraiser and because this traveler believed in Esuvat and the work of Eripoto.  

Are you passionate about an LPGM partner project? If so, you too can start a fundraiser. Choose a particular cause, easily share with friends and family, and make a difference!

Learn more or start your own fundraiser now. Feel free to reach out to LPGM’s development director, Bethany Krepela at 612.806.0733 or bethany@lutheranpartners.org. She’d love to answer your questions, brainstorm with you, or provide inspiration!"

Start your own fundraiserSupport Eripoto