April 26, 2003 - Albany Democrat-Herald: RPCV Pavla Zakova-Laney , founder of Educare-Africa, makes 4th trip to Cameroon

Peace Corps Online: Peace Corps News: Headlines: Peace Corps Headlines - 2003: April 2003 Peace Corps Headlines: April 26, 2003 - Albany Democrat-Herald: RPCV Pavla Zakova-Laney , founder of Educare-Africa, makes 4th trip to Cameroon

By Admin1 (admin) on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 5:07 pm: Edit Post

RPCV Pavla Zakova-Laney , founder of Educare-Africa, makes 4th trip to Cameroon



RPCV Pavla Zakova-Laney , founder of Educare-Africa, makes 4th trip to Cameroon

Educare-Africa founder makes 4th trip to Cameroon

By Les Gehrett
Albany Democrat-Herald

Albany resident Pavla Zakova-Laney will travel to Cameroon in May as she continues her efforts to help students in the west African nation.

"I was there as a Peace Corps volunteer and teacher from 1996 to 1999, and these children are so eager to learn and they appreciate things so much," Zakova-Laney, 49, said. "When you see how they struggle with the lack of basic supplies, you fall in love with them because you cannot help but care."

In 2000, after finishing her stint with the Peace Corps, Zakova-Laney formed Educare-Africa, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting schools in rural Cameroon. She traveled to Cameroon in May of 2000, 2001 and 2002, taking with her donations of school supplies, clothing and textbooks.

"Meeting with them every year, receiving hundreds of letters from them every year is so rewarding," she said.

Her organization's efforts are focused on the community of Tatum, where she also offers assistance with student fees, exam fees, rent, food and other essentials. There are about 620 students enrolled in Tatum High School, mostly girls.

This year, Educare-Africa received a $5,000 grant from the Riverside Church in New York City to provide textbooks and school bags for students.

Zakova-Laney is still soliciting cash donations, which are tax deductible, for the upcoming trip.

She will depart May 19 and return July 10.

The organization could also use donations of office supplies, especially printer cartridges for an HP Deskjet 855 CSI, a good camera and a video camera.

A native of the Czech Republic, Zakova-Laney is a graduate of Wellesley College. Leading Educare-Africa is her full-time vocation, but she is also an amateur photographer. Photos from her previous journeys to Cameroon are currently on display at the main branch of the Albany Public Library, 1390 Waverly Dr. S.E.

The photos provide a glimpse into what Zakova-Laney believes is her mission in life.

"I believe I am here to do this. I just wish I could do more."

HOW TO HELP

For more information on Educare-Africa, call Pavla Zakova-Laney at 924-9290. Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to: Educare-Africa, 950 Airport Road S.E. No 102, Albany, OR 97322.



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Story Source: Albany Democrat-Herald

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Cameroon; Service

PCOL4496
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By TATUM (cpe-69-205-47-22.nycap.res.rr.com - 69.205.47.22) on Sunday, April 17, 2005 - 9:41 pm: Edit Post

PAVLA NEEDS TO LEAVE CAMEROON ALONE!!! SHE DOES MORE DAMAGE THAN GOOD TO THE COUNTRY!!!!!

PAVLA, STOP PROTELIZING!! SAVE YOUR RELIGION FOR YOUR SELF!


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