Our Progress as of 6th December 2012

We at the Living Stories Foundation have been working hard each week: planning, thinking, exploring ideas and debating between ourselves to figure out the best possible stories, publishing methods and artistic ideas that were possible for us to come up with. So far some of us have been lucky enough to visit the orphanages, talk to the children and get their stories and ideas about their own lives and the world.

Our biggest hope is that soon we will be able to give YOU these wonderful stories and insights into the lives of some of the less fortunate children in this world. These children truly do have a strong message to give to you and they want to let the world know about their aspirations and hopes.

We have recently talked to a few publishing companies and are working speedily towards the creation of the book. We continue to attend many events and to let people know of what we have been working towards. We believe that we can make this happen, if we continue to work strongly as a team and with determination. How could we not have determination when knowing that we could improve the lives of these wonderful orphaned children, and also give you, the readers, a deep insight into these children’s thoughts and dreams? This is what we want to do, Dear world…

Our Progress

Hello everyone!!

This is just to let you know how much closer we have gotten to publishing a first edition of stories. We've edited a batch of stories that one of our members collected from an orphanage in India. We've been trying to gather illustrations from young artists to put in the book as well, and we're also working on getting permission to put up posters advertising the book in Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells. If anybody wants to ask us about our progress, or volunteer to help out, feel free to contact us- Thank you all!

Extracts Published

Dear Friends,
Just to let you know extracts have been successfully published and released.
To request an online copy(free), simply email us at:
livingstoriesfoundation@gmail.com


Contact us for further information, or to request extracts to raise awareness of our first collection of stories for the children of Anawim. Also, contact us if you wish to partake in fundraising or donate to the publishing of these stories.
The final complete books will be offered for sale later this year. Pre-order by emailing us at the address above!

- Living Stories Foundation

Update

Currently:

• We are working on our first publication- a collection of short stories written by the kids at Anawim Orphanage in Nigeria ( see earlier posts for extracts and contact information). http://anawimmspp.org/
• We had the opportunity of meeting the children there earlier this year.
• All the stories we collected were hand-written on paper scraps the children found.
• We were able to discuss with them both about themselves and about what we hope to do, and how they wished for their stories to be shared with the world.
• Re-visiting the past is not easy; we acknowledge this. However, all the stories were written voluntarily by the children. We were amazed by how invested they were in it, and it further inspired us to realise this project.
• The children and their caretakers told us that what drove them to do this was mostly because they know that sharing this story, and the funds generated from this can be used to help someone else not as lucky as them. 
• These children are compassionate and full of hope. They are not desolate- they are'lucky', and even with the little they have, they still think of and wish to help, others who do not even have what they have.
• In the subsequent weeks, LivingStories will be producing the first set of published extracts, and will be having fundraising days and days to raise awareness of the first book that the charity will produce- Anawim's story.
• Contact us for further information, or to request extracts to raise awareness of our first collection of stories for the children of Anawim. Also, contact us if you wish to partake in fundraising or donate to the publishing of these stories.
• The final complete books will be offered for sale later this year.

A Few Facts on Living Stories Foundation

Hey Friends!
Just a few facts to set things straight:

• We are a relatively new charity, founded February, 2012.
• Our Management team was founded and is currently run by students. We are, as a group, firm believers in youth empowerment and the ability of a person to make a BIG difference no matter how SMALL( or young) you are. We are looking for youth and adult support alike. Contact us!
• Though primarily based in the UK as of present, we are an international organisation- our members come from all parts of America, France, India, and Africa.
• We continue to welcome both financial and human support. Anyone or organisation willing to take an active role on this project is invited to contact us at www.livingstoriesfoundation@gmail.com.
• Our funds are used:

1. To assist the charities or groups that care for the children.
2. To aid the children themselves, and other children in similar conditions of suffering
3. To promote awareness of child suffering through our publications.
4. To promote child literacy and education, and the importance of getting your voice 'heard', through our works and activities.

• We publish stories from a variety of backgrounds, and cultures, and emphasize a strong link between donors and those they help.These are primarily published as books which can be ordered simply by contacting us for further information at www.livingstoriesfoundation@gmail.com.
• If you are a kid with a story to tell:

You are welcome and encouraged to submit your stories, anonymously or with a charity/organisation/body link- any person or group that you would like us to assist in their philanthropic work. You can do this through email : www.livingstoriesfoundation@gmail.com.
Also, you can simply contact us to bring to our attention any charity, organisation, or group that you feel would benefit from our work. Suggestions of groups of children with stories you feel should be told, are further encouraged, and we welcome all suggestions and input! 

• Copy and Paste/ Share this info page and our blog link http://livingstoriesfoundation.blogspot.co.uk on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media! The more awareness of this project, the more others can hear the voices of the kids demanding to be heard- the more we can help!

Thank you!

Contact the Orphanage of our Authors- the kids themselves!

Address:
ANAWIM HOME;
Opp. GSS Dagiri, along Kaduna-Lokoja Express Rd, P.O.Box 339, Gwagwalada abuja

Tel:

•  +234-8035951455      
•  +234-8056079583      
•  +234-8086091182      
•  +234-8025235833      
• +234-8162079257      

Or Email @:

•  info@amawimmspp.org
• oresoa@yahoo.com
• anawimpoorestofthepoor@yahoo.com

Check out their good work on:

• http://anawimmspp.org
• https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anawim-Home

THANK YOU FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO DONATE...


To make Cash donations to ANAWIM, Please use the following designated Banks:


First Bank:
ACC Name: Sr Oresoa Selo-Ojeme
ACC Numbers: 4002010016055




Diamond Bank:
ACC Name: ASSOCIATION OF THE POOREST OF THE POOR
ACC Numbers: 0642010004450



If you reside outside Nigeria, we accept Cash donations via Western Union.
Please contact the bank nearest to you for details on how to sent cash donations via Western Union.


MATERIAL DONATIONS

If you have the desire to make Material Donations such as Food Items, Clothing and other related tangible items, then visit any of our designated Addresses in either Kaduna or Abuja depending on depending on your location. Or call any of the following numbers for inquiries... +2348035951455 or +2348055079583

John's Story

I was born in Ondo state on April 9^th, 1997. After my father died, my family moved to Edo state where I grew up. We stayed with my grandfather because he was a native doctor. Ironically, it was my grandfather who had killed my father out of jealousy, when I was seven. He blinded one of my eyes and that is how my mother and brother / did the same to my mother and brother. It is only two of my sisters who are not blind. We then went to a convent in Edo state where the sister took care of us. She brought us to Anawhim Home.

The Sister who brought me told them( the staff) that I’d lost an eye, so they bought glasses for me. I  love reading Bible stories and ‘long books’ (novels). I like to help other’s write out their stories as well. Every morning, after I wake up, I pray my prayer to Him, at the altar I made. After, I clean my room, and take a bath, and eat my breakfast. I’m glad that I can go to classes ‘at home’( voluntary teacher’s come to the care home)

Today, I am 14 years old and one day, I would like to become a doctor. God Bless Anawhim Home for what they have done for me. I promise to make this home ‘happy’.

Teacher’s Comment:

An extremely intelligent boy. Helps others who can't write as well to verbalise their thoughts and feelings.  Appears composed and happy on outside, but little things still upset him. From then he can easily get moody/ withdrawn.



Extract from Anawim's Story- A Living Stories' Production

Order full book, and Inquiries at : www.livingstoriesfoundation@gmail.com 

Want to hear more about John and others like him?

Want to take an active part in realising this project, and giving voice to a victimised group?

Want to support our project through donations?

Contact us: www.livingstoriesfoundation@gmail.com 

Theresa's Story

My name is Theresa Medubuike. I was born into the family of Mr and Mrs Grace Madubuike, I am 10 years old and come from Anambra State. I am in Primary S and I want to become a lawyer in the future after my university education. When my mother was alive she was very sick, later she became better but later on the sickness was very serious. She went to the hospital after and then she died there, when she died I was crying and very sad. After some days they buried her. After they have buried her Sister Osheisa came to pick us up from the hospital to Anawim home. When we reached Anawim home, I was happy and glad that I have a place to stay. I saw some sisters in the home and one of the sisters came to take me to the hostel. When they took me to the hostel, I was happy, the sister gave me everything I need. 



Extract from: Anawim's Story- A Living Stories' Production
Order full book, and Inquiries at : www.livingstoriesfoundation@gmail.com 


Want to hear more about Theresa and others like her?
Want to take an active part in realising this project, and giving voice to a victimised group?
Want to support our project through donations?
Contact us: www.livingstoriesfoundation@gmail.com 

Angela's Story

My name is Angela Ogbectte. I came from Cross-River. I am 12 years old and I came here for a purpose. That purpose for coming here is my future, and my sister brought me here. My mother is alive and my father is alive too. When I came here, the sisters were happy to see me, and when I grow up I want to become a banker. When I came here, I was crying because I will miss my family but now I am happy. The sisters took care of me very well and may god continue to bless them for what they have done for me. The sisters send me to school and I am now in Pry S. I always looked sad when I came here but now I am happy to be here and I want to thank all the people who come here to give us clothing and food. May God continue to bless you all and reward you. Amen. Thank you.

Angela’s parents live in Cross River and had to send her to the Orphanage for a better education since they couldn’t take care of her.

Her interests are mathematics, dancing, and banking. She was a shy person but is now very social.

Extract from Anawim's Story- A Living Stories' Production
Order full book, and Inquiries at : www.livingstoriesfoundation@gmail.com 


Want to hear more about Angela and others like her?
Want to take an active part in realising this project, and giving voice to a victimised group?
Want to support our project through donations?
Contact us: www.livingstoriesfoundation@gmail.com ;

Progress Made- 24/05/2012

The process of editing is underway! We have edited 12 stories so far and we are considering which stories to display and publish first... watch this space!

Starting out- 17/05/2012

From now on, this blog will be updated on a regular basis, with news on new progress, excerpts of stories, invitations for suggestion and various links related to our mission.

Mission Statement- Living Stories Foundation aims to alleviate child suffering in both local and international communities through the publication and retail of short stories and other related works written by children in conditions of suffering. It achieves its aims by raising awareness of child suffering and promoting child literacy through the distribution and sales of works.