TRE 2007 Projects

The impact we have on the world is greater than we can imagine, like spreading and expanding ripples on a pond.

In a world of many challenges, it’s easy to believe the only way to make positive change is to take extreme action. However, each one of us has the capacity to change the world in some small way.

In 2005, Frogman, Inc. initiated a humanitarian effort to support the Bwindi Community Heath Centre in Uganda, building a surgical center to provide health care in one of the poorest regions in the world.

Frogman, Inc. and Tim Cotterill are pleased to expand our efforts to create The Ripple Effect, making an opportunity for our galleries and collectors to join with us in making a difference.

In 2007, the program will continue our support of the health mission in Uganda, as well as two other humanitarian projects. Through the generosity of the galleries and Frogman collectors, the “Ripple Effect” is dedicated to benefit the world community.

Bwindi Project | BEADS Project | Orphanage Project

Bwindi Community Health Centre

BCHC is located on the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southwest Uganda. It provides health care to some of the poorest people in the world, including the Batwa Pygmies who were displaced from the forest after it became a National Park to protect Mountain Gorillas. For these marginalized people, death by malnutrition, malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and diarrhea are a reality. The clinic is managed by members of the community and provides health care to about 25,000 people.

In 2006, Frogman, Inc. built a surgical unit for visiting surgeons to operate. In an area where malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS are rampant and health care non-existent, The Ripple Effect will provide funding to train new health care workers to go into the rural areas and spread information about these preventable diseases, creating a ripple effect improving the quality of life for the indigenous people.

Seasons Greetings from Bwindi Community Health Centre
by Dr. Scott Kellermann and Dr. Paul Williams
December 13, 2007

Detailed update on the Bwindi Clinic
by Jolie McTavish
May 22, 2007

Synopsis: The Bwindi Community Health Clinic has recently added a third M.D. and support staff now numbers 30. Some of the BCHC's projects include:

• providing medical care to 25,000 to date of some of the poorest people in the world;
• addressing needs such as maternal care, HIV/AIDS treatments and surgery;
• working with tandem programs to improve water quality and agriculture, which cycles back to improved health;
• distributing bed nets to reduce malaria, and
• purchasing land for the displaced Batwa pygmy tribe.

BEADS Woman’s Project

It is widely said,
“If you educate a girl,
you educate a family and ultimately a nation. The BEADS programs in Kenya go even further.”

Dr. Helen Gichohi, Vice President for Programs African Wildlife Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya

Beads for Education, Advancement, Development and Success (BEADS) is a multi-pronged approach to better the lives of the Maasai tribe, who strive to continue their traditional lifestyle within the framework of a changing world. The key to positive change in this region is clearly education. The BEADS program allows African girls, to complete their education instead of traditionally marrying as young as 13. The Ripple Effect will support the BEADS educational program that not only provides a good quality education to qualify girls for higher education, but engages the graduates for an additional year as community service interns. This begins a ripple effect that has a significant positive impact on entire communities through rural education, literacy, health, and human rights issues.

Update on the BEADS Woman's Project
by BEADS co-founder, Debby Rooney
October, 2007

Update on the BEADS Woman's Project
by Jolie McTavish
May 22, 2007

Orfanatorio Casimira Arteaga

Since 1874, Casamira Artega in Aguascallientes has provided a home, education and a supportive atmosphere for girls that have experienced abandonment, extreme poverty, and abuse. The Casamira houses and educates girls who are orphans, as well as providing meals and education to local low-income girls living with their families in the area. In addition to basic school curriculum, the program includes vocational training programs to create opportunities for future self-sufficiency.
The Ripple Effect will provide funding for a new vocational training program in horticulture. A large garden will be established for ornamental and medicinal plants where the girls will learn about plant propagation, horticulture, gardening skills, and business education. In addition, the garden will provide a source of food; the sale of ornamentals and garden products will be the basis for a practical business training program, and provide a source of income for Casamira.

Update on the Orfanatorio Casimira Arteaga Project
October, 2007

Update on the Orfanatorio Casimira Arteaga Project
by Jolie McTavish
June 27, 2007