A note from HTS founder, Jenny Bowen -
WHY WE CAN'T STOP NOW
There are stories I could tell you – of storms, earthquakes and more - about why this year has been particularly tough for Half the Sky. There are things I could say about why we are afraid for the future of our programs as we watch the world struggle with economic woes. But you already know.
I want to tell you, instead, about some truly great things that have happened this year. I want to tell you why - no matter how difficult the times - we can’t stop now....
THE EARTHQUAKE — HELPING THEM HEAL
Like our core programs, Half the Sky's efforts to help heal the children who lost so much in the horrible Sichuan earthquake must continue despite hard times. While much of the world has already forgotten, we see their pain every day in our Big Top children's centers at refugee camps near the epicenter.If you would like to support the BigTops and help the children be children once again, please donate through the Children's Earthquake Fund link below.
Most Recent Earthquake Updates
HTS IS A 4-STAR CHARITY YET AGAIN!
In these days when it's no small decision to make a charitable gift, we hope it's a comfort to know that, for 3 years in a row, HTS has earned the top honor from America's largest independent evaluator of charities. Charity Navigator says, "
Receiving 4 out of a possible 4 stars indicates that your organization excels, as compared to other charities in America, in successfully managing the finances of your organization in an efficient and effective manner.This consistency in your rating is an exceptional feat, especially given the economic challenges many charities have had to face in the last year."
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT HALF THE SKY —
These days all of our plans for offering HTS programs to new orphanages in new provinces must take backseat to keeping the current programs alive. In the new year, we hope to reach out to children in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and Shanxi provinces. We can't yet predict whether that will be possible. Please check this spot early in 2009. We'll hope to have good news!
HTS IS HIRING
Please visit our Careers at HTS page to review current job opportunities.
Introducing Half the Sky’s newest holiday card (October 13, 2008)
We’re falling behind! – Please help us help earthquake kids!! (August 28, 2008)
Help Child Quake Victims with One Quick Vote (August 21, 2008)
LiPei, the Storyteller
When she first arrived at the Chongqing Little Sisters Preschool, LiPei was a shy, solemn two-year-old who liked playing by herself and “never” communicated with her classmates.
In time, with patient help from her teachers, LiPei emerged from her shell. Not only did she start communicating with other children, LiPei turned out to be a natural mediator-- when children fought over toys, LiPei would get in the middle and find a way to make peace between the feuding children.
But still she remained shy around adults. One day a new teacher smiled and asked the children to introduce themselves. LiPei stood up slowly, but could not make a sound. Finally, her classmate Gang said: “My name is Gang and her name is LiPei.” LiPei lowered her head and began to cry....
SKOLL AWARD
A BIT OF GOOD NEWS -
IRA Rollover Extended
The US Financial Rescue Package includes a two-year extension of the IRA Rollover provision.
If you are 70½ or older you can transfer up to $100,000 from your IRA to help the children of Half the Sky! To learn more, contact Carol at +1/510/525-3377
WINGS!
'In search of beautiful sights - I forget the cold'
So wrote Song Dynasty poet, Yang Wanli.
In celebration of our 10th anniversary, of all the tremendous support you've given to children in distress this past year, and in fervent hopes for a warmer, brighter spring, Half the Sky is delighted to offer this holiday card by Wing.
Soon, HTS will be introducing a new web meeting place for children helping children — Give Me Wings...And I Will Fly. This year, you all have helped so many to soar above their worries and fears. This card's for you.
The card is printed in full color on fine art stock. Inside, Yang Wanli's poem on the left, and on the right a bilingual message - 'Warm Holiday Wishes'.
