The Need for Schools in Mali

In Mali, 66%of men and 77% of women have no formal education.  As a result, Mali is incredibly poor and is ranked 175^th of 177 countries.  A Save the Children sponsored community school features 3 classrooms, a headmaster’s room and latrines for both boys and girls.  Once a school is built, Save the Children ensures that the school has skilled teachers and the learning resources children need to make the most of their educations.

America Ferrera shares the need for a school for children in Diassadeni village in Sikasso District in Mali at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaduKzJHaN8

Calling all Optometrists, Ophthalmologists, Dentists & Orthodontists!

Looking for a great conversation piece for your office and/or waiting room?  Many of the original Ugly Betty paintings featured in our auction would be a great addition to your décor!  All winning bidders will receive a framed, autographed Ugly Betty cast photograph.  If the winning bid is over $3,000, the winner will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with America Ferrera and receive a framed, autographed copy.

A business expense to help a great cause – building a school to provide educational opportunities to those less fortunate!

View the paintings at http://abc.go.com/shows/ugly-betty/photo-details/matts-paintings/365759 to plan your bidding!

Winning Auction Bidders to Receive Framed, Autographed Photos

In addition to the satisfaction of having helped to make a HUGE difference in the lives of children in Diassadeni District in Mali by helping fund a school, ALL winning auction bidders will receive a framed, autographed Ugly Betty cast photo.  ALL winners of paintings with bids higher than $3,000 will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with Save the Children Education Ambassador & Ugly Betty Star America Ferrera and will be presented with a framed, autographed copy.

Educating Children in Mali:  In Mali, one of the world's poorest countries in western Africa, many villages are located in remote areas, with no schools nearby, which contributes to the more than 800,000 Malian children who do not go to school.  Only three out of 5 girls go to primary school in Mali .  Families are worried about their safety, the limited opportunities that await them, and rely on the girls to take care of younger siblings or help with farming and other chores.  Many girls have few options; they drop out of school to marry young and perpetuate a cycle of family poverty.  School can break the intergenerational cycle of poverty.  Read about America Ferrera's efforts to help Save the Children improve educational opportunities for children in Diassadeni village in Sikasso District in Mali , and how you can help.  Visit http://apps.facebook.com/causes/403327/95886565?fb_page_id=22616251873&m=71bb3202

Haiti Relief Effort: The impoverished nation of Haiti was struck by a devastating earthquake on January 12. With over 20 years on the ground in Haiti and the strength of a global alliance behind us, Save the Children is one of the top international responders and will be a permanent presence in the lives of children who have endured unspeakable adversity. Your donation is greatly needed to allow Save the Children to provide urgently needed medical attention, safe drinking water, and other necessities. Please support our responses to affected children and families by visiting www.savethechildren.org , calling 1-800-SAVETHECHILDREN or texting SAVE to 20222 to make a gift. ANY size gift is important and can make a difference.