Skylight Studios is a wonderful new art gallery in Charlottesville, that has a great assortment of originial artwork. There are some beautiful paintings, sculpture, jewelry, and other fascinating handmade items. They have been a strong sponsor of PROSAMI as well.

Prosami marches on. A media specialist has taken video footage of the Prosami story, as depicted by Agnes Kanyanya, to develop a documentary to be shared on the air as well as at local presentations in Virginia. Our friends in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are also getting videos of representative life in the rural Congo. All 14 advanced nurse midwife candidates in the DRC have sent their transcripts to South Africa for translation. We have several friends in South Africa who are facilitating the translation process and the introduction of these candidates to the South African Nursing Council . 12 of our 14 candidates have acquired their passports. All canddates have enrolled in an introductory English course, and PROSAMI has purchased the first initial midwifery textbook for each of our candidates. Prosami has been granted an exemption from Federal Income Tax, under section 501 ( c ) 3 of the Internal Revenue code of the United States. This recent designation of tax exempt status was the culminatoin of one year of work by our attorney, Mr. Ken Bucci, and our PROSAMI Board of Directors. PROSAMI recently joined as a member of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence in Charlottesville. Such membership will facilitate access to grant materials, through the Foundation Center holdings. PROSAMI 's next fun run has been set for October 9th, and our next Board Meeting is on June 14th..If you are interested in learning more about PROSAMI and can help in any way, please contact Agnes Kanyanya
(AKK6A@virginia.edu0 or David Strider (dvs7e@virginia.edu).

The weather was beautiful. The course took the runners / walkers through several dediduous forests, through a school playground, and across two bubbling creeks. Gently rolling hills were interspersed with long stretches along blooming dogwoods and wild pear trees. The Fun Run included a total of 18 participants and one dog. Initial prizes were awards for runners having the best hat, the neatest footwear, the flashiest eyeglasses, the most colorful running suit, the best team spirit, and the smallest runner. Runner competitive time prizes were awarded as such:

Toby Cox - First Place - 39 mins and 35 secs

Tseyang Sihle - Second Place - 39 mins and 40 secs

Namsel Sihle - Tie for Third Place - 61 mins and 0 seconds

Caitlyn Bailey - Tie for Third Place - 61 mins and 0 seconds.

A total of $300 was raised for this run. Many thanks to all who
supported and /or participated in the run.

On March 29th PROSAMI enganged in International conference call with Melinda Gates and USA Ambassador Melanne Verveer,focusing on initiatives to decrease worldwide maternal and infant death. There were many poignant examples of how small, directed programs in underdeveloped countries could make a major difference in the health of women over a short period of time. Small investments in basic health care intiatives,such as adequate prenatal care, access to competent midwivesm nurses, or physicians during time of delivery, breastfeeding guidance, and infant immunizations yield tremendous gains in the outcomes of stable childbirths, lower peripartum complications,and stronger infants. It was of note that this worldwide coalition, referred to as "One," espouses values and goals very similar to that of PROSAMI.

Come join us in the FUN RUN....

April 10th, Saturday, 9 am, McIntire Park

(off 250 Bypass, only 9 minutes from the Rotunda)

A scenic 5 K course, well marked, through woods, park, and residential area... topped off by a celebration breakfast and prizes...

We need runners and sponsors for the Runners...

All PROCEEDS go directly to support PROSAMI,

our program to improve maternal and infant health in the CONGO........

To sign up, contact Agnes Kanyanya

(AKK6a@virginia.edu) or David Strider

(dvs7e@virginia.edu)

This evening, at our presentation by Terry Lucas on "Welcome to the Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the International Women's Day," we had 23 participants. The participants tonight hailed from South Africa, Raman, Togo, Kenya, India, Nepal, the Congo, and the United States. A true international gathering. Terry Lucas, the current administrator of the UVA Medical Center's Children's Hospital and the Women's Center, shared a large collage of famous women over the last 100 years. She includes stories about Florence Nightingale, Ms. Stanton and Ms. Cody, Wilma Randolph and some of her school teachers. Agnes then provided an overview of PROSAMI for the group. The group then enjoyed an international meal, with fresh food and recipes from many different countries.

Please join us on Weds, March 10th
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, for the Recognition and Celebration of the Women’s Internationale 100th anniversary.

Terry Lucas, RN, MSN, will be our keynote speaker on “Women’s Courageous Journey to Success: How Did They Do It?” Event will be at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 190 Rugby Road, (next to Beta Bridge), Charlottesville, please feel free to dress in your country’s wardrobe and, if you like , bring a dish from your country.

The PROSAMI presentation went off as a big success tonight. 26 individuals attended, with donations of $77 and Silent Auction proceeds of $233, for total revenue of $310. The spaghetti was outstanding. Agnes did a superb job on the presesntation.. there were many questions asked and lots of interest after the formal presentation was over. We had representatives from Martha Jefferson Hospital, UVA School of Nursing, Univ. of Virginia, Nelson County, and Augusta County.