"Through its support for CIE's programs,Giving Spiritwill be raising the levels of literacy in schools in poor, rural and isolated parts of South Africa. Literacy opens the doors of opportunity to learners, giving them one of the most important tools they need to confront the many challenges of life and to live useful, meaningful and safe lives." - Vivien Byrne, Development Coordinator, CIE NSO Johannesburg, South Africa Giving Spirit projects consist of programs, which are managed primarily by independent organizations known as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) based in South-Africa. Through our extensive contacts and thorough process of qualifying, Giving Spirit vets every organization (project partner) we select for support to ensure that your contributions actually reach those who are in need. Through these project partnerships, Giving Spirit maximizes its ability to execute our goals of empowering schools effectively and appropriately. Through our projects, Giving Spiritassists schools and students in a variety of areas including, but not limited to: Teacher training Funding for textbooks and other learning supplies School building improvements Literacy & Numeracy education CIE (Catholic Institute of Education) The Catholic Institute of Education is a not for profit education service organization and Associate Body of the Southern African Catholic Bishop^s Conference. Established in 1985, the CIE serves children of all faiths and has a long and credible history of service provision to Catholic and public schools, especially those located in historically disadvantaged communities. The focus of its work is on teacher upgrading and whole school development including leadership and management and school governing body training, in service education for teachers in literacy and numeracy, HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs and religious and values education.

SA Freedom Day 2007 festivities, Detroit, MI. l to r: Chenise Omar, Honorable Yusuf Omar, South Africa Consul General, Johnette Barham, President, Giving Spirit, Michiel Van Niekerk, Consul Political, South African Consulate General, Chicago, IL