2014: Rationale’s Year In Review

Rationale’s third year was both exciting and eventful! We have continued to strengthen our commitments to our students and build our mission here in the US and in Uganda, as well. We are pleased to share with you our many accomplishments in 2014.

This year, we…

• Continued to support Francis, Gloria, and Emily through their studies.
• Spent two months on the ground in Gulu, strengthening our mentorship program, evaluating our programs, and assessing the standing of each our students.
• Watched Emily complete her program in midwifery at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor. We are very excited for her graduation in March! She is our first student to complete their program under Rationale’s support and will now spend her time using her new skills by working and gaining experience in a rural clinic before applying for the next level of her education to begin next January!
  
• Received 501(c)(3) status from the federal government, recognizing Rationale as a tax-exempt organization and making your contributions deductible each year (to the extent permitted by law)
  
• Expanded our board of directors to include Oola Julius Peter Kakaye, Malik Kemokai, Aatifa Sadiq, and Tamkeenat Syed (in addition to Matthew Sebastian and Jaclyn Tabbert in their previously held positions)
  • Julius is Deputy Director at St. Jude Children’s Home and lecturer at Gulu University. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Social and Philosophical Studies from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda’s largest institution of higher learning. Julius then earned his Master of Arts degree in Development Studies from Uganda Martyrs University and also holds a Diploma in Guidance and Counseling from Alokolum National Major Seminary. He is a prominent advocate for vulnerable youth in northern Uganda and will act as liaison between Rationale and the Ugandan communities with whom we partner.
  • Malik is experienced in community projects and nonprofit development. He has worked for several Chicago-based organizations assisting in the development, communications, and fundraiser sectors. Malik has come to Rationale with enthusiasm to assist in fundraising efforts. He is currently finishing his graduate degree in nonprofit management from North Park University.  
  • Aatifa is a graduate from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration program. She has experience working for numerous international-based organizations as a project coordinator. Aatifa is excited to provide Rationale with program evaluation and assistance in development.
  • Tamkeenat is currently pursuing her Doctor of Medicine from Meharry Medical College. A long-time supporter and former volunteer for Rationale, Tamkeenat is very eager to continue supporting Rationale as a board member. Tamkeenat has formed an essential supportive bond with Gloria and Emily, our two students studying in the medical field, as they each continue their respective studies.
• Partnered with Ethiopian Diamond to hold an end-of-the-year fundraising event in Chicago on December 12th which, because of your generous support, raised enough funds to support all of our students for another year!
• Continued work on a new website to launch in 2015

We thank everyone for your continued support. We are excited for what 2015 will bring!

With gratitude,
The Rationale Team