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Lynn A. Meisch, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Anthropology
Saint Mary's College of California
P.O. Box 4613
Moraga, California 94575-4613
Lynnmeis@aol.com or lmeisch@stmarys-ca.edu
June 25, 2002 Re: Fundación Ali Shungu
To Whom It May Concern:
I have known Margaret Goodhart and Frank Kiefer since 1986. They are the President and member of the Board of Directors respectively of the Fundación Ali Shungu. Frank and Margaret have lived in Otavalo, Ecuador, part-time since 1979, and continuously since 1987, and are well-regarded by the indigenous community here. They have helped many people with medical and dental problems, donated food and clothing to poor families, financially supported community events, and helped distribute scholarship money for the United States-based Fundación Jatari: Andean Education and Research Foundation.
More recently they became members of the community of Yambiro, outside of Otavalo, where they own land. They formed their foundation with the intent of helping the people of this region, who are agriculturists growing primarily corn, who are extremely poor, and who do not benefit from tourism or the handicrafts trade for which the Otavalo region is famous.
The people of the Yambiro area need medical care, as well as books, desks, and school supplies for the five primary schools in the region. Fundación Ali Shungu was formed to help meet these urgent needs. In addition, the area needs a renovation of its water system so that people can grow a variety of vegetables for their own use and to market for extra income. Another major project concerns the purchase of land for the community of Yambiro and the construction of a small greenhouse and a building that can serve as a meeting place and medical clinic.
I can say without hesitation that Margaret Goodhart and Frank Kiefer are honest, hardworking, of high moral character, and have excellent community relations. They have asked me to serve on the Board of Directors of their foundation and it is an honor to do so.
I recommend them without hesitation and will be glad to answer any questions from NGOs or funding entities concerning their requests for funds for community development. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of help.
Sincerely,
Lynn A. Meisch, Ph. D.
Associate Professor of Anthropology
Saint Mary's College of California
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