Thursday, July 29, 2010

The school has been built!



Dear Friends,

It is my absolute pleasure to be sending you this email today.

On Monday, July 26th I received a final report from my contact at Plan USA informing us about the school construction project in Jalapa, Guatemala. The school is complete and the 500 plus children of El Camaron, Guatemala are using their 2 new classrooms to help continue their education. We all should be extremely proud to be a part of something so special. We came together a year ago to raise $15,000 for two new classrooms to help out the children in this small community. Attached is the report from Plan. If you have a moment please take a look at the report. Included are photos and testimonials from the children.

Thank you to everyone who pitched in to help make this a success. Without your support this would not have been possible.

One Love,

Aaron

Plan Guatemala

REPORT ON EL CAMARON PROJECT – GAD GTM0116
Primary School Construction

For SP: Mr. Aaron Zukoski
SC: 333-71408 Medardo Mendez Pérez

July 23, 2010


INTRODUCTION

The Zukoski Grant Project to build two classrooms in the National Education Primary School in El Camarón community was implemented with financial support from Aaron Zukoski, to improve the conditions in which children from this community receive classes. The project originally included the construction of two classrooms; however, support from the municipal government, also made it possible for children in the kindergarten to benefit from the donation, replacing the kindergarten roof, which was in poor condition, and paving the student recreation area with concrete.

PROJECT OBJECTIVE
Provide a suitable physical space for educational activities in El Camarón community by building two primary school classrooms.

BUDGET
PLANNED: $ 15,571 Construction of 2 primary school classrooms

DISBURSED: $15,704 Construction of 2 classrooms
Kindergarten roof, pavement of patio

PROJECT EXECUTION
El Camarón is the largest community in San Luís Jilotepeque, with a population of 3,000 inhabitants; however, the illiteracy rate exceeds 50% in the adult population. There are only two primary schools and one kindergarten in the community. The largest of the schools has 370 students and 11 teachers. This school had three classrooms to attend to six grades, with some of grades having two sections.

The project began with a wonderful visit to the community by Aaron Zukoski in March 2009, when he met with inhabitants, especially children, as seen in the photograph.





During this visit, Aaron offered to promote fund-raising activities in his country for the construction of two classrooms. This was one of the community’s greatest needs, to give children a pleasant learning environment for their educational development.

Municipal authorities who were present during the visit made a commitment to support the project by contributing skilled labor, while community authorities agreed to contribute unskilled labor to accomplish what at that moment was still only a dream.

The first phase of construction project began on August 10, 2009. This photo shows the excavation of trenches for the classroom foundation, with the participation of parents and the technical assistance of an architect delegated by Plan.

In November, parents were much more encouraged by the project’s progress since construction had advanced to the point seen in the photographs. Parents, school children and members of the Community Development Council (COCODE), which represents the community, participated in the construction. The municipality of San Luís Jilotepeque contributed skilled labor with two masons and the COCODE, along with the school’s teachers, was responsible for coordinating and managing construction materials and labor, with Plan’s ongoing accompaniment




In December 2009, thanks to additional support from the donor and the kind-hearted people who supported the project, the school’s main patio, an unpaved area where children play, was paved with concrete.

From savings on the purchase of materials for the classrooms, it was possible to replace the roof on the little kindergarten. The roof had deteriorated because the structure’s lifetime had expired. This contribution gave the 98 children a safer roof that does not leak in the rainy season, as can be seen in the photos, meaning they are not at risk during classes.


This is a side view inside one of the four classrooms where the roof was replaced.






The next photograph shows the replaced roof from outside, along the small walkway.




In February, construction of the two beautiful classrooms was completed, as can be seen in the following photographs.




This photograph shows the walkway outside the two newly-constructed classrooms, currently used by first grade students.



The students are seen in the next photograph.

Children are now using the facilities thanks to the donation for this project. This section of the report includes some testimonials from children who have benefited from the project.



Eliazar (8 years old) is in the first grade. “I like the classrooms a lot. I am grateful to the people who helped make them.”



Hilda Marleny (8 years old) is in the first grade. “I like the classrooms a lot. Thank you for helping us make the classrooms. We feel good about studying in the new classroom. It is prettier than the other classrooms.”








Teachers are also grateful for this altruistic act from sponsor Aaron Zukoski and everyone who made El Camarón community’s dream into reality and contributed to the children’s educational development.

This photograph shows the four teachers from the kindergarten where the roof was replaced.


Medardo’s family is very grateful for the changes they have seen in their community. Mr. Santos Erasmo Mendez (the father) said, “I am grateful to the godfather for visiting the community. It was very moving to receive him in our home. Medardo was very pleased with the little presents he brought him and I am thankful for the support for our community by building classrooms to enlarge the school, fixing the school’s main patio and replacing the kindergarten roof. I hope the godfather is very successful in this work and that his visit will not be the last.”

Mr. Aaron Zukoski, you are always welcome to come back and visit our village and see your great project.

Plan Guatemala thanks you for your support and guarantees that many children, now and in the future will benefit from your kind assistance.

Monday, September 28, 2009

An amazing event


On November 19th, 2007 I set off on an around the world trip. The plan was to visit South East Asia, India, Africa, Europe and South America over a stretch of 10 months. On Saturday, April 25th, 2009 (17 months later) I finally made my way back to San Francisco, CA. Instead of stepping off a plane at San Francisco international Airport I came back on a Raleigh 300 cross country touring bike via Panama City, Panama.


My 17 month around the world experience was a life changing experience. My travelling mantra of "try anything, do everything and challenges are only opportunities" changed the way in which I see the world. Along my travelers I met many different people from all places on this beautiful planet. Before I came home I wanted to do something to give back to these amazing people and to this beautiful world. So...I decided to ride a bike from Panama City, Panama to San Francisco, CA. I did this to raise awareness and funds for children living in poverty in Central America. Specifically, the goal was to raise $15,000 for a school construction project in a small community 3 hours north of Guatemala City. I worked with an amazing organization Plan USA. Combined with Plan USA and supporters from back home in San Francisco we created The Last Hill Before Home. A grassroots all volunteer project aimed to create solutions for children living in poverty in Central America.


I got back to San Francisco on April 25th, 2009. By the time I rolled across the Golden Gate bridge the Last Hill Project had raised $11,000! Not bad especially considering the economic time that we live in today.


To raise the remaining $4,000 we decided to throw one last fundraiser. The Last Hill project decided to turn its attention to a one day special photography exhibit benefit and auction. For the fundraiser, I would gather together 6 other photographers that I met on my trip around the world. Bringing together these photographers was a challenge in and of itself but the hard work paid off. When all the photographers were picked I had a collection of 7 photographers with 7 photographs. Each photograph told a unique story about travel and culture. These photographs became the backbone of the "7 Views" photography exhibit. In addition, we were lucky enough to get 111 Minna Art gallery in downtown San Francisco to host the event. On top of that, San Francisco's local emcee Orukusaki provided an amazing line up of entertainment. from there, the Last Hill's very own Michael Ward presented a poetry reading and another artist Michael Peterson donated an amazing original piece of art. the stage was set for an amazing day.


About 150-200 people from the local San Francisco community rolled out to the event. The photographs were amazing and inspiring, the music was entertaining, the poem was moving, the painting was breath taking and the crowd was supportive. Everyone came together to and talked about giving and helping and in the end the last remaining funds were raised for the school construction project in Jalapa. With the funds the 400+ children of Jalapa, Guatemala will be able to have a clean and safe place to be educated. For the first time there will be enough space to open up high school classes. And maybe, eventually, these kids will be able to attend college.


Thank you to everyone who came out to the event. It was a spectacular time!


Peace, Power and Pedal


Aaron

Photo's for sale - Help the children of Guatemala

$30
Chennai, India
Wandering through the slums
Rishi Oswal
rishio.com
15x20
$45
Sliding Across The Sky
Valle de la Luna, Atacama Desert
Trekking through the Atacama Desert in the Spring of 2008.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Aaron Zukoski
lasthillbeforehome.blogspot.com
12x18
$35
Tel Aviv, Israel
This was one of a series of spectacular sunsets that I witnessed during my stay in Tel Aviv, Israel. On this day the sky had a pink purple tint and horizon was clear except for this one sail boat.
Wei Hu
whereiswei.com
6.5x20
$45
Every satsang and puja ends with a ceremony know as 'arati'. A flame, symbolizing the light of knowledge, is waved before images of the deities and teachers while mantras are chanted. Likewise the ego vanishes without a trace when incinerated by the dawning of knowledge.
Rishi Oswal
rishio.com
15x20
$45
“Gateway”
St Louis Arch, Missouri
Joshua Rapp
13.5x20
$30
OK Pilot
Brian kelleher
http://www.gravelbox.net/
12x18
$30
Wilhelm Scream
Brian Kelleher
12x18
$30
“The Fight”
Carson Pass Trail, Sierra Nevada Mountains
Joshua Rapp
12x18
$30
“Keeping Time”
Astronomical Clock, Prague
Joshua Rapp
12x18

$30
Rehasher
Brian kelleher
http://www.gravelbox.net/
$35
Neyar Dam, India
Morning Sunrise past the clear lake against the backdrop of the mountains.
Rishi Oswal
rishio.com
15x20
$30
Indian Smiles, Yukson to Tashiding
Sikkim, India
We were walking between the small rural villages of Yuksom and Tashiding when this Ute of four children went past.
rataphotography.co.nz
13.5x20
$25
Sakes Alive
Brian Kelleher
http://www.gravelbox.net/
12x18
$25
Mamallapuram, India
Walking under rock formations
Rishi Oswal
rishio.com
12x16
$40
West Coast
South Island, New Zealand
This was the first freelance commercial work I had done and the first helicopter flight I had been on. When we’d come to the coast I whipped around and took a few quick snaps of the coast line, it looked amazing.
Lisa Howard
rataphotography.co.nz
12.5x18 $45
Sliding Across The Sky
Valle de la Luna, Atacama Desert
Trekking through the Atacama Desert in the Spring of 2008.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Aaron Zukoski
lasthillbeforehome.blogspot.com

Friends....

Thank you to those of you who made it out to the "7 Views" Photography exhibit benefit and auction at 111 Minna on September 19th. Our community came together to view some inspiring photos from around the world and to raise money and support for a school construction project in Jalapa, Guatemala. In total, about 150-200 people came to the event in San Francisco and with your help we hit our goal of $15,000. The construction is already in progress in Gautemala and in a short time the community will have 2 new classrooms to house 400+ children and to bring much needed education to the community.

A few people have expressed interest in purchasing one of the remaining photos from the event. Above are the photos from the event that did not sell. I have also attached a discounted price to the photo. If you would like to make a contribution to the children of Guatemala via Plan USA you can do it today. Please email me if you would like to purchase one of the remaining photos. All donations are safe and secure and will go towards the school project in Guatemala. I can be reached by email and my address is below.

Thank you again to all that came out in support.

Peace,

Aaron

azukoski@gmail.com







I can deliever the photo to you directly if you live in the Bay Area. If not I will have to ship. Price does no incuding shipping.

Mike's Poem


My great buddy Michael Ward and I at our fundraiser for the Last Hill Before Home at Le Scorpion in Los Angeles.


For those of you who missed it...Below is Mike's poem that he read at the "7 Views" photography exhibit benefit and auction at 111 Minna in San Francisco on Saturday, September 19th. His poem was inspired by two things. One, he wrote the poem as a if he were me. He got the content from stories that we shared as we rode our bikes from Panama City, Panama to the border of Costa Rica. It was an amazing 2 weeks that we spent together and a time that I will never forget. Two, he got inspiration from the photo above. The photo above I took while walking across Spain on the Camino de Santigo. It is one of my faviorte photos from my journey and this poem was inspired by that. The trip and this fundraiser has been a life changing experience for me...one that I will never forget. Hewas able to put this amazing story to life through his poem.
Mike...Thank you so much for the poem and having the courage to stand up in front of a room full of strangers to deliever it. It was an amazing thing to do. Much love...

Born as a simple thought in my mind
A fantasy to leave the daily grind
I poured my energy into this thought
Becoming detached from things I’d bought
Life is not about the big tv
Or these thousand count sheets
So much more for me to see
Beyond these crowded streets
So strong was this thought
It eventually became real
I sold off most possessions
I listened to what I feel
With no idea what I was going to find
I knew I had to leave it all behind
Setting out into the great unknown
How can I describe all the things I’ve been shown?
I walked the world for over a year
Through many lessons
it became very clear
The trip was the beginning
Rather than an end
From all corners of the world
I made many a friend
The places the people
Each playing a part
Teaching me in life
You must follow your heart
I realized that no matter
Where my shadow may fall
That I am
We Are
A part of it all.
With one world
One people
One sky up above
In spite of our differences
We share One Love
Little by little
I began to see
The trip was about more
Than just me
It played in my head
Like the words of a song
“give back to that which I belong”
Scary and crazy it would seem
But I felt my calling,
It became my dream
My vision was born
In piece and bit
When it came together
I knew this was it
All of my travels
Brought me here
At a moment in time
It all became clear
Many of days
My shadow stretched long
Each step I took
Was a verse to this song
It took the world
For me to roam
So together
We could climb
The Last Hill Before Home!

Peace, Power and Pedal
Aaron

The photo exhibit






Yo!
It's been a while since the last post. And there is a good reason for that...busy...busy...busy for the "7 Views" photography benefit and exhibit.

Where do I start? Lets start with the week before the exhibit.


The week leading up to the exhibit was probably one of the busiest weeks of my life. First off....thank you to Brian and Casie for all the help and support that week. Without the two of you I certainly would not have been able to get everything together.


The Monday before the exhibit I started a new job. That's another story for another blog. In short...I'm with an awesome company called Trulia. they are an online real estate search engine. An awesome company with great vision. They help people find homes and help real estate professionals connect with those buyers. I started work on Monday and with that I was back in the great American workforce. So, my days, were filled with dot com stuff and at night I was busy working with Brian and Casie on the event. All of the small things started to catch up with us like cutting cardboard backs for the pictures and inserting them into sleeves. It was all busy work but in the end the photos looked amazing, the programs were ready to go and the show was finally here. It was all a lot of 2am nights but it was well worth the work.


111 Minna, in downtown San Francisco, is the perfect place to throw a fundraiser, especially one that has an artistic element. The event space was perfect! Alfredo was working hard on the entertainment and his band's came through! The music was a great element to the party. Mike's poem was also such a great add to the party. His poem drew in a large round of applause and one of his friends even bought the photo that inspired the poem. Mike's friend, Mike, had his painting on display. It was also an artistic interpretation of the entire ride from Panama to San Francisco. I attached the photo above. The painting was auctioned off for $200 with the money going to the school in Jalapa.


Brian and I got to 111 Minna at 8am. It was fun setting up the photos for the show. Probably one of the coolest stories from that day came at 9am on Saturday morning. Michelle, the event planner for 111 Minna, noticed one of the photos. While she was looking at the photo she got on the phone to her sister. The photo is by Brian Kelleher and is of the punk rock band NOFX. Apparently, Michelle's sister is married to one of the guys in the band. On top of that....the guy in the picture is Michelle's brother in law! Brian took the picture of NOFX in a small bar back east. Its an awesome photo! What a great way to start off the event! Michelle called her sister and she came down to the event with some friends and put a $80 bid on the photo...and won it! Brian if you are reading this...you might like to know that your freaking awesome picture of the lead singer of NOFX is comfortably chilling at his condo in the SOMA district of San Francisco! hahahah!

All in all the event was an absolute success. About 150 to 200 people came through the doors at 111 Minna. The music was fantastic, the photos looked professional and everyone was in great spirits at the event. We raised around $3,000 in total and with that we hit our goal of $15,000. The IF which is the young professional club of the World Affair Forum co-sponsored the event and brought a large group of people. Poem's were read, stories were told but most importantly awareness was raised for children in need of help and a school is going to be built in Jalapa, Guatemala.

Plan's Regional Development Director, Kristina Miletic, also came out to the event to pass out a few flyers and meet some of the attendees at the event. She is a total trooper because she flew in that morning and had to fly out that night for an engagement. She brought down a ton of information on Plan and we were able to pass it out to the people that came threw the door.
There are a million thank you's to give out but I think I may save that for one special long thank you blog. but...for all those that helped make this event successful THANK YOU!!!!!!
Peace, Power and Pedal
Aaron

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Entertainment for the Event at 111 Minna on Saturday, September 19th from noon to 6pm

Here's the lineup...

Sat Sept. 19th 12pm - 6pm

12:00pm - 1:45pm - (D.J.s)

1:45pm -1:55pm - OrukusaKi

1:55- 2:10pm - Cio Castenada

2:10pm - 2:25pm - Amy Serrata

2:25pm 2:30pm (band setup/DJ)

2:30pm - 2:55pm - Sarah Jaye

2:55pm-3:00pm(band setup/ DJ)

3:00pm - 3:45 pm Panthellion

3:45pm - 4:00pm (D.J.'s)

4:00pm - 4:45pm - Davu Flint

4:45pm - 5:00pm Plan USA / Aaron Z [speach]

(announce silent art auction ends 5:15pm)

5:00pm - 6:00pm D.J.'s

event ends at 6pm sharp


(artist sites)
http://www.panthelion.com
http://www.amyserrata.com
http://www.orukusaki.com
http://www.myspace.com/davuflint
http://www.myspace.com/ciocastaneda

Peace,

Aaron

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

7 Views - Bringing together travelers, photography and philanthrophy



Photograph courtesy of Rishi Oswal.

Photograph courtesy of Rishi Oswal.

Photograph courtesy of Rishi Oswal.

Photograph courtesy of Rishi Oswal.

Photograph courtesy of Aaron Zukoski.

Photograph courtesy of Aaron Zukoski.

Photograph courtesy of Aaron Zukoski.

Photograph courtesy of Aaron Zukoski.

Photograph courtesy of Lisa Howard.

Photograph courtesy of Lisa Howard.

Photograph courtesy of Lisa Howard.

Photograph courtesy of Lisa Howard.

Photograph courtesy of Joshua Rapp.

Photograph courtesy of Joshua Rapp.

Photograph courtesy of Joshua Rapp.

Photograph courtesy of Joshua Rapp.

Photograph courtesy of Brian Kelleher.

Photograph courtesy of Brian Kelleher

Photograph courtesy of Brian Kelleher

Photograph courtesy of Brian Kelleher

Photograph courtesy of Wei Hu

Photograph courtesy of Wei Hu

Photograph courtesy of Wei Hu

Photograph courtesy of Wei Hu

Photograph courtesy of Tom Robinson

Photograph courtesy of Tom Robinson

Photograph courtesy of Tom Robinson

Photograph courtesy of Tom Robinson
Amigos...

The movement of prayer flags at Thorung la Pass, Nepal to the deep blue lake at Atitlan, Guatemala to wandering monks in Angkor Wat, Cambodia to punk concerts in New York, New York...this exhibit has the unique spirit of photography and adventure. Moody, inspiring, thought provoking, breath taking, energetic, vibrant and chilling are some of the words that I've heard when showing the samples for the "7 Views, 7 Travelers: Photos from Around The World" exhibit. The idea of this exhibit is to bring together 7 photographers and showcase their unique way in viewing the world that we live in today. I met each of these passionate characters on my 17 month around the world trip. None of them have met but each of them share 3 things in common: a special way of viewing the world through the camera lens, a love of travel and the desire to use their talent to give back to a greater cause.
I hope you can all make it out to the "7 Views" Photo exhibit benefit and auction on Saturday, September 19th from noon-6pm at 111 Minna Art Gallery in San Francisco, CA. The event is going to feature 7 amateur photographers and their photos from around the world. On hand will also be two live bands, a poetry reading, a special talk from the beneficiary, Plan USA, and a few stories from yours truly. The event is FREE with a suggested donations at the door, 21 and up and open to the public. At the end of the day all the photographs will be auctioned off with all proceeds going towards Plan USA and a school construction project for children living in poverty in Jalapa, Guatemala. Come on out to check out some inspiring photos or hear some cool beats on 111 Minna's awesome sound system or come out to simply show your support for the kids of Guatemala.
Above I have included 28 samples of the 49 photos that will be available for auction at the event. I finally received the last of the photos and this is the first time that I have put the samples together in one post. Over the past 2 months I have been collecting the photos from the photographers. Our photographers are scattered around the world and are in places like New Zealand, China, Australia and the UK. This truly international exhibit is a showcase of their amazing work. A special thanks goes out to all the photographers that have been kind enough to donate their amazing photography.
The Last Hill Before Home is an all volunteer project whose mission is to bring a solution to the problems that children face who live in poverty in Central America. The goal of the project is to raise $15,000 for a school construction project for a small community near the town of Jalapa, Guatemala. The school will provide the 400+ children of the community a safe and clean place to learn. The school will also provide a place for the children of the community to attend high school for the first time. With this safe learning environment the children of Jalapa will be able to open up doors of self-growth, optimism and opportunity.

This event will mark an end to this grassroots project that started back in November of 2008. Initially, I wanted to do an inspirational event that would bring attention and awareness to this cause. So, on January 19th, 2009 I decided to ride a bike from Panama City, Panama to San Francisco, CA. The entire ride crossed 8 countries, spaned over 3,500 miles and took 3 months and 7 days to complete. The ride finished on April 25th, 2009 when I crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and rolled back into San Francisco. The ride is over and this "7 Views" event is the finally of this truly amazing project. I hope you can all make it out!
For more information on the photographers you can check them out here...
Rishi Oswal
Wei Hu
Lisa Howard
Tom Robinson
Joshua Rapp
Brian Kelleher
For more information about the event and to R.S.V.P.
Peace, Power and Pedal
Aaron