Newton native in Peace Corps working to build orphanage in West African village

Sara Birkenholz of Newton hangs out with some children in the West African village of Avrankou. Birkenholz is currently serving with the Peace Corps where she assists small business owners, children’s and women’s groups and is raising funds to build an orphanage. She’s been living in the West African country of Benin for 15 months. Special to the Daily News

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In the village of Avrankou in Benin, West Africa, one young woman is working to build a home for 46 children who have been orphaned by poverty or the AIDS epidemic. Sara Birkenholz, the daughter of Dave and Shirley Birkenholz of Newton, has been living in the West African village of 15,000 people for 15 months as a Peace Corps volunteer. After seeing a need in the community, Birkenholz, with the help of community members and another organization, has made plans to build an orphanage. “My counterpart who runs the NGO (union for the reconciliation, the development and the peace for all people), approached me with this project. He explained the need of another orphanage,” Birkenholz said via e-mail. A lot of work lies ahead for Birkenholz who only has a few more months of service left in the Peace Corps and more than $19,000 to raise before construction can begin. “This is exactly what the Peace Corps wants,” she explained of how she is working with residents of the village. “(They) want the community to take leadership and decide what is really needed, not the volunteer doing what they believe is needed. This is a huge development.” Birkenholz knows she has set a lofty goal but is assured she will be able to complete the project before she leaves. “I am aware it is a huge project,” she said, “and a lot of money needs to still be raised, but I am confident money will arrive from friends and family in Iowa and the orphanage will be finished correctly.” It’s with that confidence Birkenholz was able to get her mother and father and church in Newton to jump on board and support her efforts. Birkenholz’s parents will be sharing their experiences from a recent trip to Benin at a fundraiser at the First United Methodist Church from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Events include a dinner and presentation, which will begin at 5:30 p.m., about the proposed orphanage and how individuals in Iowa can help with Birkenholz’s project. Shirley Birkenholz stressed that 100 percent of the profits will be going to help build the orphanage. “As soon as the money is raised — we’re hoping February — they will start building the orphanage,” Shirley Birkenholz said. “They’ve already got a builder and the land and the materials, we just have to get the money rounded up to do it.” Those wishing to make a donation also can call in a donation to (800) 424-8580 ext. 2170 or mail Peace Corps, O.P.S.I., 1111 20th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20526. The project number — 680-153 —must be included on checks.

Along with the building project, Birkenholz’s primary job is working as a small enterprise development volunteer, teaching practices to women and artisans. Birkenholz also teaches computer training courses, teaches at a local high school and launched an English club. Through the English club, Birkenholz will be doing cultural correspondence with high schools in the United States, including Newton Senior High School. Birkenholz also stays very busy within the community. “I have a girls’ club where we talk to different schoolchildren about important subjects such as AIDS,” she said. “I also work sometimes with rural women’s groups and artisans on business topics such as marketing and accounting.”

Although most of Birkenholz’s time is spent working, she’s glad she is able to give her time and help her neighbors because she joined the Peace Corps to make a difference. “I was a restless, recent college graduate craving a bit of adventure and the chance to help less fortunate people,” she said. “So many people told me, ‘I regret not doing that when I was younger and had the chance.’ After hearing that, I knew it was now or never. I took that next step, and it is turning out to be the best decision I have ever made.” Birkenholz’s decision to join the Peace Corps and to be away from home for two years did not sit well with her parents at first. After visiting Avrankou, Shirley Birkenholz said she knows her daughter is doing the right thing and is proud of all she’s accomplished. “We’re very proud of her and what she’s doing,” said Shirley Birkenholz. “We could never do that. She’s making a difference.” And while Birkenholz is improving the village and making a difference in the lives of people around her, she too has seen a change in herself during her 15 months abroad. “I finally found myself,” Birkenholz wrote of how she has changed since serving in the Peace Corps. “I now know what I am fully capable of, physically and mentally. It has made me a stronger person internally, given me patience and made me more compassionate.” Birkenholz not only sees a difference in her personality but said the experiences she’s had will shape the rest of her life. “I will forever see things differently,” she said. “I now can say firsthand what is really necessary in life and what isn’t.” ——— On the Web: Sara Birkenholz’s blog: www.overinbenin.blogspot.com Photos of Avrankou: www.flickr.com/photos/sarab_13