That Others May Rise is announcing the Elmer – Zizi (E-Z) Scholarship Program to initially focus efforts on children and adults in the country of Cabo Verde, with a long-range goal of providing educational opportunities and a lifting hand to many in the United States. So why the Elmer-Zizi Scholarship Program and what’s in a name?
First the easy part as the old saying goes, age before beauty, so Elmer before Zizi. Elmer and Zizi, different names in of themselves, two diverse individuals with totally disparate backgrounds from dissimilar cultures, but very similar in their actions. Elmer and Zizi believe(d) in dreams coming through hard work and commitment. Elmer Miller born in the United States, served in the US Navy, raised a family of three as a Pennsylvania steel worker, and was always there to lend a helping hand, a symbol of freedom, commitment, sacrifice and dedication to all who knew him as a friend, neighbor, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Zizi or Maria Mendes, born in Brava and raised in Fogo, Cabo Verde, immigrated to the US, raised a family of three while working in the Massachusetts textile factories, learned English and became a US citizen and is always there to lend a helping hand, a symbol of freedom, commitment, sacrifice and dedication who know her as sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Both represent the compassion of people, both are images of hard work, both are icons for humanity, both are more alike than they were ever different. Elmer is no longer with us physically on this earth and Zizi continues to bless us with her devotion to others every day.
Recently when a local church in Praia had their organ and some electrical equipment burglarized, we were able to work with the local pastor to replace the organ fro the church service that Sunday. The pastor scouted the local market and working with a local businessman was able to find a great replacement that we purchased. In the end this was a great surprise to the local church members and kept the money in the local market place.
