I greet you today with a heavy heart and sad news. Our Beloved Founder
and President of AISCS, Christine Nyanda Chacha, passed away on Friday, March 30, 2012. Affectionately known as "Mama Chacha" she had been battling cancer for two years, and was working for AISCS until the day she died. In fact, she spent the last six weeks of her life back in Shirati Tanzania, making sure the women's group, the brick ovens, the water tanks, and the school were functioning properly.

Of the many accolades she received over the years, she was recently honored with The Jefferson Award (from CBS Channel 5) and an Ubuntu Award. Ubuntu is an age-old African term for humaneness - for caring, sharing and being in harmony with all of creation - which was a reflection
of her life.

The Chacha family and AISCS organization thanks everyone who has supported us and our founder's endeavors over the years. We will all remember Christine's charisma, determination, unstoppable energy,
love for all people, funny ways with words, and devotion to her community. She was a truly amazing woman.

Pelé Glasper - Board Member