Sonna Etienne Foundation

WE DID IT AGAIN!!!
Academic Recognition Ceremony at Balefang Primary School! June 7th, 2024.

Great 👍🏾 👌 job to our Cameroon Ex*****on team under the great leadership of their president Mr. Pavel Sonna . You are helping change life, one action at the time! Well done!

THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU IN THE COMPLETION OF THE BALEFANG WATER PROJECT!!!

Gratitude is our foremost sentiment as we extend our thanks to all our donors, without whom none of this would have been possible.
We'd like to extend a special appreciation to a remarkable force behind the success of the Balefang Water project: Dr. Carole Montarou ! She contributed everything necessary, from motivation, boundless energy, financial support, extensive networking, 'never give up' mindset, unwavering care, and, most importantly, an unwavering can-do attitude our board needed to get through this mega achievement! 🥰🙏🏾

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Le mois dernier, La FONDATION SONNA ETIENNE fait encore parler d'elle à travers ses actions. Les élèves du Lycée de Baloumgou, Situé dans le département des Hauts-Plateaux, Régions de l'Ouest CAMEROUN ont retrouvé le sourire lors de la cérémonie de départ en vacances . En effet, la fondation sonna Étienne via sa succursale AES-CMR a primé les meilleurs de chaque classe avec des kits scolaires constitué de Sacs, livres, cahiers, stylos...sans oublier les enseignants et le staff administratif ainsi que les meilleurs de chaque cycle et la meilleure élève en histoire géographie de l'année 2021-2022.
A travers ce geste, la Fondation encourage à son niveau l'excellence scolaire et se positionne comme un acteur incontesté de l'éducation au Cameroun.

Last month, the SONNA ETIENNE FOUNDATION was still talked about through its actions. The students of the Baloumgou High School, located in the Hauts-Plateaux department, Western Regions of CAMEROON, smiled again during the holiday departure ceremony. Indeed, the Sonna Étienne Foundation via its AES-CMR branch has awarded the best of each class with school kits made up of bags, books, notebooks, pens...not to mention the teachers and the administrative staff as well as the best of each cycle and the best student in history geography of the year 2021-2022.
Through this gesture, the Foundation encourages academic excellence at its own level and positions itself as an undisputed player in education in Cameroon.

SAMMY PRO

Bonjour famille vous avez bien dormi cette nuit j'espère...

Les choses se précisent pour nous. Soyez tous prêt pour vendredi.

Academic excellence: The SONNA ETIENNE FOUNDATION TAKES UP THE CHALLENGE AT BALEFANG PUBLIC SCHOOL a Village located at the Foto group. We are in the region of the western department of Menoua district of Dschang.
About 100 pupils from kindergarten to primary school received school supplies from the hands of the national president of the SEF as a reward for their satisfactory results at the end of the year.
We will come back... 17 juin 2022

Excellence scolaire : la FONDATION SONNA ETIENNE RELEVE LE PARI A L'ÉCOLE PUBLIC DE BALEFANG un Village situé dans le groupement Foto. Nous sommes dans la région de l'ouest département de Menoua arrondissement de Dschang.
C'est environ 100 élèves de la maternelle au primaire qui ont reçu des mains du président national de la SEF des fournitures scolaires en guise de récompense pour leurs résultats satisfaisants de fin d'année.
Nous y reviendrons...

SAMMY PRO

**2022 SONNA ETIENNE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT**

After a diligent and well thought through selection process, the Sonna Etienne Foundation is excited to announce to the world the first winners of the Sonna Etienne Graduate Scholarship Award.
Click on the following link to learn more about the scholarship program and discover our 2022 awarded graduates scholars: https://scholarships.sonnaetienne.org/scholarship-recipients/.

This year, 4 scholarships were awarded, and our goal is to increase that number to at least 10 awardees in 2023. Please support this vision with:
- Your donation to this campaign closing in a week on Apr 28th: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1584713891905352/1599603047083103/
- or by signing to the recurring donation on our website: https://www.sonnaetienne.org/donate-now/ (Remember to select your preferred frequency)
- Or contact us at [email protected] to join our mentor community.

Thank you for your unwavering support! We could not have done this without YOU! 👏👏🥰🤩

Hello fellow supporters!

It's been a good 2 months plus... so much time, we needed to reset after a rewarding assignment trip to Cameroon.

3 weeks of road trips and programs as:
- A vibrant seminar on professional development and self-empowerment
- The launch of the Sonna Etienne Scholarship to give underprivileged talent the opportunity for a full ride entrance to graduate studies in USA or Canada
- A workshop on introduction to programming at some primary schools
- And some visits to our water project site
- Community exploration trips to assess future community who truly needs support

Kidding you not, I found time in between to squeeze 2 personal majors events; a funeral and tradition wedding!
We also got to be honored at a Chief’s palace with Chieftaincy/kingship titles, all were put together in a one day ceremony, demonstrating love and care, as well as appreciating of our efforts and community development work that is impacting positively their everyday lives.
Closing the journey with a mega memorial event to acknowledge this very man for who this foundation exist today.

Though we do not expect anything for our giving and care, the village intronization was a memorable moment and I am so grateful for their appreciation and trust.
Also grateful to my journey partner Carole Montarou, my dear siblings Sonna Stella, Pavel Sonna, my better half and no.1 supporter Dennis Oriero and our new ventures supporters that honored us with their presence to witness and supports our December 2021 programs: Olga Karmanova and Deise Costa Crowley. That alone is a story of another day!

Now, you can see why we needed a well deserving break to recharge! But, no regret to the overall journey as it was another impactful giving time!
I am humbled by this experience and most importantly by you, friends and family, who are trusting, supporting and encouraging us along this journey... I can never THANK YOU enough. The journey is just starting. Let's make 2022 even more impactful!

🙏

Over $26,000 raised !!!!!!!
THANK YOU to all our donors and supports who shared this fundraiser with their network !
We are so grateful !! and excited for what is to come !
The water project is getting kicked-off and we are heading to Cameroon for more community and education events in December ! This is just the beginning !
Follow-us on social media, FB:SonnaEtienneFoundation Insta:sonnaetiennefoundation
You can always donate and support our mission through the website: https://www.sonnaetienne.org/
or through your corporate donations platform if applicable.
Either way, we love corporate donations matching 🙂
We hope to take you on this journey with us !
With Kindness, Tata Carole , Annie Sonna

I am so so close to $10,000 raised, so close. For all those who have donated so far:
THANK YOU !!! MERCI !!!
Today is the last day to donate and WIN. I am humbled by this experience and the learning. but forget about me, it is about the people, just like you and me, who want to live and enjoy their lives. Except, they do not have running water like we do.
Help me reach $10,000 and I will add $1,000.
https://charity.gofundme.com/.../sonnaet.../carole-montarou1
With Kindness,
"Be the change you wish to see in the world"
Tata Carole

Help me make a difference in people's lives. There is still time to donate and win in our summer virtual fundraiser which ends 09/30/2021. I will donate $1,000 at $10,000 raised, and another $1,000 if we can reach my goal $15,000 raised.
Please donate: .
https://charity.gofundme.com/.../sonnaet.../carole-montarou1 .
or.
https://www.sonnaetienne.org/.
Share with your social network !.
Thanks !

Thanks to all who have donated so far !! Like I had committed to, I matched the most recent $1500 donated. Plus, it was doubled with Microsoft corporate matching.
As a result, I am at $5,630 out of my $15,000 goal !!
If you have not done so, take a moment to read about the foundation mission, family story, and consider donating to fund our project which will provide clean running water to over 6,000 people in Cameroon and is locally contracted.
We cannot do this without the support and generosity of our community. Any amount can help ! or simply spread the word to your own network.
Thank you for your generosity ! Tata Carole
"Be the change you want to see in the world"

Provide Clean Running Water to over 6000 Households in Cameroon DONATE AND GET A CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING AWESOME AND READY TO GO PRICES THROUGH DRAWING: - SURFACE LAPTOP GO! - CHAMPAGNE AND CHAMPAGNE SWORD WITH LESSON ON HOW TO SABER - AFRICAN ART CRAFT! The Project: The biggest project this year ...

Donate to our Summer Virtual Fundraiser campaign to provide clean running water to over 6000 households in Dschang Cameroon.
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/sonnaetiennefundraiser/sonnaetiennefoundation
You will automatically be entered in a drawing to win prizes including Surface Laptop Go, Champagne sword and Champagne (plus lesson), and African Art craft.

Provide Clean Running Water to over 6000 Households in Cameroon DONATE AND GET A CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING AWESOME AND READY TO GO PRICES THROUGH DRAWING: - SURFACE LAPTOP GO! - CHAMPAGNE AND CHAMPAGNE SWORD WITH LESSON ON HOW TO SABER - AFRICAN ART CRAFT! The Project: The biggest project this year ...

The Sonna Etienne Foundation was at Balefang Primary School last Friday to encourage students effort through an award recognition ceremony. Here is a newspaper commentary of the event in French. We hope to bring the English summary soon!

http://www.sinotables.com/2021/07/06/dschang-sonna-etienne-foundation-voici-comment-ces-enfants-ont-decide-de-rendre-hommage-a-leur-pere/

A message from Tata Carole:

2020 was a year like no other for everyone. While for most it will be one of the most challenging years, I had paid my 2020 dues in 2019 having gone thru what I will look back at one of the most difficult years of my life. Some of you know. If I am brave enough, maybe I will share the journey, but I am not there yet.

When 2020 rolled around, I was ready to hit the reset button and rebuild. As the world proceeded to lock-down, I had already started my process to turn inward and get to work to find the next version of me.

As 2020 came to a close, I was ready to give back. You read correctly, give back in 2020 ! In October, I had called Annie Sonna to let her know I wanted to do something in Africa not knowing she also needed help to launch her foundation (sonnaetienne.org) in Cameroon in December 2020. Next thing you know, we are landing in Yaoundé on 11/27/20.

My favorite picture and moment of the trip was when Annie and I were surprised with being "intronisées" crowned in the village of Balefang where we had held an intro to coding workshop in the local school. Just like that, I had become what one of my Nigerian friends call "Cameroonian Royalty" !

To me, this moment and picture symbolized so many things. First, the great partnership, friendship and bond Annie and I had built. We spent 3 weeks together almost 24/7. It is not like you can arrive in Africa and demand a suite with two beds. You have to adapt and go with the flow. She made sure I was taken care of and received like family, well, like royalty. I never really felt in a strange land. Getting to know her better and her family was a true privilege.

This moment also symbolized I had not only overcame painful personal challenges, but rebuilt from the ground up to a new version of myself. In this moment, I thought back to the last two years and knew, I had arrived exactly where I was supposed to be. I was thrilled to share this with Annie !!

Now, my new title comes with responsibilities, of course. For me, the bond to the Sonna Etienne Foundation is personal. I am extremely grateful and honored to be part of the team. I will be sharing more of our initiatives and stories through the summer as we are gearing-up for bigger projects. Stay tuned....

Web: www.sonnaetienne.org
IG/FB: sonnaetiennefoundation

In memory of a very special
DAD

Remembering today all the wonderful moments you showed me what it is to have a great dad in my life, I can't help it but to hold back the tears from my eyes.
Today i can't think of what I wouldn't give just to spend a day with you, feeling your love and protection through laughter and looking at your assuring face that always convey protection & safety to me.
Dad, I know this feeling is not just mine but that of many of your children out there that you impacted one way or the other. And today, I find comfort in knowing that we are keeping your spirit alive thru the Sonna Etienne Foundation (www.sonnaetienne.org) and pray that the work of this foundation will be able to bring hope, assurance and provision to many generation to come.

There! we are heading to the Balefang Elementary school for another year of scholarship award on July 2nd, 2021 while attempting to complete an over $50K water project that will make clean water accessible to a large population of Dschang.

I take this opportunity to thank you all, my social media family, for your unwavering support through your advices, donations and /or volunteering. You are a big part of this movement and we will do it together. Please continue to support us in this journey of keeping Sonna Etienne legacy life by extending this vision to your own network. You can consider:
* signing up as a fundraiser through our dedicated director .montarou or
* donating here to honor the legacy of this great father: https://www.sonnaetienne.org/donate-now/.

Happy Father's Day to:
- All the great dad and step dad out there
- All the Fathers God call early to be with him
- All the single mothers out there carrying it all without despair
- All our young boys, we are training to be the true father role model of tomorrow.

I love you all for the impact that you are leaving in this world!

Annie Sonna
President of the Sonna Etienne Foundation (SEF)

In memory of a very special
DAD

Remembering today all the wonderful moments you showed me what it is to have a great dad in my life, I can't help it but to hold back the tears from my eyes.
Today i can't think of what I wouldn't give just to spend a day with you, feeling your love and protection through laughter and looking at your assuring face that always convey protection & safety to me.
Dad, I know this feeling is not just mine but that of many of your children out there that you impacted one way or the other. And today, I find comfort in knowing that we are keeping your spirit alive thru the Sonna Etienne Foundation (www.sonnaetienne.org) and pray that the work of this foundation will be able to bring hope, assurance and provision to many generation to come.

There! we are heading to the Balefang Elementary school for another year of scholarship award on July 2nd, 2021 while attempting to complete an over $50K water project that will make clean water accessible to a large population of Dschang.

I take this opportunity to thank you all, my social media family, for your unwavering support through your advices, donations and /or volunteering. You are a big part of this movement and we will do it together. Please continue to support us in this journey of keeping Sonna Etienne legacy life by extending this vision to your own network. You can consider:
* signing up as a fundraiser through our dedicated director montarou or
* donating here to honor the legacy of this great father: https://www.sonnaetienne.org/donate-now/.

Happy Father's Day to:
- All the great dad and step dad out there
- All the Fathers God call early to be with him
- All the single mothers out there carrying it all without despair
- All our young boys, we are training to be the true father role model of tomorrow.

I love you all for the impact that you are leaving in this world!

Annie Sonna
President of the Sonna Etienne Foundation (SEF)

We hit a great milestone on May 21st!!!
We received our very first recurring donation - on a Quarterly basis! Hourah!!! Thank you to our new recurring donor Elsie Ekwa aka Sonya Justice (Founder and author of the famous nurse magazine "FABULOUS NURSES"! We appreciate YOU!

To all my supporters, you can also lead the way by starting the monthly, semester or even yearly recurring donation!

For any special event like birthday, memorial, death of love one that you want to honor with a fundraiser targeting education, wellness, community development or disaster relief, consider creating fundraisers for Sonna Etienne Foundation.
Please click the below link to get you started: https://www.facebook.com/fund/SonnaEtienneFoundation/

Facebook fundraisers Create a Facebook fundraiser to raise money for a friend, nonprofit or yourself. Share your fundraiser with friends, get donations and reach your goal.

Sonna Etienne Foundation updated their website address.