| SIS Student Profile: Julie-Anne Savarit-Cozena by Kwin Mosby, January 2006 Julie-Anne Savarit-Cozena, BA ’09, is no typical college freshman. While many AU students hope to intern or work for a non-profit organization during their college career, she has founded one—the African Education Program.
“Our mission is to raise awareness to the plight of many African children who are desperate for the educational opportunity that is taken for granted in many countries around the globe,” Savarit-Cozena said. “Although many of these children live below the poverty line, they are highly motivated to work hard, to learn and to improve the quality of life. Unfortunately, there is a serious shortage of textbooks and other educational materials.” A mentor from Zambia inspired Savarit-Cozena to help. His connections and family in Zambia helped her and two of her friends pick a community and make the first shipment and trip a success. “My mentor is so close to me that I consider him my second father. So in that sense, yes, my family did influence me. The rest of my family has been one-hundred percent supportive and helpful in making this project a continual success,” said Savarit-Cozena. She wanted to provide materials for students instead of “just throwing money at the problem” and, with the help of the father of a friend that is a tax lawyer, completed the paperwork to make the African Education Program an official non-profit organization. After graduating
from the School of International Studies, Savarit-Cozena would like
to continue her humanitarian efforts through her non-profit organization.
“I would love to spend the rest of my life continuing to work
through this program and expand it not only through the rest of Zambia
but other parts of Africa as well.” |
