Dear TagTeacherNet Members, On behalf of A Ray of Hope could I wish you all a healthy and happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2006. The strength of the TagTeacherNet Network of communication is both so important and invaluable to us. TagTeacherNet is an integral aspect of everything we attempt to achieve.

Once again we felt it appropriate that we provide you with an update on our progress. Months roll into years but we have managed to build on our original foundations and to keep the impetus for following and promoting the aims and ethos of UNESCO.

Although at times difficult to keep track of, we now believe that our membership of those caring and being cared for is approximately 210,000.

To 3rd December, 2005 from inception, we have been fortunate in having been able to deliver $7.6 million worth of supplies to 912 schools and organizations in 55 countries. This of course pleases us but recently we have diversified and other aspects of A Ray of Hope also give us great pleasure.

During 2005 we have had multiple visits to Sierra Leone, Kenya, Hungary, Romania, Cambodia, Uganda, Thailand, Brazil and Belarus. The aims of those visiting were to advance already commenced projects or to look for new programmes to begin and develop. All finances are the responsibility of the individual with no monies being lost to administration.

The Ugandan project, which was inspired by a worker in the fields desirous of the ability to read, is worthy of note. The UNESCO library programme was followed and it has in three years, with the railway tracks of friendship and empowerment, succeeded beyond our wildest dreams

We have promoted the "Culture of Peace" through several exciting events and projects. All three organizations below are now affiliated to A Ray of Hope.

1. Culture of Peace Concerts by Orchestra  of the City of London
   (In 2006, the orchestra may combine with the Byelorussian Charities in the UK to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Chernobyl)
2. Craigavon Borough 'Council Celebrating our Cultural Diversity' a festival of art, music, dance and food experiences.
3. Open Doors
   A coming together of prisoners from Bulgaria, Poland, Norway, England, Northern Ireland and Ireland to produce a showcase of literature and art. This will develop into an international citizenship programme which we hope may combine with CEWC and ASP.(The events were registered as UNESCO Culture of Peace Events. The secretariat in Paris have been particularly helpful throughout the period and deserve our thanks)

Art competitions, drama events, Aids/HIV awareness, support for music, online surveys and school projects, online science laboratories, teacher software all add to to the whole. Newly formed affiliations with Council for Education in World Citizenship (CEWC), Arms Reduction Coalition and Ugandan Network of Peace Initiatives augers well for the future. Recently projects in Nigeria and Ethiopia have captured our interest.

It was a honour for us to have been given representation on the UK National Commission for UNESCO Education Committee and also to have two representatives on the African Working Group. Anything we can do to contribute to the National Commission, support the Ambassador and the Permanent Delegation and promote the work of UNESCO will give us much satisfaction.

Throughout the period under review it has become increasingly less difficult to attract support from the private sector. Clothing companies have assisted us in Belarus, major airlines and car manufacturers have been invaluable for Uganda (including the sending of small business strategists to help with the formation of micro companies) and music and educational supply distributors continue to play an important role. We have also been able to increase our medical supplies with the support of several hospital trusts.

As candles on the icing of our 2005 cake the choir were asked to perform in St. Paul's Cathedral in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and representatives from 145 countries on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the United Nations. This was quickly followed by being proffered the honour of performing to His Holiness The Dalai Lama in private audience.

However, we will delight not in past achievements but in the anticipation of successes to come during 2006.

Take care and spread our message that friendship is everything.

Don
Director