Cooper & Touré
work out in 2013.
The school as it
currently is
A NOTE ABOUT HOW COOPER STOCK’S WAY USES ITS FUNDING
Many people have generously donated to the Cooper Stock’s Way Foundation in tribute to the too-short life of this remarkable boy. The CSPTT is determined to use their funds in a smart and careful way, ensuring that these memorials to Cooper’s life will in fact benefit the people of Vakaramoko’s home villages.
The Cooper Stock Project for Tiewa & Tangoudou (CSPTT) is underway in Guinea, Africa.
In 2012 Cooper met Touré, a fitness instructor and personal trainer at the JCC in Manhattan. They hit it off immediately and quickly formed a special friendship.
Vakaramoko Touré was born in the village of Tiewa, Beyla. He came to New York City not knowing a word of English, determined to make money to help his family and the people of his country.
This project’s goal is to work with the people of these two neighboring villages in the West African nation of Guinea to improve life for the residents—starting with the drilling of a well and the building of a new school.
Just having the proper plumbing to provide clean water to the community will have a huge impact on the lives of the townspeople. Touré says the possibilities for change the school will bring are limitless.
The school will be named in honor of Cooper, a child whose legacy of kindness and joy is already far reaching. Through generous donations, Cooper’s tragic death will enable us to provide the funds needed to help Touré fulfill his dream.
Many parents in the village currently do not want their children to go to school. They are mostly farmers and the default is for their children to join them on the farm. They have little experience with and therefore little confidence in formal education, and how it can completely transform a child’s life for the better. The new school will educate not only the children, but also any parents in the village who are interested. Besides creating a space for learning, the building will provide necessary amenities like running water, which will save the villagers countless hours and hopefully reprieve them from some of the difficulties they face on a daily basis.
Powering the Project
Dana Lerner is the president of the Cooper Stock’s Way Foundation, the mother of Cooper Stock, and the driving force behind the CSPTT. She is responsible for all decisions about how funds are spent.
Vakaramoko Touré, who was born and raised in the village of Tiewa, is the spark who inspired the project.
Cooper Stock was a young boy who had a close relationship with Vakaramoko in New York City. Tragically, Cooper was killed in a car crash while crossing a New York street when he was nine years old. The well and school are being built in commemoration of Cooper’s compassion, enthusiasm, and joie de vivre.
Ira Wolfman is a journalist, author, and adviser to the Cooper Stock’s Way Foundation.
The Elisabeth Cathy Foundation (FELICA) is the Guinean partner working with the Cooper Stock’s Way Foundation to improve life in Guinea, especially for vulnerable people. It has overseen many projects including the building of schools, orphanages, and clinics across Guinea.
Catherine Loua, MD, is a public-health doctor and the founder of FELICA.
Sekou Touré, mayor of the villages of Tiewa and Tangoudou, is a key adviser to the project.
Support the Project
Zelle Donations:
cooperstocksway@gmail.com
Checks made payable to "Cooper Stocks Way, Inc." can be mailed directly to:
Dana Lerner
12 West 72 Street, Apt 17A
New York, NY 10023
WITH PAYPAL
The Cooper Stock Project
The children’s ages range from 7 to 13...
We don't have enough resources. Sometimes kids don't show up.
Every morning after they salute the flag, they get in line for the name call.
The children’s ages range from 7 to 13...
