BSA Supporting US and NATO Humanitarian Efforts in Kosovo

Hello, my name is Gabriel Tacheny. I am a Boy Scout in the San Jacinto District, and a member of Troop 957 in Houston Texas. Currently, I hold the rank of Life Scout, and am working towards the completion of my Eagle Scout Project and earn the final rank of Eagle Scout. My current project plan, is to align with a US/NATO led humanitarian effort to provide much needed assistance to the village of Ferizaj, a small village in Kosovo, located in Southeastern Europe. The Village Elders of Ferizaj have identified the rampant dumping of trash as a severe health hazard to their local community and as such, have requested trash cans for a local park that is frequented by the villagers there in Ferizaj. These trash cans are made locally, which not only benefits local merchants but would significantly improve the beauty and safety of the park. Additionally, my project includes providing much needed supplies for a Women and Children's shelter located there in Ferizaj as well. Given the considerable distance of Kosovo from the US, one of my greatest challenges is cost and complexity of logistics support to that remote region. Secondly, another challenge is collecting sufficient funds to meet the assessed need of trash cans for the park in order to have a positive impact on cleanliness and beautification. My biggest struggle, has been to gather sufficient funds from this site and other fund raising ventures (car washes, bake sales etc) in order to purchase both the trash cans and much needed supplies for the shelter. I am determined to complete this project in assisting those much less fortunate in a world where so many of our fellow citizens struggle every day to make ends meet. As a Scout, it is my duty "to help other people at all times". This project will send a message to many that America, The Boy Scouts and NATO are here to help in every way possible, and this project shall be my effort to show that comfort and mercy for those who need it most.