The Steppingstone Foundation 2009 Annual Report

(left to right)
Muram,
Steppingstone ’10
Marwa
Amin Ismael,
Grandfather
Deena,
Ohrenberger
Elementary School
Amal, Mother
Bassil,
Steppingstone ’08
Sidiek, Father
(not pictured)
Most children learn about Steppingstone from their teachers or parents. In the Bacare family, grandfather
Amin, who taught in Sudan for 40 years, made sure that his grandchildren completed Steppingstone’s application
process. He attended almost every meeting and workshop, since their parents’ work schedules often conflicted.
Along with the support of family, both parents acknowledge the role Steppingstone advisors played in their
children’s educational success. “The children’s advisors helped us every step of the way,” said Amal. Steppingstone
advisors helped them choose a school for Bassil, and in the end, The Park School proved to be the perfect fit. Muram
was set on attending Boston Latin School, so with that in mind, the team worked together to ensure that she kept
her grades up and scored well on the entrance exam.
Amal and Sidiek soon discovered that it was one thing to get into these schools, but to navigate them successfully
was yet another learning experience. Sidiek credits Steppingstone with helping them to understand the importance
of participating in extracurricular activities at school. Bassil has gotten involved in many activities at The Park School.
He plays sports, is a member of the rocket club, and discovered that he has an interest in community service. Over
the summer Bassil worked as a volunteer at ABCD Head Start and credits the job with helping him to become more
responsible and to look beyond himself.
Younger sister Muram, who was a member of Steppingstone’s Leadership Council, just completed Steppingstone’s
academic component and graduated from the Academy in August. She is currently attending Boston Latin School.
“I’m very proud of my accomplishment,” she said. “It was hard but fun at the same time. I made so many friends and
learned so much.”
With the Baccare family, Steppingstone is clearly a family affair. Amin reflects on his grandchildren’s journey
and notes, “Their success is my joy, and I want only the best for them. I tell Bassil and Muram: work hard, don’t
settle for less, and never give up.”