Beth

Elizabeth Rachel Bowers

(April 5, 1979-March 6, 2002)

Beth was a child of light, an adventurer of the spirit, and a seeker after world peace and understanding. Her death as the result of a bicycle accident in Zambia during her tenure as a Peace Corps volunteer marked the culmination of a vision of service and global awareness.

A Brief Accomplished Life

In her short life, Beth had many accomplishments:

  • Graduation valedictorian at Sprague High School, Salem, OR
  • Black belt in Shito-Ryu karate
  • Accomplished fly-fisherwoman
  • Shakespearean scholar
  • B.A. in Japanese Studies from Earlham College, Indiana
  • Junior year at Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
  • Phi Beta Kappa

The Peace Corps was the perfect way for Beth to fulfill her commitment to "give back" to others less fortunate. Her assignment to the fish-farming program in remote Zambia was a perfect fit. The donation of her organs and tissues to 22 South Africans was the ultimate "giving back" of her full, rich life to those in desperate need.

About Elizabeth Bowers Zambia Education Fund

To honor Beth, to continue her work and to sustain her vision of global peace and understanding, a memorial fund was created by her family and friends. Today, going to school is the best chance Zambian women have to take control of their lives. An educated population is essential if Zambia is to combat AIDS, gender inequality, and the overwhelming problems of poverty.

With Peace Corps' help, a scholarship fund was established for the education of Zambian women from Beth's village in Lumwana West and the surrounding area. Today, the scholarship is funding 83 village girls from grades 8 through 12 for an education they would otherwise not receive. Many of these young women are from Beth's village and knew her.

Beth’s aquaculture instructor, Zambian Mary Lundeba, having completed her master’s degree at the University of Malawi supported by the scholarship fund, is now pursuing her PhD in Fisheries Science at Penn State. Our first EBZEF high school graduate, Prudence Masanyinga, is currently studying social work in Lusaka. She plans to return to the village to help other Beth’s Girls continue their education.

The success and momentum of Beth's memorial scholarship clearly indicate that we must continue her effort in Zambia.

Help Contribute to Beth's Vision

100% of all contributions go to the Elizabeth Bowers Zambia Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit organization. Donations are fully tax deductible. All contributions go directly to the education of Beth’s Girls.

So little money goes so far:

  • $195 sponsors a student in grade 8
  • $155 sponsors a student in grade 9
  • $480 sponsors a student in grades 10 & 12
  • $425 sponsors a student in grade 11
  • $2,000 funds a two-year teaching degree

(2007 estimates include tuition, school fees, books and supplies,and uniforms, plus a small stipend for high school girls. High school and college are boarding schools. Grades 9 and 12 also receive tutoring and exam fees.)

Perfect Partnerships for Education

The Elizabeth Bowers Zambia Education Fund contracts with World Vision Zambia to manage and distribute funds locally in the Northwest province. World Vision is committed to the well-being of children worldwide.

We are currently working once again with our initial partner, Peace Corps Partnership Program, to build a memorial library/learning center in Lumwana West for Beth's Girls and the community. We need your help with funding and with collecting books and supplies.

Contact Us

To contribute to the Elizabeth Bowers Zambia Education Fund, click here. To contact us, click here.