What does a dilapidated, roofless toilet outhouse have to do with a brand-new soccer ball? Everything, as we learned during a recent school visit. During a visit at our Ododuma Secondary Commercial School in Uyo, Nigeria, a group of students approached me and the Principal with a petition: they urgently needed a new soccer ball …
A Broken Toilet, A Soccer Ball, and the Power of Student Initiative Read More »
Not long ago, F.A., a young man from a neighbouring state, arrived in Bendenorth with little more than a desire to work. He had no formal training in construction, but he signed up for an eco-brick training with curiosity and hope. In just a few short weeks, he not only learned to lay bricks with …
Jacob Efion* is a student of our SS1 class, which is the first year in his Senior Secondary School. He was a restless student who struggled to focus. He would get distracted, fight with peers, or wander around school. But after joining the after-school painting program, everything changed. Jacob discovered his passion for painting and …
One day, while work was ongoing at our site, we faced immense pressure to deliver on the task at hand. We were also short-staffed, making it challenging to complete certain duties. It was during this time that Mr. A walked onto the site and approached the supervisor. He introduced himself and mentioned that he had …
Going from door to door, Ms Ib and her team found it fascinating to distribute flyers for the Holiday school program. The warm reception of the occupants of each home further encouraged the team’s pursuits and eagerness to go around the community and publicise the program. In one house, they went into, Ms Ib and …
A restless Mrs G about a decade ago paced the room, restless. What must I do with my hands? Raised in a family where her father owned various businesses, Mrs. G had a strong entrepreneurial drive. She wanted to own a business. Owning not just a small business, but a global one that affects families …
In the words of J.M., “little acts of kindness and showing up for people in their time of need makes a difference.” In the first quarter of the year, our guest house manager had a challenge with one of our long-stay patrons. The client left without notifying the manager and ignored all attempts at communication, …
Mrs. M motivation for helping at-risk children and youth stems from the vision to see them make something purposeful and long-lasting out of themselves. Currently, she is helping such kids in a small, beautiful rural village in Nigeria called Oduduma. After more than two decades, she continues to be motivated by the positive impact that …
Human existence will never be complete without some needs in place. One such need is housing. Identifying this need and actively working to bridge a widening “homeless gap” in our societies has given birth to Grow My Home’s Affordable Housing Program. A few weeks ago, Mr Jonny launched the “Affordable Home Program” in Kenya. Before …
We had a friend several years ago who liked to recite the quote – “It takes a village to raise a child.” – each time, she invited us to their home during the festive season. Back then, my husband, a teacher and others in his profession worked with her child. That party was her family’s …
Have you heard it takes a village to raise a child? Read More »