From the Ground
I grew up in Africa. For the first 10 years of my life, I had no shoes, no running water nor electricity at home. We used to drink a coke once a year at xmas and I never watched a movie before 15. But what I had was something common to kids everywhere in the world. The hope to grow up to go great places and do great things.
Although our school had no band and very few teachers and little resources, I can tell you that the other kids had a plenty of hope. Collectively we also faced lots of diseases that threatened us each day.
Can you believe that the government created schools but could not support the schools even in cases when the roof was shattered down by a devastating storm.
When I met Robin today, her presentation with vivid pictures of the faces of poverty in Africa stirred me and reminded my difficult days past. Today, I teach and train executives around the world, I earn a fair bit of money. Though life is relatively comfortable for me, I have never forgotten where I came from, nor the many that need a chance to succeed. It can be done!
My own life was revolutionized by American Peace Corps volunteers. If there is anything I can do, by word of mouth, skill, ability or sheer commitment, I will not hesitate to create opportunities for all around the world through ONE.
The world can’t afford to sleep if some of its children still mourn for bread, yearn for clean drinking water or barely dream to earn a few nickles from fairer trade.
I will stand up for ONE.
Gideon F. For-mukwai
Certified Resiliency Facilitator
Volunteer, ONE
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October 5, 2007 at 5:08 pm
That was a powerful testimony. I believe if we can all work together, we can change the world to the better. You remind me what my passion is and push me to pursue it. Thanks, Gideon.
October 7, 2007 at 8:15 am
Dear Gideon,
You are a voice of authority and experience on the issues that ONE advocates around. It is so very heartening to me to know that you and a growing number of Africans (and Africans from the diaspora) are joining our movement to end extreme poverty.
We welcome you from our common Motherland. Please keep us updated about your activities for ONE~
LOVE AND PEACE. HOPE AND JOY. MERCY AND GRACE.
ALWAYS ONE in the Spirit, debbie
October 8, 2007 at 3:30 am
I AM REALLY HAPPY WITH YOUR MISSION TO END POVERTY IN THIS WORLD. WE IN AFREICA WE AS THE YOUTH IN AFRICA HAVE TRIED BUT THERE IS NO SUPPORT FROM OUR POLITICAL LEADERS AND THE GOVERNMENT DON’T HAVE STRATEGIES TO AND POVERTY. HOW CAN YOU HELP A GROUP LIKE PAMOJA YOUTH FOUNDATION in KIBERA SLUM?