With the mission to create sustainable, grassroots development projects through student exchanges, the Global Peace Exchange has a two-fold effect: local communities would receive benefit at the grassroots level and students would also be exposed to opportunities in the humanitarian field. The hope is that students achieve a shared understanding of the common human struggle to survive, a moral and ethical education about the issues affecting a particular area or culture, and the hope to aid in the building of a new “civilization” of humanity. I was able to get some insight from the Global Peace Exchange's director Alison Giest regarding her involvement with the organization and what it means to give
What is your role in the organization and how long have you been involved? What are your responsibilities?
For this academic year August 2011 till now I have been co-Director. This is my third year with the organization. Currently, I:
oversee a 15 student-volunteer board to manage our finances and on-campus activity, coordinate with partners in developing countries (this year Uganda, Rwanda, Nepal) so that we can implement our projects, manage and train16 students in research and intern positions so they are ready for their exchange, as well as develop alumni and faculty networks.
Why did you get involved with the Global Peace Exchange? What was your inspiration?
I have always been interested in international issues, and in college, I began to become interested in 'development'. GPE providesa critical approach to understanding humanitarian issues and foreign aid in terms of their sensitivity and concern for sustainability.
How does the organization measure its impact?
This year we are initiating a monitoring and evaluation research project to qualitatively and quantitatively review our projects. This will entail talking to different community members/students and looking at improvements in test scores and or attendance.
What makes the Global Peace Exchange different from other organizations with student exchange service projects?
GPE gives students the opportunity to to engage directly with a community in project design and throughout implementation. Our exchanges are also longer than typical student service projects (2-3 months) and we attempt to return to the same locations year after year, demonstrating commitment and dedication to specific communities. We aim to provide sustainable solutions to communities that empower them to make change in their own lives after we leave.
In your experience with the Global Peace Exchange, what was the best advice that you received or lesson that you learned along the way?
I have learned to admit failure and when something is beyond our capacity. This is difficult when you are attempting to 'sell' your projects to donors, but this recognition is the only way to truly improve and grow your work.
What’s the greatest challenge that the organization faces today?
As a student organization and student continually graduating, it is difficult to ensure consistent leadership. We are working on institutionalizing the student within our university as well as developing specific guidelines for future leaders to follow in terms of position roles, contacts, timelines to follow and advice. Passing on the things we learn along the way tends to be difficult.
Five years from now, where do you envision the Global Peace Exchange? What legacy do you want to leave?
I hope that GPE will grow in scale, implementing more projects with all the contacts we have gained and providing more students the opportunity to have this experience. I believe that solidifying our large alumni network is a means to doing this and securing funds, as our alumni continue in the development field making their own contacts.
Could you share with us a memorable story or experience you've gained from your time with GPE?
Being able to give students the opportunities to have these service experience is extremely rewarding. One student particularly, we had trouble placing at first. After several months we found a perfect location fit given her interest and experience. She is ecstatic and this opportunity has driven her to integrate service into many areas her life: her blogging and artwork. Knowing that these experiences will change the way the students look at the world and interact with it, is one of the most incredible feelings.
How can one person make a difference in the world?
One person can make a difference by telling his or her story and all that he or she has learned to as many people as possible.
What advice do you give to other potential social entrepreneurs?
Learning how to communicate effectively with the people you work with, ensuring that your vision is the same is critical. This allows you to communicate a consistent message as many people as possible.
On a personal level, what does giving mean to you?
Giving means empowering. It is important to give things that make sustainable change. Thus you can give and share a skill, a story, or an experience.
Click here to donate to the Global Peace Exchange!
What is your role in the organization and how long have you been involved? What are your responsibilities?
For this academic year August 2011 till now I have been co-Director. This is my third year with the organization. Currently, I:
oversee a 15 student-volunteer board to manage our finances and on-campus activity, coordinate with partners in developing countries (this year Uganda, Rwanda, Nepal) so that we can implement our projects, manage and train16 students in research and intern positions so they are ready for their exchange, as well as develop alumni and faculty networks.
Why did you get involved with the Global Peace Exchange? What was your inspiration?
I have always been interested in international issues, and in college, I began to become interested in 'development'. GPE providesa critical approach to understanding humanitarian issues and foreign aid in terms of their sensitivity and concern for sustainability.
How does the organization measure its impact?
This year we are initiating a monitoring and evaluation research project to qualitatively and quantitatively review our projects. This will entail talking to different community members/students and looking at improvements in test scores and or attendance.
What makes the Global Peace Exchange different from other organizations with student exchange service projects?
GPE gives students the opportunity to to engage directly with a community in project design and throughout implementation. Our exchanges are also longer than typical student service projects (2-3 months) and we attempt to return to the same locations year after year, demonstrating commitment and dedication to specific communities. We aim to provide sustainable solutions to communities that empower them to make change in their own lives after we leave.
In your experience with the Global Peace Exchange, what was the best advice that you received or lesson that you learned along the way?
I have learned to admit failure and when something is beyond our capacity. This is difficult when you are attempting to 'sell' your projects to donors, but this recognition is the only way to truly improve and grow your work.
What’s the greatest challenge that the organization faces today?
As a student organization and student continually graduating, it is difficult to ensure consistent leadership. We are working on institutionalizing the student within our university as well as developing specific guidelines for future leaders to follow in terms of position roles, contacts, timelines to follow and advice. Passing on the things we learn along the way tends to be difficult.
Five years from now, where do you envision the Global Peace Exchange? What legacy do you want to leave?
I hope that GPE will grow in scale, implementing more projects with all the contacts we have gained and providing more students the opportunity to have this experience. I believe that solidifying our large alumni network is a means to doing this and securing funds, as our alumni continue in the development field making their own contacts.
Could you share with us a memorable story or experience you've gained from your time with GPE?
Being able to give students the opportunities to have these service experience is extremely rewarding. One student particularly, we had trouble placing at first. After several months we found a perfect location fit given her interest and experience. She is ecstatic and this opportunity has driven her to integrate service into many areas her life: her blogging and artwork. Knowing that these experiences will change the way the students look at the world and interact with it, is one of the most incredible feelings.
How can one person make a difference in the world?
One person can make a difference by telling his or her story and all that he or she has learned to as many people as possible.
What advice do you give to other potential social entrepreneurs?
Learning how to communicate effectively with the people you work with, ensuring that your vision is the same is critical. This allows you to communicate a consistent message as many people as possible.
On a personal level, what does giving mean to you?
Giving means empowering. It is important to give things that make sustainable change. Thus you can give and share a skill, a story, or an experience.
Click here to donate to the Global Peace Exchange!
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Determined to bring the greatest impact per dollar to Vietnamese communities, the D.O.V.E. Fund has taken an enlightened philosophy with its allocation of donations: 100% of all donations go directly to the construction of schools, scholarships, medical care and disaster relief. The D.O.V.E Fund's mission is, "To provide humanitarian and development assistance to areas in Vietnam; to provide communication, education and cultural exchanges that reflects the best qualities of both cultures. To create an environment brightened by hope and sustained by peace."
For veterans of the Vietnam War who have been scarred by memories for decades, a return to Vietnam can provide the ultimate healing. It is in this environment where many veterans finally put Vietnam in perspective. The generous nature of the Vietnamese people helps many veterans deal with the images of their wartime experience and see a new Vietnam. To help those who were once enemies is a remarkable personal journey that proves life changing to both veterans and members of Vietnamese communities.
I spoke with Dave Welch, a member of the D.O.V.E. Fund's Board of Trustees about the organization's work in Vietnam and his relationship with giving.
Why did you start working for the D.O.V.E. Fund?
It stems from two parts. First, it was respect for my dad, who was a Vietnam veteran, and time and service the other veterans put into the D.O.V.E. Fund. Equally important, there is a lot of need and a lot of people who could use our help in Vietnam. I saw a school built by the organization and compared it to what it was before, a community without any school. It was very inspiring to see.
How do you measure your impact?
We measure impact by the number of people we help, primarily children. We also do microfinancing geared toward children and a Leprosy community, a community in Vietnam unofficially outcast from society. The children of these people who have the disease, although they don’t have the disease, are impacted. They don’t have a lot of access to basic necessities like education. A bandage brigade started in 2005, in which we ship thousands of bandages to these communities in Vietnam so people can bandage their wounds and deal with the symptoms of this disease.
What makes the D.O.V.E. Fund different from other organizations in the region?
I think it’s unique in how the organization has two aspects, in that one avenue gets veterans to return to Vietnam, which is difficult for a lot of them. To go back 30 years later to a place they had visited when they were young men and seeing the country as a thriving country instead of a war-torn place, they can replace difficult memories with hopeful memories. The other avenue is helping people in need. I know there are other organizations that are doing really great things, and I don’t want to take from what they’re doing.
Also, the D.O.V.E. Fund members, board of trustees and their friends and families all donate our time and money to all the administrative costs. If you were to hand me a dollar to a project, that entire dollar will make it over to that project. All administrative costs are paid for. My dad is a CPA he will do the accounting so we don't have to pay someone to do that.
In getting involved with the D.O.V.E. Fund, what was the best lesson that you learned along the way?
It’s extremely rewarding and that’s what’s everyone’s looking for—financially or putting in time to help. It’s not always easy. It can be difficult and very time consuming with a lot of effort. It’s another job. Anyone who wants to play a large role in a nonprofit, they shouldn’t expect that it wouldn’t require time. To get the rewards, you really have to dedicate yourself to the cause. If you don’t have a million dollars sitting around to donate, think about the skills you can lend to an organization, with a website or raising awareness. I think you really have to look towards yourself and be prepared to put a little effort into it.
What’s the greatest challenge that [organization/initiative] faces today?
Keeping up with the need in the region. When we [the D.O.V.E. Fund] first started we were localized in very specific parts of Vietnam. As we’ve expanded over time, we realized how much need there was for these services. We used to only build schools but now we also have other projects [the bandage brigade, constructing solar lights, sanitation projects and nursery schools]. After we’ve expanded in that way, we identified more and more need. That’s the challenge to keep up with the need and allocate our resources in the most efficient way possible.
Five years from now, where do you envision your organization?
What I would personally like to see with the D.O.V.E. is that our membership will grow. We will probably grow within Vietnam and continue to serve more people. However, the group started in Ohio and Michigan, and that’s where the majority of members are. With me in New York City, I would like to see more members in the states and get some younger people involved in that. In terms of the legacy, I defer that to the veterans and founders. I can’t speak for them. But for me, even though they were there [in Vietnam] 30 years ago for a war, we are all sort of one people. No one would have guessed 30 years ago that these men and women there would be back years later in the same country building schools. That’s a testament to the people of Vietnam and to Americans coming back to work on a project and leave wonderful things behind.
Could you share a memory you’re particularly fond of from your service with the D.O.V.E. Fund?
I think one memorable moment was when the D.O.V.E Fund built a water tower as a part of a clean water project. I remember the community, going there, and seeing them. Sometimes we see projects before and after it’s done. Going to see the community after the project was done made me realize the importance of clean water. This community didn’t have access to clean water, as they had water but were not aware of its cleaniliness. Something so simple to me was so important to this community. It was eye opening. It relatively didn’t cost that much money, but the project had such great impact.
Another memorable moment was going to a school for the blind. We built a school with audio computers and brail computers. It was another thing we take for granted, and it was heart breaking to see kids who grew up blind, but it was also very inspiring to see how optimistic they were about their own lives. Now the children at this school have all the access to the Internet and things we have. Something as simple as a computer with an audio component and them printing something on the brail printer was very inspiring.
Could you share a memory or experience you’re particularly fond of from your time with CFK?
We have a football program. The students have been participating in the football program and are in a big league club in Kenya. There are success stories of five of them in this big football club, which makes us proud. It helps them in different ways by giving them an opportunity to share, play and express their talent. It’s more than football. There is a program for mentorship and personal development. They are able to gain life skills through football, through a league club or some of them end up becoming coaches or referees. Of course, education program has not been there long but we have seen how we changed the life of someone.
How can one person make a difference in the world?
Anyone who wants to make a difference, there’s plenty of need out there whether it be through Vietnam or the D.O.V.E. Fund. Find an organization you personally connect with in the USA or someone where. Find what you can offer, money or a skill, or just contacting an organization and asking where they need help. They can all use help. My involvement with the D.O.V.E. Fund was the reaching out to my dad and other veterans. As it evolved over of time, it means helping out where I’m able and providing whatever I can provide to people who need it.
The above picture is of a day care center in the
Vietnamese city of Dalat, the provincial capital of Lam Dong province.
Dalat is an enclave of Vietnam's ethnic minorities and in 1968 was
served as a base camp for former US soldier and D.O.V.E. Fund founding
member, Bob Mehring. Through a series of fund raisers and
contributions from their friends after Bob's passing, Bob's wife Paula
was able to fund this daycare center just outside Dalat - a long-time
desire of Bob's.
This is a picture of a daycare center located in in
Hai Truong Commune, in the Hai Lang district. The Hai Truong daycare
center was built by the D.O.V.E Fund and provides space for 120
students.
Above are two pictures Dave just received this week (March
16, 2012) letting the D.O.V.E. Fund members know that the shipment of
3,000 bandages arrived safely in Hanoi and are on their way to Pleiku
where they will be distributed to those in need. These bandages were
sent as part of the D.O.V.E. Fund's Bandage Brigade. The Bandage
Brigade began in 2005 as a volunteer group working with crochet thread
to create bandages for those suffering with leprosy in Vietnam. Since
2008 the D.O.V.E. Fund Bandage Brigade has delivered over 12,000
bandages to the lepers in Vietnam.
To support the D.O.V.E. Fund cause, visit its Givology profile to support a student today!
For veterans of the Vietnam War who have been scarred by memories for decades, a return to Vietnam can provide the ultimate healing. It is in this environment where many veterans finally put Vietnam in perspective. The generous nature of the Vietnamese people helps many veterans deal with the images of their wartime experience and see a new Vietnam. To help those who were once enemies is a remarkable personal journey that proves life changing to both veterans and members of Vietnamese communities.
I spoke with Dave Welch, a member of the D.O.V.E. Fund's Board of Trustees about the organization's work in Vietnam and his relationship with giving.
Why did you start working for the D.O.V.E. Fund?
It stems from two parts. First, it was respect for my dad, who was a Vietnam veteran, and time and service the other veterans put into the D.O.V.E. Fund. Equally important, there is a lot of need and a lot of people who could use our help in Vietnam. I saw a school built by the organization and compared it to what it was before, a community without any school. It was very inspiring to see.
How do you measure your impact?
We measure impact by the number of people we help, primarily children. We also do microfinancing geared toward children and a Leprosy community, a community in Vietnam unofficially outcast from society. The children of these people who have the disease, although they don’t have the disease, are impacted. They don’t have a lot of access to basic necessities like education. A bandage brigade started in 2005, in which we ship thousands of bandages to these communities in Vietnam so people can bandage their wounds and deal with the symptoms of this disease.
What makes the D.O.V.E. Fund different from other organizations in the region?
I think it’s unique in how the organization has two aspects, in that one avenue gets veterans to return to Vietnam, which is difficult for a lot of them. To go back 30 years later to a place they had visited when they were young men and seeing the country as a thriving country instead of a war-torn place, they can replace difficult memories with hopeful memories. The other avenue is helping people in need. I know there are other organizations that are doing really great things, and I don’t want to take from what they’re doing.
Also, the D.O.V.E. Fund members, board of trustees and their friends and families all donate our time and money to all the administrative costs. If you were to hand me a dollar to a project, that entire dollar will make it over to that project. All administrative costs are paid for. My dad is a CPA he will do the accounting so we don't have to pay someone to do that.
In getting involved with the D.O.V.E. Fund, what was the best lesson that you learned along the way?
It’s extremely rewarding and that’s what’s everyone’s looking for—financially or putting in time to help. It’s not always easy. It can be difficult and very time consuming with a lot of effort. It’s another job. Anyone who wants to play a large role in a nonprofit, they shouldn’t expect that it wouldn’t require time. To get the rewards, you really have to dedicate yourself to the cause. If you don’t have a million dollars sitting around to donate, think about the skills you can lend to an organization, with a website or raising awareness. I think you really have to look towards yourself and be prepared to put a little effort into it.
What’s the greatest challenge that [organization/initiative] faces today?
Keeping up with the need in the region. When we [the D.O.V.E. Fund] first started we were localized in very specific parts of Vietnam. As we’ve expanded over time, we realized how much need there was for these services. We used to only build schools but now we also have other projects [the bandage brigade, constructing solar lights, sanitation projects and nursery schools]. After we’ve expanded in that way, we identified more and more need. That’s the challenge to keep up with the need and allocate our resources in the most efficient way possible.
Five years from now, where do you envision your organization?
What I would personally like to see with the D.O.V.E. is that our membership will grow. We will probably grow within Vietnam and continue to serve more people. However, the group started in Ohio and Michigan, and that’s where the majority of members are. With me in New York City, I would like to see more members in the states and get some younger people involved in that. In terms of the legacy, I defer that to the veterans and founders. I can’t speak for them. But for me, even though they were there [in Vietnam] 30 years ago for a war, we are all sort of one people. No one would have guessed 30 years ago that these men and women there would be back years later in the same country building schools. That’s a testament to the people of Vietnam and to Americans coming back to work on a project and leave wonderful things behind.
Could you share a memory you’re particularly fond of from your service with the D.O.V.E. Fund?
I think one memorable moment was when the D.O.V.E Fund built a water tower as a part of a clean water project. I remember the community, going there, and seeing them. Sometimes we see projects before and after it’s done. Going to see the community after the project was done made me realize the importance of clean water. This community didn’t have access to clean water, as they had water but were not aware of its cleaniliness. Something so simple to me was so important to this community. It was eye opening. It relatively didn’t cost that much money, but the project had such great impact.
Another memorable moment was going to a school for the blind. We built a school with audio computers and brail computers. It was another thing we take for granted, and it was heart breaking to see kids who grew up blind, but it was also very inspiring to see how optimistic they were about their own lives. Now the children at this school have all the access to the Internet and things we have. Something as simple as a computer with an audio component and them printing something on the brail printer was very inspiring.
Could you share a memory or experience you’re particularly fond of from your time with CFK?
We have a football program. The students have been participating in the football program and are in a big league club in Kenya. There are success stories of five of them in this big football club, which makes us proud. It helps them in different ways by giving them an opportunity to share, play and express their talent. It’s more than football. There is a program for mentorship and personal development. They are able to gain life skills through football, through a league club or some of them end up becoming coaches or referees. Of course, education program has not been there long but we have seen how we changed the life of someone.
How can one person make a difference in the world?
Anyone who wants to make a difference, there’s plenty of need out there whether it be through Vietnam or the D.O.V.E. Fund. Find an organization you personally connect with in the USA or someone where. Find what you can offer, money or a skill, or just contacting an organization and asking where they need help. They can all use help. My involvement with the D.O.V.E. Fund was the reaching out to my dad and other veterans. As it evolved over of time, it means helping out where I’m able and providing whatever I can provide to people who need it.
The above picture is of a day care center in the
Vietnamese city of Dalat, the provincial capital of Lam Dong province.
Dalat is an enclave of Vietnam's ethnic minorities and in 1968 was
served as a base camp for former US soldier and D.O.V.E. Fund founding
member, Bob Mehring. Through a series of fund raisers and
contributions from their friends after Bob's passing, Bob's wife Paula
was able to fund this daycare center just outside Dalat - a long-time
desire of Bob's.
This is a picture of a daycare center located in in
Hai Truong Commune, in the Hai Lang district. The Hai Truong daycare
center was built by the D.O.V.E Fund and provides space for 120
students.
Above are two pictures Dave just received this week (March
16, 2012) letting the D.O.V.E. Fund members know that the shipment of
3,000 bandages arrived safely in Hanoi and are on their way to Pleiku
where they will be distributed to those in need. These bandages were
sent as part of the D.O.V.E. Fund's Bandage Brigade. The Bandage
Brigade began in 2005 as a volunteer group working with crochet thread
to create bandages for those suffering with leprosy in Vietnam. Since
2008 the D.O.V.E. Fund Bandage Brigade has delivered over 12,000
bandages to the lepers in Vietnam.
To support the D.O.V.E. Fund cause, visit its Givology profile to support a student today!
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| Add a Comment
School is an impossible luxury for families in Kibera, many of whom subsist on two dollars a day. However, Carolina for Kibera (CFK) has taken an enlightened philosophy: a family's economic situation should never limit a child's potential to succeed in school. CFK creates sustainable, positive solutions by seeking out local leaders to champion change both inside and outside of the community. Having founded Carolina for Kibera in 2010, Darius Getanda works through his organization to realize the impact of giving through education in Kibera.
1. Why did you start Carolina for Kibera?
My inspiration in working for Carolina for Kibera is to give students a chance to succeed in education, especially for students in high school, which is not affordable for many in Kenya. These are kids that almost dropped out of school. To be given them a second chance, it gives me satisfaction. I believe in education is one way you can escape poverty. I love working in the communities. It was like a calling: “This is what you need to do.” Education will change lives and help students reach their potential.
2. How do you measure your impact?
We have three areas we focus on: Economic, social and health. How we measure our impact is first through the numbers of the children we are able to reach. In 2010 we reached around 55,000 children and come 2011, we have reached approximately 60,000. Two, [we measure] impact on what our contribution has been through the success stories. We are able to treat and give primary health care to 300 people every day. In terms of education, we look at how many people were dropping out of school. We were able to help 25 students who were almost going to drop education, because they couldn’t afford it.
3. What makes Carolina for Kibera different from other organizations in the region?
What makes us unique is that we give opportunities to the youth so that we can help develop local leaders and positive change to relieve poverty. We provide opportunity for people in terms of health and economically. We give opportunities and the support to achieve. That’s what makes our work unique. In education program, we give opportunities by identifying students that are almost dropping out of school and then mentorship to these students for them to explore their careers. As they pursue secondary school, they are in a position to bring change to their communities.
4. Who are the mentors?
We have people in the corporate world and different careers to speak to students. These people are volunteering their time to come and speak to children and facilitate sessions and help them see their lives and inspire them.
5. In starting Carolina for Kibera, what was the best lesson that you learned along the way?
The power of the community. As much as we are working in Kibera, run through the community to invest in education and health, in terms of supporting the people and Kibera. It’s something inspirational and people are living in poverty and we need to rise up and act. As a leader, I think it’s important to provide opportunities to young people, especially the expensive secondary education in Kenya.
6. What’s the greatest challenge that [organization/initiative] faces today?
The expectations are huge and the need is still there because there are still so many students that cannot access education and primary healthcare. There is a need that we still have not addressed in Kibera, but we are doing our part with the resources we have.
7. Five years from now, where do you envision your organization?
According to our strategic plan, which is 2011-2015, we are going to scale up our work to provide more scholarships, in terms of expanding our health facilities, in terms of providing economic opportunities to more young people. We want to reach out more to address the need that is there.
8. Could you share a memory or experience you’re particularly fond of from your time with CFK?
We have a football program. The students have been participating in the football program and are in a big league club in Kenya. There are success stories of five of them in this big football club, which makes us proud. It helps them in different ways by giving them an opportunity to share, play and express their talent. It’s more than football. There is a program for mentorship and personal development. They are able to gain life skills through football, through a league club or some of them end up becoming coaches or referees. Of course, education program has not been there long but we have seen how we changed the life of someone.
9. How can one person make a difference in the world?
I think it’s the small contributions someone can give. Making that contribution to alleviating poverty, basic things like education and primary healthcare. In a small way, whatever contributions someone can make, it’s important because it can make a whole difference.
10. What advice do you give to other potential social entrepreneurs?
I can say, try to make as much of a difference on your own. Community development work is good. It’s about giving. Believe in yours skills, your resources. As a leader, you should go beyond yourself and consider how other people are living someone where else. Make that contribution.
11. On a personal level, what does giving mean to you?
You give out ideas. It could be sharing ideas, it could be giving time, giving a donation. It comes in many ways. But as leaders in communities, we appreciate what we receive as ideas, donations, or someone coming to volunteer. That’s my definition of giving.
Students participating in a jump rope activity.
Students participating in a role-play activity.
1. Why did you start Carolina for Kibera?
My inspiration in working for Carolina for Kibera is to give students a chance to succeed in education, especially for students in high school, which is not affordable for many in Kenya. These are kids that almost dropped out of school. To be given them a second chance, it gives me satisfaction. I believe in education is one way you can escape poverty. I love working in the communities. It was like a calling: “This is what you need to do.” Education will change lives and help students reach their potential.
2. How do you measure your impact?
We have three areas we focus on: Economic, social and health. How we measure our impact is first through the numbers of the children we are able to reach. In 2010 we reached around 55,000 children and come 2011, we have reached approximately 60,000. Two, [we measure] impact on what our contribution has been through the success stories. We are able to treat and give primary health care to 300 people every day. In terms of education, we look at how many people were dropping out of school. We were able to help 25 students who were almost going to drop education, because they couldn’t afford it.
3. What makes Carolina for Kibera different from other organizations in the region?
What makes us unique is that we give opportunities to the youth so that we can help develop local leaders and positive change to relieve poverty. We provide opportunity for people in terms of health and economically. We give opportunities and the support to achieve. That’s what makes our work unique. In education program, we give opportunities by identifying students that are almost dropping out of school and then mentorship to these students for them to explore their careers. As they pursue secondary school, they are in a position to bring change to their communities.
4. Who are the mentors?
We have people in the corporate world and different careers to speak to students. These people are volunteering their time to come and speak to children and facilitate sessions and help them see their lives and inspire them.
5. In starting Carolina for Kibera, what was the best lesson that you learned along the way?
The power of the community. As much as we are working in Kibera, run through the community to invest in education and health, in terms of supporting the people and Kibera. It’s something inspirational and people are living in poverty and we need to rise up and act. As a leader, I think it’s important to provide opportunities to young people, especially the expensive secondary education in Kenya.
6. What’s the greatest challenge that [organization/initiative] faces today?
The expectations are huge and the need is still there because there are still so many students that cannot access education and primary healthcare. There is a need that we still have not addressed in Kibera, but we are doing our part with the resources we have.
7. Five years from now, where do you envision your organization?
According to our strategic plan, which is 2011-2015, we are going to scale up our work to provide more scholarships, in terms of expanding our health facilities, in terms of providing economic opportunities to more young people. We want to reach out more to address the need that is there.
8. Could you share a memory or experience you’re particularly fond of from your time with CFK?
We have a football program. The students have been participating in the football program and are in a big league club in Kenya. There are success stories of five of them in this big football club, which makes us proud. It helps them in different ways by giving them an opportunity to share, play and express their talent. It’s more than football. There is a program for mentorship and personal development. They are able to gain life skills through football, through a league club or some of them end up becoming coaches or referees. Of course, education program has not been there long but we have seen how we changed the life of someone.
9. How can one person make a difference in the world?
I think it’s the small contributions someone can give. Making that contribution to alleviating poverty, basic things like education and primary healthcare. In a small way, whatever contributions someone can make, it’s important because it can make a whole difference.
10. What advice do you give to other potential social entrepreneurs?
I can say, try to make as much of a difference on your own. Community development work is good. It’s about giving. Believe in yours skills, your resources. As a leader, you should go beyond yourself and consider how other people are living someone where else. Make that contribution.
11. On a personal level, what does giving mean to you?
You give out ideas. It could be sharing ideas, it could be giving time, giving a donation. It comes in many ways. But as leaders in communities, we appreciate what we receive as ideas, donations, or someone coming to volunteer. That’s my definition of giving.
Students participating in a jump rope activity.
Students participating in a role-play activity.
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Growing up in the Nairobi region of Kenya, 19-year-old Christopher Onyango has not only struggled with the death of his father but also leaving school in order to support his family financially.
A class prefect at Olympic High School in charge of the school's keys, Christopher also supports his family of five sisters and three brothers. Christopher aspires to become a doctor some day in order to give back to his community. He sees the suffering within his community and the waste of human life that ends as a result of curable diseases. By helping young people, Christopher hopes to treat students in order for them to continue their educations.
Christopher writes more about his journey in education with an update to the Givology community.
Students like Christopher are supported by Carolina for Kibera (CFK).
Carolina for Kibera exists to develop local leaders, catalyze positive change and alleviate poverty in the Kibera slum of Nairobi. Driven by local needs, Carolian for Kibera's collaborative network of programs advance health, education, ethnic cooperation, gender equality and economic empowerment, and equip leaders with tools to strengthen the community. At its core, CFK believes that community problems require local solutions run by local leaders. To that end, their staff in Kenya is made up of sixty full and part time staff – all are Kenyan and many are from Kibera.
To support students like Christopher, donate to other CFK students today!
A class prefect at Olympic High School in charge of the school's keys, Christopher also supports his family of five sisters and three brothers. Christopher aspires to become a doctor some day in order to give back to his community. He sees the suffering within his community and the waste of human life that ends as a result of curable diseases. By helping young people, Christopher hopes to treat students in order for them to continue their educations.
Christopher writes more about his journey in education with an update to the Givology community.
Students like Christopher are supported by Carolina for Kibera (CFK).
Carolina for Kibera exists to develop local leaders, catalyze positive change and alleviate poverty in the Kibera slum of Nairobi. Driven by local needs, Carolian for Kibera's collaborative network of programs advance health, education, ethnic cooperation, gender equality and economic empowerment, and equip leaders with tools to strengthen the community. At its core, CFK believes that community problems require local solutions run by local leaders. To that end, their staff in Kenya is made up of sixty full and part time staff – all are Kenyan and many are from Kibera.
To support students like Christopher, donate to other CFK students today!
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Growing up in the Quang Tri region of Vietnam, 14-year-old Le Thi Mery has been met with hardship with the loss of her mother and father.
Left with her two older brothers, Mery is a diligent student in school although she is visually impaired. Mery is excellent in English and music, maintaining a bright smile and positive outlook as she enters the 8th grade. She has participated in music competitions and won a number of awards. Mery's persistence in finding passion and hope in her life in spite of the many obstacles put before her, physically and emotionally. Her future aspirations include attending college and studying English.
Students like Mery are supported by the Dove Fund.
Since 2000, The D.O.V.E. Fund has funded the construction of over 40 schools throughout Vietnam. The Development of Vietnam Endeavors (D.O.V.E.) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization comprised of Vietnam veterans, Rotarians and concerned citizens that are dedicated to rebuilding Vietnam and improving the lives of those in the most impoverished areas. The scholarship program, started in 2000 has benefited hundreds of Vietnamese students from grade school to college.
To support students like Mery, donate to the D.O.V.E. Fund today!
Left with her two older brothers, Mery is a diligent student in school although she is visually impaired. Mery is excellent in English and music, maintaining a bright smile and positive outlook as she enters the 8th grade. She has participated in music competitions and won a number of awards. Mery's persistence in finding passion and hope in her life in spite of the many obstacles put before her, physically and emotionally. Her future aspirations include attending college and studying English.
Students like Mery are supported by the Dove Fund.
Since 2000, The D.O.V.E. Fund has funded the construction of over 40 schools throughout Vietnam. The Development of Vietnam Endeavors (D.O.V.E.) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization comprised of Vietnam veterans, Rotarians and concerned citizens that are dedicated to rebuilding Vietnam and improving the lives of those in the most impoverished areas. The scholarship program, started in 2000 has benefited hundreds of Vietnamese students from grade school to college.
To support students like Mery, donate to the D.O.V.E. Fund today!
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