Our new board chairman’s reflection on his November 2010 Kenya experience
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
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“How are you? How are you? How are you?”
There have been many changes in Kenya since I lived there twenty years ago but in so many ways it was the same. The roads were better but the traffic was incrementally worse. Often it would take us hours to drive even a few miles in bumper to bumper jams. We marveled at how few accidents we saw given how the vehicles weaved in, out and around each other often only inches apart.
Lomoro is an indigenous micro lending organization operating in the Kibera slum with over 650 members. Michael Nyangi introduced us to several members that have taken loans, built their businesses, paid back the loans and are now self-sufficient. Fair Oaks School provides educational and vocational training including computer training, tailoring and other activities to children and adults in the Quarry slum of Nairobi. Humble Hearts School ministers to and educates deaf children and their siblings. Candle Light School and Safe House takes in orphans and children otherwise left without hope.
I was amazed by how industrious many of our partners have been and the yields they are receiving from the small grants they have been provided.
That theme continued as we traveled up to the rural areas around Lake Victoria. There was probably no more impactful experience than the day we sat in a small rural church built from sticks, mud and manure, in front of about 80 men and women representing two community self help groups. Both had already begun their own micro-finance operations. We listened as they begged us to assist them to “drive away ignorance” with education and then provide them with resources to break the cycle of their poverty. Here were a group of women and men with the drive, ambition and desire to change their circumstance. They were not waiting on us. They had already taken steps to move beyond their situation. But they were boldly asking for the proverbial “hand up” not just a hand out. It was humbling and inspiring.
The 1010 Project is not Food for the Hungry. It is not Kiva. There are countless others making a much grander impact than our little organization. But I saw with my own eyes the difference we have made for many; some of which may not have been helped apart from our small grants and activities. And we have found a niche that is not being well served in these communities. The business training we are providing is making a difference at the grass roots level, at the point of poverty for many individuals.
Blog
Archive for May, 2011
Tri for Your Cause – ERACE Poverty Challenge for The 1010 Project
Monday, May 23rd, 2011
Relay team up close
In a sweltering heat, there might be nothing finer than jumping in a pool of chilly water, or a cool breeze rustling through your hair as you pedal along a tree-lined road, or perhaps the feeling of a cold wet towel and a cup of ice water handed to you as you run (or walk) across a finish line. Yet, there is something even more gratifying: knowing that you are raising money for a great cause while doing so!
The annual “Your Cause Sports” event in Boulder provides the perfect opportunity for anyone to perform one, two, or even all three of these shining examples of athleticism while raising funds for the non-profit of their choice. Last fall, more than 30 people joined the E-Race Poverty Challenge Team, swimming, biking, and running their way to the finish line to raise awareness of and funds for The 1010 Project and our partners in Kenya.
Our bag pick up location
Some members of last year’s E-Race Poverty Challenge Team ran a 5K for the first time! Still others formed relay teams so they could do their favorite leg of the triathlon. Many used this as an opportunity to set a goal and train all summer to reach that goal. Tremendous determination, encouragement, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment were exuded by all.
The 1010 Project also made a huge splash at the awards ceremony, with one of the men’s relay teams taking first place and one of our women’s relay teams taking third. Best of all, our team raised over $4,000!
So how about it? Can you think of a better way to spend the Saturday of Labor Day weekend? With an afternoon start time, you don’t even have to wake up early! Cheering fans, free food and a beer garden await you at the finish line!
Melissa finishing the race
We invite you to join The 1010 Project’s E-Race Poverty Challenge Team! Register today! Here’s how: Head over to our E-RACE Poverty Challenge page and sign yourself up. We’ll email you what you need to register through Your Cause Sports along with information about our special team running shirts.
Can’t run, bike or swim this year? Join our team of supporters! Instead of paying a race registration fee, make that your donation to The 1010 Project! Your investment will go miles to help break the cycle of poverty!
(Volunteers are always needed for the event. Sign up on the Your Cause Sports website.)
Tri for Your Cause – ERACE Poverty Challenge for The 1010 Project
Monday, May 23rd, 2011
Relay team up close
In a sweltering heat, there might be nothing finer than jumping in a pool of chilly water, or a cool breeze rustling through your hair as you pedal along a tree-lined road, or perhaps the feeling of a cold wet towel and a cup of ice water handed to you as you run (or walk) across a finish line. Yet, there is something even more gratifying: knowing that you are raising money for a great cause while doing so!
The annual “Your Cause Sports” event in Boulder provides the perfect opportunity for anyone to perform one, two, or even all three of these shining examples of athleticism while raising funds for the non-profit of their choice. Last fall, more than 30 people joined the E-Race Poverty Challenge Team, swimming, biking, and running their way to the finish line to raise awareness of and funds for The 1010 Project and our partners in Kenya.
Our bag pick up location
Some members of last year’s E-Race Poverty Challenge Team ran a 5K for the first time! Still others formed relay teams so they could do their favorite leg of the triathlon. Many used this as an opportunity to set a goal and train all summer to reach that goal. Tremendous determination, encouragement, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment were exuded by all.
The 1010 Project also made a huge splash at the awards ceremony, with one of the men’s relay teams taking first place and one of our women’s relay teams taking third. Best of all, our team raised over $4,000!
So how about it? Can you think of a better way to spend the Saturday of Labor Day weekend? With an afternoon start time, you don’t even have to wake up early! Cheering fans, free food and a beer garden await you at the finish line!
Melissa finishing the race
We invite you to join The 1010 Project’s E-Race Poverty Challenge Team! Register today! Here’s how: Head over to our E-RACE Poverty Challenge page and sign yourself up. We’ll email you what you need to register through Your Cause Sports along with information about our special team running shirts.
Can’t run, bike or swim this year? Join our team of supporters! Instead of paying a race registration fee, make that your donation to The 1010 Project! Your investment will go miles to help break the cycle of poverty!
(Volunteers are always needed for the event. Sign up on the Your Cause Sports website.)