Hey Mama!

A shout out to all the Mamas out there! I want to say that I am proud to be one of you. I want to ask you a question. Have you ever had the urge to help a child even though they were not your own simply because they needed it? Do you ever think about how you would be different if you were born somewhere else? Say Africa? If you are reading this online in English, you are a fortunate soul.

Here in Mwanza, there are tons of street kids from all over Tanzania. There are more than 1,500 now and that number is a low estimate. These are little kids and teenagers. I have talked to them and most of them did not have a mother anymore so they had to go live on their own. Or their mother had died long ago and they were mistreated by stepparents. These children are constantly on the street begging for help. What is a person, a woman,  a mother to do? What if these were my children?

I know that they are not. Nor do I want to stay home and play “mommy” to a flock of children. But I do want to make sure they are fed and educated. I want to find solutions for their poverty and sponsors to support a roof over their heads and food in their bellies.

I have been helping at risk youth since I was one. We have supported vulnerable people many times in a number of countries. What I believe I have figured out is a very low cost way to educate and take care of them while creating self sustainability through agricultural and business skills.

But I am not a farmer. So who do you turn to in such times of need? Google. That’s right we look it up on the Internet. The kids are very curious about the computers and want to learn to use them. I am all about it but they need to learn some basics first as most don’t have primary education.

What is the best way to get a kid to learn without a teacher? Give them a tablet and they will teach themselves. I know that is a BIG statement to make, but look at children in developed countries. Does anyone need to teach them how to use the parent’s new devices or do the kids figure it out and teach you? I have studied human interaction with technology for a long time and people who were once my volunteers and students are now teaching me. It really is fantastic to see young people go full circle.

What we are asking you to do is to consider sponsoring one of these children. We only have room for 4 full-time, but are trying to find ways to house more. We are considering a family food support program so the kids can go back to their homes if they came from the surrounding area and ran away due to a lack of food. We plan to give them work on the farm, access to education, and business opportunities.

While I have a commitment to be here, I cannot do this alone. We will make sure that it is done properly, they have nutritious food, and we find them shelter. I am asking you Mamas to open your heart to just one kid and watch them grow. You will be amazed with the results.

Link to the project page: www.indiegogo.com/projects/digital-revolution-in-africa/