Dear Mama Lynn and friends at LIA
I've been meaning to drop you a line for some time since we met in August in Moshi when you were kind enough to show my friend Lindsay and I around the schools and orphanages in Moshi. The experience of seeing LIA in action and the good work you are doing was truly uplifting.
Contrary to the doom and gloom often seen on television over here about the plight of Africans, and the poverty they face, we were struck by the sheer joy and happiness of all your children, and touched by the gloriuos welcome we received at both Pilgim and Malaike House.
Our African experience was truly amazing and has altered my life in lots of ways. Before I traveled to Africa I had heard many people speak of its charm and magic, but could never have anticipated how I would feel to see for myself the wonderful sunsets, the beautiful landscapes, incredible wildlife, kindhearted people and breathtaking coastlines. I am so pleased to have had the opportunity to sample what is on offer there, and can't wait until one day I have the opportunity to return.
One of the biggest impacts has been on my attitude to charity and charitable work. I was surprised by my reaction to the poverty that surrounds you when traveling through such a destitute continent and there were times when I was overwhelmed by what I saw. One day particularly as I stood in line at the ATM in Dar, I saw an old woman making her way down the street, shuffling along on her bottom, her legs limply dragging along behind her. With money in my bank and a comfortable life to return to I could not bear the burden of my guilt to have been fortunate enough to have been born in the West, and so having withdrawn some money I followed her and gave her some of the notes. I knew that this would fuel the problem rather than solve it, as the more money she was able to take home with her at the end of the day would ensure her family would bring her back the next.
As time went on I came to understand that Africa's problems were much more complex than simply a lack of funding, and infact the West's obsessive culture of donating money to faceless charities was putting at risk the very way of life for millions of African people, by creating a 'hand-out' culture rather than encouraging real growth and self sufficiency through empowerment as well as sustained and retained knowledge and expertise.
It was hard not to continue to hand out cash to everyone that asked, one day in Zambia a young boy followed me the full length of the highstreet begging for money, reminding me of my own nephew who is about the same age. I was close to tears by the time he gave up, but I had to stay true to what I had come to believe - handouts are not the answer.
I was so impressed by the ethos of your organisation and the positive effects it has on the whole community in addition to the children who inspired your original mission to Moshi. In lieu of
Christmas cards this year I have made a small donation in support of your work.
Next year Lindsay and I plan to launch a series of fund raising events in schools in West Yorkshire in support of the Childrens Village. Lindsay also tells me that some of her VI Form students are considering a volunteer placement with you in 2008.
I hope we can continue to support your work in the new year and beyond.
Thank you for your inspiration.
With much love to you and all the children and staff.
Merry Christmas from
Paul
published with permission from the author