Imagine that you are invited to a country halfway across the world. You are eagerly welcomed by new friends to learn about a different way of life. Friendships are formed, ideas are born, occasionally embarrassing cultural missteps made, and lives are forever changed.
At the end of your stay, you think about these two different worlds and wonder, “how can I use my relative privilege to be both helpful AND respectful to my new friends?”
Surprise – that trip is happening right now, and you’re on it! Well, sort of. African Road Executive Director Kelly Bean and longtime supporter Leigh Harvey are on the ground in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda on behalf of the entire African Road community to ask these important questions.
Kelly and VICOBA partner David Clemy
Here are a couple of the partners that Kelly and Leigh have met so far.
Consoler works with girls who are escaping domestic servitude, a form of modern slavery.
As a girl, Consoler herself struggled with abuse and horrific living conditions as an indentured servant. She was able to escape and attend school, vowing to help other girls like her.
Since partnering with African Road for VICOBA training, Consoler’s cooperative has started more than 20 new businesses and saved over $4000 together. Amazing!
Consoler with a VICOBA graduate
We are excited to continue working with Consoler and this incredible community of women and girls.
Moses Wanjiru
In Kenya, Kelly and Leigh met with Moses Wanjiru to talk about Sustainable Livelihoods, a project to empower women and men in the slums of Nairobi.
Moses Wanjiru and Sustainable Livelihoods trainers
Like Consoler, Moses himself understands the challenges facing the community he works with on a personal level. He himself grew up in the slums of Nairobi. Moses says, “you feel like you have two choices for survival: become a thief or a prostitute.” With his personal experience, Moses is able to guide others to achieve their fullest potential and break out of the cycle of poverty.
Consoler and Moses are just a couple of the amazing partners that Kelly and Leigh will meet with in East Africa.
As these thoughtful questions are being asked and next steps are taking shape, how can YOU be a part of it? Contributing to African Road, hosting a house party, and prayer for folks who are faithful are all meaningful ways to have an impact. We hope you’ll join us!