Recently, a friend asked why I created UKUWA.
I originally intended to build a youth program in the U.S. that provided positive alternatives for young people in their free time. I envisioned learning and friendly competition. A debate team seemed like a good starting point. The young people in my program would become skilled public speakers, they would gain the confidence to dream big and do more, and the debate team would help better prepare the kids for college.
A few months later, I went to Kenya to visit family and take a vacation.
For several weeks, I hung out on white sand beaches during the day and experienced big city nightlife in the evening. Palm trees and beautiful architecture were everywhere. Everything was beautiful, clean and new. When I got tired of going to the beach, I spent afternoons in museums. I also went on safaris to areas stocked with lions and zebras and other wild game.
One day, someone suggested a trip to more rural areas. I quickly agreed, expecting the fun to continue.
What I saw shocked me.
Everyone is familiar with televised images of starving children in Africa. Believe me when I tell you that seeing starvation and hopeless poverty firsthand is nothing like viewing the heartbreaking situation from the comfort of your living room.
For example, shortly after my arrival, I saw two women digging water out of the ground with rudimentary tools. A small child, no older than three, was assisting them. They had been digging for a month. The water coming to the surface was the color of lemon juice. When I asked, the women told me that it would take nearly a year of digging to meet the needs of the tiny village.
I was completely unprepared for the poverty I found in rural Kenya. I felt terrible because I had nothing to give those people that would ease their suffering or help meet their most basic needs. There was nothing I could do but try to make the children happy. I sang and danced and played with them. When it was time for me to leave, the village kids chased after our car, smiling and waving goodbye.
I had to do something.
When I returned home, I met with my youth team. I explained to them what I saw in Kenya and asked if they were interested in helping me. Even though I told my small group that the challenges were great, their positive response was amazing. The youth team’s decision to take up the cause motivated me more than they realized at the time.
But I knew that we could not do it alone, so I searched for passionate, motivated people to help turn my once local dream into a global reality. Once again, the response was amazing. Within weeks, UKUWA was officially born.
Before long, UKUWA’s Facebook membership reached 1000 members. Our excitement increased with each step our small group took toward changing the lives of people who went through life believing that hope did not exist.
Today, we are working in local high schools and universities around the world, and UKUWA representatives are acting on the group’s behalf in Kenya.
So, back to my friend’s question. Why did I create UKUWA?
The answer is simple.
I created UKUWA to make a difference.
UKUWA!