From time to time we like to draw attention to articles that add important perspective to the discussions of justice and poverty alleviation. This is not an endorsement of the viewpoints, but an endorsement of the importance of these discussions
The Wall Street Journal recently asked eight prominent philanthropists and NGO executives how they would spend $10 billion to achieve the biggest and longest-lasting impact on the world’s problems. All eight came up with great ideas, but the clear winner in my opinion came from leading Swedish businessman and philanthropist Percy Barnevik, who said he would use the money to unleash the entrepreneurship of the world’s poorest citizens.
My experience in Africa over the past 27 years has convinced me that this is the only way for people to break out of poverty. People are poor because they have no sustainable income. It’s as simple as that.
via allAfrica.com: Africa: Create Jobs in Continent, and All Else Will Follow.
One month after a school and living quarters were “accidentally” razed to the ground by Kenyan government railway authorities clearing space for a pipeline project, children have returned to school at Humble Hearts. Parents, nearly all of whom live in absolute poverty, have scraped together enough funding to erect the basic poles and structure necessary for a new building, and young children have begun using the shelter. Ten blackboards and a water tank saved from the demolition are in use again, as well as the schools latrine system. A church in the community has opened its space for the older classes, and the children are safely living in alternate quarters. Despite the rapid resumption of classes, hard work of the students, family, school officials and community, much remains to be done. The Kenyan government is unwilling to provide material or economic assistance, even though admitting the forced demolition at 3 am on a December morning was a mistake in planning. Support is urgently needed to replace lost books, desks, learning materials, and for further construction efforts. 
Similar to the Humble Hearts tragedy, Fair Oaks School, Redeemed Church, and the vocational center were also demolished by outside parties during the fall of 2009. Since then, Pastor Brown, his wife and the congregation have been working furiously to secure land rights, put up a temporary structure, and resume classes and vocational training, which in turn opens up economic opportunities for youth. By the end of November there were 10 more graduates in tailoring and dress making, 8 graduates in computer development, and 5 graduates in furniture upholstery and interior design. The community had a peaceful Christmas season and the congregation continued to grow and support the educational activities of the ministry. The temporary shelter has transitioned from a tent to a solid structure with iron sheeting for a roof, and land ownership rights to the land it now sits on.
What an amazing country, what amazing people, what an amazing trip! Just 7 days in Matopeni, Kenya changed 6 American lives. 7 days of witnessing the dire circumstance of life for the majority of the people living in Matopeni and the surrounding area. 7 days of witnessing the incredible joy, hope and spirit of the people who call this part of the globe home.
Perhaps the reason we could never get a handle on what to expect on our trip is because Matopeni is a completely different world than Broomfield, CO. But in the end it was not the differences in the landscape or living conditions that made the impact but the differences in the people in Matopeni. We had a hope to go to Kenya and dig in to get to know the people who were part of Fred and Alice’s lives. We wanted to serve alongside them.
And here is where we found what makes the people of Matopeni different. The people we met were not overwhelmed or concerned with their daily struggles and challenges. Rather they were optimistic and excited about their future! They lived in the moment and allowed themselves to fully embrace the joy and excitement of the day. They were anxious to learn and be educated and excited to put their new knowledge to work. We met so many people who wanted to be successful so that they could build up others and give back to their community. And we were saddened by the reality of the hurdles they must overcome to do this simple thing. There is simply a lack of opportunity and resources. These two things we have plenty of here in America, such abundance that we have become almost complacent about it.
I feel that in the end we learned a lot from the Kenyans about hopefulness and happiness and celebrating the joy of today. And our love for the Kenyan culture has grown ten times since witnessing it for ourselves for the first time. This trip has truly inspired us to remember our friends in Kenya and to do anything we can to further their country’s growth. Because we know with the proper resources, and a friendship to offer encouragement there is no bounds to what they can accomplish!
I recently talked to Sheldon Jefferson of Northside Christian Church community’s involvement with The 1010 Project. He also spoke about their incredible response to the Quarry demolition tragedy.
I know it’s poor manners to toot your own horn. That’s why we’ve been so grateful for the attention we’ve received in the last year on Twitter. Our good friend, current consultant, and former Social Media Guru of The 1010 Project 
) on 
