the big idea.

In 2012, I had the opportunity as a third year Peace Corps Volunteer to work with Adolescent Programming at Baylor College of Medicine's Pediatric HIV Center of Excellence in Mwanza, Tanzania. I worked closely with our "Teen Club," a psycho-social support group for teens living with HIV. One of our teen leaders, Benard Lukuba, carved out a very special place in my heart. Benard was shy at first, but as soon as he got to know me, he opened up. He was goofy, opinionated, and loved asking questions. He qualified as a Teen Leader, a peer-nominated youth, by showing exceptional leadership skills, creativity, adhering to ART (anti-retroviral treatment), and a desire to learn new skills and teach them to others. Benard is reliable and respectful, a true leader, willing to stand up in front of a group with his teenage peers and perform our choreographed routine to "The World's Greatest" by R. Kelly, the Teen Club's theme song. 

One day, a friend and colleague who is a Pediatrician at the clinic, approached me about supporting two of our teens who had been orphaned. She had the idea to send them to a boarding school so that they could receive a quality education, consistent meals, and adult supervision. These boys - Baziri and Sunday - were very excited about the idea and we signed them up immediately to sit for the school's entrance exam. 

But this plan didn't include Benard, who was their neighbor, best friend, and "family." All three of these teens are orphans and consider each other “brothers.” Benard lives with his aunt as both of his parents have passed away. Benard's Aunt is currently supporting eight children. Although she is a retired nurse who is fairly well off for Tanzanian standards, she struggles daily to take care of all the kids and still provide them with good education. 

SO......THIS IS WHERE YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTNER WITH US!!!

I decided last year to raise funds to send Benard to the same boarding school as Baziri and Sunday. One of the most significant things I learned during my time in Tanzania was that education is the tool that propels change. Education not only opens doors for employment, it has the power to transform lives, communities and create sustainable, positive change.

I am looking for people who are just as excited as I am to support Benard in his education. You know the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child"? Well this is no different. We are the village. It takes all of us coming together, and I'd like as many people as possible to be involved. If you'd like to be involved helping me support Benard in his studies, please take a look at the following breakdown for his school expenses from 2013:

School supplies and living expenses, one time purchase only (mattress, soap, sheets, backpack, etc): $200

First Term (includes one time fee for uniform, admission expenses, plus regular school fees): $659

Second Term: $381

Third Term: $381

Total: $1,621

(these rates have been converted to USD from Tanzanian Shillings)

As Tanzania's school year comes to a close at the end of November, Benard is wrapping up his first year at Alliance English Medium School. 

My goal for his first year was to raise $2,000, which will cover the term fees outlined above as well as school supplies, books, milk (the school charges a small fee to provide milk to a student which Benard needs to ensure a healthy diet), and other small incidentals. 

In 2014, Benard and his two "brothers" will be transferring to a new school - a Montessori school that is also located in Mwanza. Tuition and boarding costs will be about the same, but with your support, I want to go above and beyond to provide Benard with an unforgettable year at his new school.

Please join with me to support Benard so we can give him the education and opportunities he deserves. Follow the link above and "GIVE NOW."