2nd Advent Newsletter

When young men change the world

Our boy’s sense of determination never ceases to impress me. They may hold little in their hands, but they have a big dream. It drives them to change their world. At least “their world”. Hardly any of our protégés lacks ambition. Everyone has different skills and talents. But all of them share a sense of belonging and confidence which sets them apart.

What Kids of Africa provides them with is love and care. Yes, the deceptively simple secret is: much love and good care. Is that enough? Is it too little? We’ll find out. But it is the result of many small steps. Because we believe in every one of them. Every day of the week. And we know, that every long journey begins with a small step. In fact, the first steps matter most. That’s when we sow the seeds of the power which strengthens roots and wings.

Soon the first of our protégés will be standing on their own two feet. We shall help them follow their dreams. That’s why we will continue to emphasize skills and training in 2021. That’s what most of your help will support. Good enough, their confidence is another reason to believe in them.

For example, listen to Paul. He is a highly gifted young man. Amiable, with many talents and inspired by a big dream: to become a doctor. Because we believe in him, training is at the top of our agenda. But we need your help. Alas, insight creates impact and dreams can change the world. Paul has everything it takes to become a doctor. Maybe even an outstanding doctor. One, who can help many people. This is how he might change the world.

Paul talks about his career aspirations

Listen to Joseph Kabuye. Joseph has many musical talents. What’s more, he’s charming and emphatic. No doubt, he can live his dreams and inspire others. Let’s help him find the right vocational training.

Listen to Joseph sing

I could show more videos, but I’ll try to keep it short. See for yourself how mature and confident our protégés have become. It is a great gift.

From insight to impact

Charity and good intentions alone do not overcome poverty. But practical skills and perseverance can go a long way.

Of course, we cannot change the world we live in. Really? Nelson Mandela changed his country after 27 years of solitary confinement. In fact, he changed the world. Because he had a dream and never gave up. Oh yes – he also had extraordinary talents. That’s why his beliefs still resonate with us today:

1. “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.”
2. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not the one who is not afraid, but the one who overcomes this fear.”
3. “It always seems impossible – until it’s done.”
4. “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”
5. “A good head and a good heart are always an excellent combination.”

What drives us

Just as we believe in our boys, we want to help them accomplish their dreams. It all adds up to sustainable, social development. That is why the combination of “a good head and a good heart ” means the world to us, especially during the last two years of quarantine.

Let me list some other professional aspirations of our boys. They illustrate the opportunity we see and focus of our skills-training.

Dreamer, Winner, Role-model

Of course, our youngsters are inspired by winners who achieved the impossible. Joshua Cheptegai (25) is one of Uganda’s heroes. Joshua was born into a humble background. He discovered his talent only late as he trained in the sports division of the Ugandan police. Despite setbacks and hardship, Joshua never gave up. He had a big dream. He wanted to run faster than anyone before him. And in 2018 he defined a new world record in the 15,000-meter run. And this year? This summer, he won Olympic gold in Tokyo, commanding the 5,000 metre-competition. Is there any better proof that nothing is impossible – as long as you believe in it?

I wish you a wonderful second Advent.
Best regards,

Yours, Burkhard Varnholt