The following video is a talk by Jacqueline Novogratz, founder and CEO of Acumen Fund, a non-profit global venture fund, that uses entrepreneurial approaches to solve the problems of global poverty.
She tells the story of one women, Jane, who has not lose her dreams even though she was born in one of the worst slums imaginable, in Massari(?), Kenya.
The amazing thing to me is that Jane, an HIV positive, single mother of two, still living in a shack, talks about being blessed for what she has, and lives out our her dream of becoming a doctor by counseling young HIV positive girls.
Jane demonstrates that, given the opportunity, people can overcome the worst of circumstances. Every child born into poverty has the same potential as children born everywhere. Whether they will ever be given that opportunity is the question.
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April 20, 2009 at 5:50 am
Indian Lake Papa
Right now I am hovering between anger and compassion – I struggled with tears as I listened and then would think of those I know who choose not to better them selves and expect me to take care of them, when in fact they could do the “right” thing.
As you know, mama and i spend the winter months working w/the homeless. We have seen both types of people.
I believe the “Janes” deserve the right to be able to choose. “The PATH” (see the link on my blog) is one of those shelters that does its best to help those who want to move forward – and dream a little. We can be encouragers – with our time, resources and our efforts – and as a Christian, I also have the resource of prayer.
Great post Ed.
April 20, 2009 at 1:04 pm
edfromct
I read in your blog about you and Mama driving a “guest” around looking for work. Your are doing the good work your God guides you to.
I have been to the Path site. I think they have the same basic approach as Jacqueline Novogratz Acuman Fund, which is to focus on assisting, and encouraging, the poverty stricken, and homeless, in finding work, or to start a business.
With Path the “guest” is required to search for work and report on their progress. they must also contribute a regular donation.
With Acuman “Jane” had to save $40 which the Fund matched so she could buy a sawing machine. Jane is moving to a low rent housing project financed by Acuman. Each tenant is required to pay rent. The rent is applied towards the cost of the house and the tenant can some day own it.
The key to reducing poverty is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to find work. Given this opportunity we all have the same potential for living out our dreams.