By: Daniel Gutwein
A few weeks ago, I attended the Gates Foundation GEDC conference in Nairobi. On one of my mentor’s suggestions, I ventured out of the conference setting to immerse myself in the local community. I listened to their stories, learned about their challenges, and gained valuable insights.
My journey took me to the Kibera Slum, the largest slum in Africa and the third largest in the world, where I visited the Silver Springs School. This small community school is home to 200 children and 12 volunteer staff. Despite its numerous needs, I tried to make a small contribution, which included, to my surprise, purchasing over 100 packs of sanitary pads for young girls, helping them stay in school – who knew?
What struck me most, however, was the sense of deep community and mutual support encompassing the area. My host, Vivian, cares selflessly for a group of young single mothers while our driver, Brian, runs a small store with his wife and daughter selling children’s books. These individuals, and many others like them, are making a profound impact one person at a time.
During my visit, I was able to share a meal with my new friends, and during the meal, I asked them if they had ever wondered why they were born in the slum while others were born into more affluent areas. Their response surprised me – instead of bitterness or despair, they spoke of joy and blessing. Brian was grateful for his small store and the opportunity to provide for his family amidst disease, sometimes lack of food, and more. Vivian proudly showed me her home, a haven in the upper-class area of the slum. Of note, Vivian beams when she shares that her daughter is on a scholarship thanks to Mastercard at a university in Ghana.
My experience in the slum reminded me that true wealth isn’t found in material possessions but rather in strong relationships, the resilience and hope of the human spirit, faith, and family. The Silver Springs School, despite its challenges, is a testament to community power and the importance of investing in the next generation. We hope to install an N50 Connectivity Kit in the school, which would be a valuable resource for the students. Funny, there’s a tower and internet about 15 meters from the school, yet they cannot access it due to the lack of computers and the cost of data. The world is not unconnected; there are just those who cannot access and participate in the digital world.
What’s remarkable, though, is that this community doesn’t need an injection of love and hope – they already possess these qualities in abundance.
My Friends Brian and Vivian
