Las Vegas Undressed

Kids Helping Kids in Africa

Kids Helping Kids in Africa. The actions of a few can change the world. It all begins with small steps; random acts of kindness and focused attempts to help one another.

If you haven’t noticed; young people are getting involved. My daughter’s husband, Joe, spent time in Kenya a couple of years ago working at an AIDS hospice. While he did have a bout with malaria; his real memories come from the time spent helping the people. My daughter, Meredith, spent time working as a children’s counselor for Americorp helping those with less. Now the two of them will begin a trek to South Africa; setting aside time in their lives to help others.

This is a bit of an anniversary event! Forty years ago, in July of 1969, I began a very memorable year in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I was stationed at the Ethiopian Mapping Mission; they were mapping Ethiopia.
 
I remember being surprised to find high-rise buildings and telephone poles. Most of what I knew about Africa came from National Geographic or from watching “Abbott and Costello in Africa”. The biggest surprise came as I was walking into town and came across a television store; right in front of me was Neil Armstrong stepping down on the Moon!

July 20, 1969 - ”That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Sound familiar?

There is much that can be learned by experiencing another person’s culture. This type of education is not in books; it flows to your heart and soul. People are wonderful everywhere you go, that is why it is such a great experience to give. Joe and Meredith will be blogging back to the Generation Joy Foundation that they are involved with; barring any technology issues there will be more from me.

The Generation Joy Logo is a symbol of unity in diversity; oneness of humanity in spite of cultural differences.

Curtis Betzler the founder of the Generation Joy Foundation is a science teacher at Beaver Lake Middle School in the State of Washington. He says that the idea of “kids helping kids” began eight years ago on a personal trip to Ghana.

Betzler found that there was an incredible need for educational resources and the basic needs that we all take for granted.

“Knowing that I teach in a place where, in many cases, we have an excess of resources and most all of our basic needs are met, I began working on a way to connect the two regions. I truly believe, that in the right environment, all people want to learn and also that all people like to share.”

“This idea really took off due to the efforts of the children in the community where I work. They readily gave not only resources, but time, energy, planning and commitment to see this project through. The effort was rewarded when I witnessed the joy of children in Africa when receiving these resources and the impact it has had on their lives and community.”

Last year, Generation Joy filled two 40-foot freight containers with supplies. Among the thousands of goods packed in those vessels were 11,000 books, 170 computers, 60 bicycles, and hundreds of soccer balls.

“The potential is endless,” he said. “I think kids enjoy giving. They just need an outlet and a resource.”
Generation Joy needs donations of educational supplies, reading materials, new clothing, sports equipment, new and gently-used shoes, First Aid materials, and comfort items such as dolls, blankets, and baby bottles.

Here is a link to the Generation Joy website.

Do you know someone who can take that small step right here in Las Vegas?

Lastly, here is a video showing “kids helping kids”. Just click here.