Making a difference

      28 February 2010
      Written by Brechtje Riphagen

      Education is key to break the vicious circle of poverty. But what is a prospective future for tomorrow, if you have no food for today? How can you send your children to school if you have no money to pay the school fees? And besides that, children are needed to work on the field 

      During my visit to Loliondo Primary School in the Northern part of Tanzania, I saw what a school in the rural areas looks like. And I was shocked. Over 80 students in a classroom is not an exception. They are sitting on the ground, leaning against the wall. There is a lack of qualified teachers and a lack of school supplies. There are hardly any exercise books to make notes, pens to write down what you’ve learned. And still, students walk up to 10km per day to go here. With an empty stomach, because in most households breakfast is a luxury.
       
      The WFP School Feeding Programme has made a difference for the schools in the rural areas. Enrollment rates have increased remarkably, and so did the annual exam results. It also made a difference for the students. Instead of being distracted by your empty stomach, you can actually concentrate on the lessons. Today, the difference is a meal you get. But the difference for tomorrow is much bigger: an education means a future, maybe even a future without poverty and hunger.
       
      But does it takes a well-known international organization, with billions of dollars to spend, to make a difference? I don’t think so. Leaving Loliondo Primary School, I was determined to make a difference here as well. Not alone, but with the help and support of relatives and friend at home, I managed to raise over 3000 USD. It was not just sending money, it was so much more. It was my nephew who sold home-made brownies at his school, my cousin playing the flute in a busy shopping street. It was my friend, inspiring all her colleagues to contribute as well. These people are not just donating; these people want to make a difference.
       
      And they really did make a difference. The money was enough to support three schools in the region. They will receive cooking pots, cups, exercise books, pens, pencils and even more. Over 1500 students are benefiting. Top of the iceberg? Absolutely. But what does it matter, knowing that 1500 students are now able to participate in class more actively? Knowing that people in the world care about them? I believe that is what really matters.
       
      And I believe that certainly makes a difference..
      Gallery: 

      Comments

      Submitted by Ronald Dijkgraaf on 01 March 2010
      I don't believe that we can ever help all those people who are in need. But, as you wrote, can we make a difference? Yes, I agree. You did a very good job over there. If you could only helped one person, you've made a difference. Your last sentence 'Knowing that people in the world care' says it all. There is one mistake that need to be avoid and that is that (western) people intend to compare their situation with ours. You can not compare our (technical) intelligence and living standards with theirs. I grew up in an african country. At home we had a housekeeper, gardener and a guard. The garderer lived with his wive in a small house on our yard. They were poor, but the were fortunate to have a job and a days meal. Compared to other locals they were very lucky and they felt lucky. Thanks for your nice story. Cheers Ronald

      Add new comment

      Type the characters you see in this picture. (verify using audio)
      Type the characters you see in the picture above; if you can't read them, submit the form and a new image will be generated. Not case sensitive.
      Refresh CAPTCHA image