BE THE LIGHT

 

My friend Mark (not his real name) recently called requesting I proofread a letter he was writing. He was requesting for funds from well-wishers to help pay school fees for school going children in his home county. Over 100 Secondary school students in his community are on the verge of dropping out of school as they are unable to pay their school fees. Mind you, this is a young man in his late 20s trying his best to address the problems in his community. This got me thinking of ways we can be a source of light in someone’s life.

Growing up in Laikipia County, there were so many non-governmental organizations. They sponsored children’s education and offered relief food to needy families. The likes of C.F.C.A Mfariji, World Vision, and others. Most of them were funded by individuals abroad and had branches all over the world. Am a beneficiary of such sponsorship and I can attest such noble deeds from individuals have long-lasting impacts on the beneficiaries and the communities at large.

We currently have individuals like Njeri Migwi of Usikimye   and Ndugu of Nyoro   of Affecto Foundation who are doing a great job in mobilizing Kenyans and addressing the social issues in our communities. They are an example of how we can make a difference in our society when we come together. Charity work is engaging and tedious but the joy of seeing an almost deemed light shine brightly makes it worthwhile.

It’s said charity begins at home and I believe we can play a role in addressing these societal issues individually. There is always something you can offer, it doesn’t have to be monetary support. for example:

• check out that Children’s Home within your locality and do something
• buy a packet of  sanitary towels and give them to a needy girl in your neighborhood
•  visit that old grandpa/grandma and make them laugh
•  make a resolve to mentor that adolescent kid in your block

 Just do something and in long run, we will have collectively made an impact in our society.