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Helping a Village Stand on Its Own

Friday 09th of March 2007 08:04:16 PM

Helping a few people in one’s lifetime can be a tremendous undertaking, but when six students decided to help a village in Africa, they had no idea the kind of impact they would make. In its first year, Helping Other People Endure (HOPE), sold enough T-Shirts to help the village construct a playground. Four years later, the organisation has raised over $500,000 for the village.

The money raised goes toward food, shelter, and clothing in the small African village of Langkoof. But HOPE wants to do more than help these people survive, they also want to help them become self efficient so they will no longer need the money. This means teaching them how to grow crops, keep water from becoming polluted, and educating the children. “We're giving the tools on how to grow food and educate themselves so they're not relying on us and part of the project now is that they're growing their own crops,” said group member Maya Amolis.

In the years since, HOPE has grown to include eight members who tirelessly raise money selling T-Shirts and other items to help those who are less fortunate. Once the small village of Langkoof is able to support itself, the group will move on to another village. There plan is to keep using the money to help villages and influence a whole new generation of people into becoming independent.

After visiting the village, group member Carly Brightwell said, “The fulfilment and being there with the kids is unlike anything I've ever experienced before.”

Helping others help themselves may not be as difficult as people may think. With only eight members, the students has managed to raise a lot of money and ensure that it is being used to help others who are in need.

(c)Miroslav Saricka, www.sxc.hu