We, the members of NITEO, exist to help the children of Uganda and East Africa achieve their promise and potential. We seek to facilitate renewal and revival in the very heart of the child, through dignifying their human spirit and supporting their right to enriched learning experiences.
Through strategic partnerships, both in Canada and abroad, NITEO will create and implement empowering initiatives that improve the educational experience and learning of children in Sub-saharan Africa.
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When Talk is Not Enough
by Donna Striha
After my trip this past year to East Africa everyone wanted to hear my stories, they were captivated as I shared the tremendous impact this trip has had on my life. Upon hearing I was planning to return to Africa, none were too surprised, and most thought it was great that I had found a cause that I felt connected to and passionate about. The truth is I have seen into the hearts of my friends in new ways, but I also have seen into the greed of my culture, it has been a difficult journey.
I think it will be interesting for me to make a second trip to Africa, I suspect it will be different as I have a better understanding of what to anticipate. Yet, I think in some ways that because of that perspective it will be even harder. Gone is the idealism, and in its place the harsh realities of how large the gap is between us and them: the rich and the poor.
I have been frustrated by the pre-occupation with self and stuff that is the reality of the society I live in. I am troubled by the way we indulge our children, and then wonder why as young adults they seem to feel entitled, and lack work ethic. BUT, I am reminded by my African friend that you can only do what you can do. When I am feeling exasperated I remember her wise words:
“Do what you need to be an advocate for the people bound by the shackles of poverty, who are trapped by the lack of opportunities. You can love the brokenhearted, and try to shout out for them so they will have liberty, BUT only God can make the world really hear the message”.
As frustrating as this work can be I cannot give up, because if the people of Africa have the guts to keep trying, I dare not throw in the towel, even though I am weary. I have a job to do, and a large part of it is to get people to realize that talk and good intentions are not enough. International Development is considered by 80% of humanity as residual, it is what we do with our leftovers. This track of thinking is just not an acceptable point of view. If the advancement of human beings becomes a focus, as it should, then we will see things start to change. We are part of getting that to happen. It starts here, with us!
Lt Gen Romeo Dallaire says this: “The developed countries, the white countries perceive the sub Saharan Black African as the lowest priority of humanity. We have entered an era where we are worse than the colonial powers. I say this because unless there is something of value for us in Africa, we do not really want to go in and help”.
If we do not act, we are a part of the problem. Because of what I know, I must act. I MUST! So I will forge on and keep my mind on what is at stake: Humanity…the humanity we all share, the humanity God created. May he give me the strength and resolve to face the naysayers and the obstacles, remembering they are small and insignificant compared to the plight of so many of my dear friends in Africa.
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