When we hear the words “Third-world,” we often picture the war-torn and poverty-stricken countries in Africa. Ravaged by decades of internal conflicts resulted from European colonialism, and not to mention the recent Ebola outbreak, it makes sense that if there is anyone in the world that needs our help, it’s them.
A Calgarian foundation is doing just that. The People For Progress Foundation (PFPF) is a Charity Organization based in Calgary and Kenya that aims to provide humanitarian aid to disadvantaged communities in East Africa in the form of education and sponsorship of primary and secondary students. Their goal, according to their mission statement, is to empower individuals and communities in need to achieve sustainability through education, leadership and partnership. With a fully functional two-year-old Raven Educational Center located in Kenya and various sonsored students and communities, I would say that they have been greatly successful.
Last Friday I was invited to the Harambee, a fundraising event hosted by PFPF in order to raise money and support for their cause. The evening included a silent auction with luxurious items donated by sponsors, an African jewelry sale, and entertainment in the form of dancing and singing. All proceeds goes into the support of education in East Africa of course. (all photo credits go to Event Media Manager Angela Chen and Ruth Chen)
While at the event, I met my classmate Angela Chen, who was the Event Media Manager of the event, which meant that she made the pamphlets, PowerPoint, and videos that made this whole event possible. I got a chance to ask Angela some questions about her time with PFPF, and unsurprisingly, she gave me some pretty inspiring answers.
Q: What is the People For Progress Foundation? Describe in your own words.
People for Progress Foundation is an organization that strives to make a better tomorrow. By empowering the next generation of Kenya and other East African countries through education, we are creating a ripple effect that we hope will affect the student’s community and bring hope to the future of these student and their families. We hope that these through education, these students will have the opportunity to escape the poverty cycle and obtain a job that will guarantee a better standard of living. Most of all, PFPF envisions a generation of confident individuals who have the resources to reach their full potential in life.
Q: How did you hear about this organization, and what compelled you to join?
I had a friend who went on a mission trip to Kenya, Africa through the organization. She was talking to me the work she did with them. Working with this organization gives me the opportunity to be involved with the development of education in the third-world. I eventually aim to become a missionary/third-world doctor and work with doctors without borders, so volunteering with the PFPF is a very fulfilling experience.
Q: How do you feel about the experience so far with PFPF?
It is very rewarding and encouraging to see these kids-who are very hard working in their deprived conditions-excelling and succeeding in their life, as they are given the opportunity to achieve something great. My experience taught me not to take my education for granted, and it gave me a chance to channel my passion for positive change.
Q: Can you share with us a success story that became possible due to PFPF?
Priskila Uronu is one of the sponsor students of Machame village, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. She’s in high school, but unlike our high school, it was in a really poor condition. She tried to do well, but with the lack of resources, textbooks, and lab equipment, she was very limited. People for Progress took her out of that school and into a private, boarding school. Although the cost was much higher than before, she is able to receive an education that could lead to a better job or even post secondary. Her grades are improving and she’s so much more confident! It’s super inspiring to know that you’re making a difference and bringing hope in another person’s life who is the same age as you, but in much different circumstances. It makes me appreciate my education and gives me a want to give this same luxury to everyone.
I’d like to thank Angela for her insightful contribution to both the event and this article. If you would like to find out more about the organzization, or if you would like to make a donation, you can find them at Facebook or their official website. Just as volunteers like Angela have demonstrated, any individual can make a big difference in the world, if you are doing something you love.