Thursday 10 October 2013

Follow your passion and make a difference

www.theonepersonproject.org

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”  Margaret Mead
Invaluable incubator in the Muhanga Hospital, Rwanda 
Oxygen saturation machine donated by Kamloops Hospital B.C

Most of us want to make a difference in the world but with so many great causes, knowing how much to give and what charitable vehicles to use can be daunting.  First - work out what drives your giving-engine.

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT EMPOWERING WOMEN & CHILDREN?


The One Person Project supports two orphanages in Kahama, Tanzania. The Faraja Orphanage, which is sponsored by the Summerland Montessori School (B.C. Canada) and the Muvuma orphanage, which is in the process of expanding from 18 to50    orphans. We need funding to finish and furnish the new building and welcome volunteers to visit in the future.

We also provide you with the opportunity to feed children who attend an HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Clinic; their life-saving drugs cause devastating side-effects if taken on an empty stomach.

We are fundraising to finish building and equipping a poultry cooperative for women-headed households in Kahama.

DO YOU WANT TO BATTLE INJUSTICE?

Read about the brutal treatment of children and adults with albinism in Tanzania. One Person is helping to provide safe shelter and school education for orphaned children with albinism. The Tanzanian Government and local organizations are working on eliminating the traditional belief that the severed limbs of people with albinism contain magical properties.

IS EDUCATION YOUR THING?

We ship classroom and teacher resources and have held Train-the-Teacher workshops in Kahama – more workshops are planned for the future.  

SPORTS DO IT FOR YOU?

We believe in the concept of sport for development – that sport is not just an end in itself, but also an effective tool to help improve the lives of children, families and communities.
Participating in sports allows young men to have a sense of pride and something to strive towards and allows girls to have status and opportunities they do not usually receive. We collect and ship matching team shirts (from soccer, baseball etc.) and soccer balls and cleats as well as other sporting equipment.

DOES MEDICAL CARE CONCERN YOU MOST?

As the Kahama District Medical Officer Dr. Andrew has heavy administrative and public health responsibilities, leaving little time for direct patient care. (Update 2014 Dr Membe is now the DMO.) The hospital is staffed by too few doctors, nurses and Assistant Medical Officers. They are forced to care for two or three patients per bed and lack basic equipment. We are making strides in this area, as hospitals and organizations in B.C have donated supplies and equipment, but we intend to offer long-term support and help Dr. Andrew create a fully functioning hospital for the district. On each One Person trip we recruit professional and non-professional volunteers to ensure that we are on track, to identify needs, distribute items and meet with families and organizations.

WHATEVER YOUR PASSIONS AND INTERESTS ARE we welcome your involvement. Everyone has something to give, be it a donation of time, skills, items or funds. Whatever your contribution is, you can be sure that you are impacting the lives of women and children in Kahama and Muhanga. Thank you!