majimazuri.org

Maji Mazuri seeks to address the root causes of poverty and focus on alleviating poverty by empowering people to bring about change in their own lives. One way this is achieved is through the youth programs to advance computer literacy and entrepreneurship.

Maji Mazuri Multi Media Youth Answer the Call...

Show me the man. Show him to me; let him make his face and name known. I need to slap him, slap sense into his notions, slap and re-order the things his list prioritizes. Show me the man that declared man’s three basic needs; the one responsible for all this exploitation and limited distribution of resources; the one whose ideas expose the majority of our kind to the brutality and harshness of the rat race - an endless cyclic maneuver around life; a gigantic man-made bridge that rests on hurtful so-called-facts. The bridge that's not for everyone to walk on - only people that are of a certain class and caliber are deemed worthy. The rest can swim across the filthy river that is life’s tribulations and suffer long for nothing more than being born. Show me that man!

This year I'm making Thanksgiving about giving thanks.

I was very nervous when the stocks started to plummet. And as the founder of a start-up, I watched in horror as what I had diligently put away started to dwindle. Then I was inspired by some incredible stories of endurance, persistence and the prevailing force of human willpower.

Last December I met Watire at Maji Mazuri Children’s Center ( www.majimazuri.org). He was 6 and a true miracle. Both his parents had been diagnosed with AIDs and died. His older brother, a quiet, smart, studious boy with a penetrating gaze and astute insight, was also HIV positive. Watire was not.

From the moment I met him, he stole my heart... he was fascinated by the camera hanging from my wrist. All he wanted was to have a picture taken. He wasn’t even certain he was ever going to see the photo. He was confident, witty, charming... and as he leaned into my shoulder so we could pose for the picture, he leaned into my heart, and won me over... I wanted to give this little boy who had so little everything I had... and more.

Through Maji Mazuri, Watire has a home, nutritious meals and an education. I know he is going places, and by supporting the organization, I do not just feed him for a day or give him a fancy camera (which I really wanted to do). I am making sure he is supported well into the future. 

Watire stuck with me, but I met so many other incredible kids at Maji Mazuri who had been through so much. Their stories were a reminder that even as we brace ourselves for the harsh turmoil of the economic nose dive, there are others who have it harder yet push past their obstacles everyday and endure.

In reality, only 6 % of the population of the world enjoys some of the economic privileges we often feel entitled to. Tough times force us to recreate ourselves and seek new solutions. So even in the face of uncertainty and fear, I'm learning to take time to be grateful - for good health, the wealth of good friends and the spirit of hope and optimism that is in us.

(names have been changed to protect identity)

This weekend, I got to spend time with a precious couple - George and Michelle, who in place of a wedding chose to have a fundraiser to help Maji Mazuri! 

In lieu of wedding gifts they asked of donations to help get to Kenya where they will be aiding in Education and Sustainable Agriculture! The event was delightful… great food (couldn't believe the delicious Organic hors d'oeuvres were vegan!), great wine, divine cupcakes galore, and lovely people from all walks of life (and the world!)

Guests brought old children's books to donate. There was a silent auction - friends donated items including art, jewelry, china jugs and trinkets from Tiffani's! Michelle, who is the CEO and Founder of Lilla Baci, also donated dozens of cupcakes made with the finest organic ingredients and wrapped in beautiful eco friendly packaging for the Silent Auction.

Lilla Baci, of course is a company as enchanting as it's founder. Lilla Baci translates to Lilac Kiss. Lilacs are a magical flower with an aroma so divine and a beauty so poignant that great mythical stories have been based around it. It's been said that an ethereal nymph that was trying to flee a man who was infatuated with her turned herself into a lilac to escape his desire. Vegan food in general is often looked at as being dull, flavorless, etc and Michelle set out to change this perception in people. With her vegan desserts, Michelle puts in front of people pieces of art that offer a little taste of otherworldly rapture.

The Lilla Baci cupcake flavors are bold, and I had a blast as her assistant for the day creating whimsical designs with frosting. As a cupcake connoisseur I walked away with a different opinion of Vegan cuisine, and an exciting new bold idea on how to make a difference.

Steve Jobs with his wife after his last ever keynote. I think it's clear they both knew it was his last.

Not much matters in the end. How would your life be different if you knew you had less than a year to live? Enjoy the present...be thankful...it's truly a gift. Don't put off till tomorrow what you can get done today. Remember we all can make a difference with helping hands, a genuine smile, kind words, and a loving heart.

"People who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, do."

When I woke up this morning lying in bed, I was asking myself: What are some of the secrets of success in life? I then found the answer right there in my room. The AC said - Be cool. The roof said - Aim high. The window said - See the world. The clock said - Every minute is precious. The mirror said - Reflect before you act. The calendar said - Be up to date. The door said - Push hard for your goals. And don't forget, the carpet said - Kneel down and pray. - via Anthony Wanderi

I saw it with my own 2 eyes - rain in January when the seasonal experts said it was impossible. 

The famine was dire and people were dying. The village elders prayed and fasted... and made the improbable pass. 

So today, dear Lord, I have but one prayer. 

Let it rain.

Maji Mazuri is such an inspiration. I really admire the work my mother and her team  do, to make a difference in the world, in spite the challenges.

A friend shared this article with me about Kenya's mentally ill locked up and forgotten. Because of what Maji Mazuri has done, at least 50+ children (and many more who've been through Maji Mazuri's doors) have a different story.

CNN Story