A Journey of Empowerment: How My One Meal a Day is Changing Lives

The Moment That Changed My Perspective

In August 2023, I had the profound privilege of visiting 18 schools across Kenya through our Kosi Africa initiative. It was more than an outreach; it was a healing journey. Listening to the children share their stories filled with both dreams and despair, I found myself often returning from these mentorship visits with tears in my eyes. Their resilience moved me deeply, a stark reminder of my own past as a school dropout.

Tears of Reality: The Struggles Behind the Statistics

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," Nelson Mandela once said. This resonates deeply with me, as I witnessed firsthand how the economic struggles faced by farming communities meant that some children couldn’t afford the modest school fee of Kes. 1,000 (approximately $10). Though we couldn’t help every child, for those we could, the joy of securing another year of education for them was immeasurable.

One Meal a Day: A Commitment to Change

The drive back to Nairobi was long, filled with reflections on how I could encourage my peers to join me in supporting our students through the One Dollar Back to School campaign. Sharing these stories with friends, I encountered disbelief and unawareness, which only fueled my determination.

Counting Days and Dollars: My Savings Journey

As a former school dropout who missed classes over such small amounts, I vowed to make a difference. My resolution in December 2023 was simple yet ambitious: adopt a one-meal-a-day regimen, channeling the savings into supporting primary school children. It wasn’t an easy decision, but the potential impact on the children's lives compelled me to persevere.

Since January 2024, I've been diligently saving Kes. 200 each day. As of now, 152 days later, I've amassed Kes. 30,400, enough to support 34 children for a year of schooling.

Every Little Helps: How to Get Involved

I aim to continue this for 365 days. It takes immense faith and belief, but my past experiences and the hope of alleviating similar struggles for others keep me going. "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give," Winston Churchill aptly put it. This initiative is my way of giving life a new meaning, not just for myself but for the future of these children.

If my story resonates with you and you feel moved to help or join this challenge, I warmly invite you to be part of the One Dollar Back to School campaign. Sometimes, skipping a meal can mean giving a lifetime of opportunities to a child in need.

For those who wish to contribute via Mpesa, you can join this campaign by supporting through:

Mpesa Paybill No: 880 222

Account Number: [Your Name]

Together, let's create hope and opportunities for our children, one dollar at a time.