Monday Motivation: stay open to positivity & hope. See how you you can make a difference!
If you decide to make a difference, you can change the world for the better! This Motivational Monday quote is from the inspirational Ghandi and we hope you take it to heart this week.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” A little #MondayMotivation from the late, great Maya Angelou. This quote is inspiring because it reminds us that our actions majorly impact others. Let’s make sure to make this week one centered around kindness, compassion and generosity.
“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” This Monday Motivation comes from the Little Prince. We try to live out the lessons that story teaches: to love others, to follow your dreams and to let your heart be your guide.
Greenhouses are something you may not think much about… especially when it comes to promoting social justice. But, in many parts of the world where food and finances are scarce, greenhouses can provide a sustainble food source, as well as income generating opportunities. These small glass buildings are designed to optimize plant growth and grant communities access to fresh produce throughout the year. We’ve created several greenhouse projects in Kenya, which have been successful in providing vegetables and generating funding for children, and we’re currently setting up another one.
Here’s our greenhouses being installed in Kenya.
Nearing harvest time with the tomatoes grown at the greenhouse.
In Nakuru, we installed six greenhouses, which grow lettuce, cabbage, onions, kale, spinach, green peppers, and red beets. By growing their own fresh produce, this children’s home has been able to save thousands of dollars that was normally spent on food costs. Some of that money has been reinvested into the project, through the implementation of a drip line system. The drip lines save water waste, as well as cost and time from the gardeners. Through selling the extra vegetables in the market, they’ve also been able to purchase cooking charcoal for the meals of the over 200 children who live at the home.
The plants are flourishing at our greenhouse.
We also setup a greenhouse project in Nairobi, which has been producing thousands of pounds of vegetables. Among the varieties of produce grown are lettuce, tomatoes, kale and spinach, all of which go first to the 57 children who live at the home benefitting from the greenhouse. After that, the surplus produce is sold in the markets and the profits then cover their educational costs. In Kenya older children have to pay school fees to continue their studies… and with this greenhouse, these kids can!
A teacher at the home educating the children in Nairobi.
At another location in Nairobi, we’re working on a greenhouse project that will provide food for 43 children. Like the other greenhouse projects, this one will first guarantee access to fresh, health vegetables to the kids everyday- something many of us take for granted. After that, the excess produce will be sold for profits, which will guarantee the children’s education. Also like our earlier projects, this greenhouse is environmentally friendly, and sustainable, as the income generated covers the cost of maintenance and gardeners. Find out more about this upcoming project and how you can be a part of a green revolution that puts food on the table and keeps kids in school.
We recently replaced 44 light bulbs for LED lights in Kenya. This small change will have a big impact, as it will allow the home to save on their electric bill. What this means is that they can use more electricity for less money. So the 70 children that live there will now have lights during the evenings to do their school work. More lights and more chances to study- all while saving 90% on their electrical costs!
“It’s in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” -Nelson Mandela
It’s the start of a new week and a fresh start to make a real difference. One person really can change the world- all it takes is believing in yourself and going for it! How can you start bringing about positive change?
“It is not enough to be compassionate – you must act.” This Motivational Monday quote comes from the wise Dalai Lama. Use your kindness with your talents and change the world.
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” This Motivation Monday quote comes from former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Instilling the love of reading and school can open the world for any child, regardless of what circumstance they are currently in. Let’s dedicate this week to promoting education for all children!
“Don’t look for your dreams to come true; look to become true to your dreams.” -Michael Beckwith
As we start another week, let’s reflect on what dreams are closest to our hearts. Instead of focusing on the end result, let’s work to make every moment count. After all, it’s the journey that matters and with hard work, the rest will fall into place.