CEO Message

Dear GCL Friend,

I'm in the Nairobi airport at 1:50 a.m. waiting to start my journey back to the States. The past five days have been a whirlwind but a good one. Much has been accomplished. Better relationships have been established. The government's assistant chief for Kiandutu said that because of Give A Child Life no young child in the slum has to go to bed hungry. Through our new system, families can notify village elders when they don't have any food for supper and immediately receive a voucher for a small quantity of flour and beans from a local merchant. If a child is sick, we can send funds by phone so village elders can go straight to the pharmacy for medicine.

Two months ago in El Salvador, I saw similar changes. The projects we've set up are working. In the colorful—although spare—classrooms, little boys and girls at the El Zaite Children's Center have books to read for the first time. When the Center was closed during the December break, the hungriest children received a hot lunch with meat and vegetables five days a week. It was enough to get them through the difficult time.

What's next?

Probing the real roots of poverty. Keeping programs small, focused and strategic. Using research-based knowledge to put practical solutions in place. Demonstrating compassion as often as strength. Teaching children and parents to ask critical questions and not to be afraid to look for answers. Letting solutions emerge rather than forcing them. Encouraging those we help to feel better about themselves and their future. Recognizing that all of us, whatever our circumstances, can make a significant contribution.

This really isn't about Give A Child Life. It's about you, me and others who care. We are creating a river of hope that is stretching around the world and pouring into the darkest places you can imagine. Your love is reaching out to the children... your compassion is bringing smiles to their faces.

Thank you.
Debbie Johnson
CEO

Keep In Touch

OUR BLOG:  Through weekly posts at http://www.giveachildlife.typepad.com, you'll find out the latest news about the desperately poor children you're helping. Subscribe to receive weekly email updates.

POSTS ON TWITTER: Short, daily "tweets" provide inspirational quotes, relevant statistics and information about special events in the developing countries where we work. Visit http://twitter.com/giveachildlife to follow us. Feel free to reply or "retweet" as you like.

EMAIL US: If you have a question or concern, let us know.  If you have an idea, share it. Give A Child Life is a community-based organization, and you are a vital part of our community. What you think and feel matters. You can reach us at info@giveachildlife.org. Or visit the ABOUT US section for specific email addresses.