The purpose of this blog is to raise funds to send Benson to college and to follow his progress over the next few years. Join us in making a difference in the life of this remarkable man.
Eric and Deb Dowdle met Benson Mmbaga on their trip to Africa in April 2009. They had joined a Foundation called
In Our Own Quiet Way and were privileged to work side-by-side with this marvelous organization as they served the Kakamega Village of Kenya. In ten short days, the foundation unloaded containers full of medical supplies to a very grateful hospital (partnering with a medical foundation called HART). They also distributed school supplies to more than five needy schools. They served the community by digging much-needed wells, empowering the women of the community into industry and bringing food to areas were famine was prevalent. They also met with the Vice President of Kenya in an effort to receive assistance in getting food and other supplies through some difficult hurdles.
It was on a special trip to one of these schools, Shiswa Primary School (75% orphans), that the Dowdles met Ben. As an activities director for the school, he had gathered together the boys and girls to demonstrate for their guests the sports they loved so much - "football" and volleyball. Eric was instantly in the middle of the boys, kicking the ball and challenging them to foot races (which ended as any American who had raced a Kenyan could predict). Deb pulled Ben aside and started a conversation. In less than a minute, she was able to detect in this boy a drive and spark that created an immediate bond.
After returning to the States, the Dowdles continued to think of Ben and soon decided to join forces with
Quiet Way -- who were currently supporting a number of Kenyans through scholarships, to raise funds to send Ben to college. They would work through the foundation as well as their Kenya partner who managed the scholarships, a marvelous woman named Bernardine Anatalia.
Bernardine contacted Ben, Ben jumped up and down at the prospect of an education, and the ball started rolling forward.
Through the small sacrifices of good friends and family, one good man will be educated, and the ripple effect will be immeasurable.
It is Benson's dream to one day come to the United States as an educated man. With this education, he will one day see this dream become a reality.
But the dream has just started ...
and Ben will do far more than that!
We welcome you to be a part of this dream and to watch Ben's progress with us.
To contribute to the Benson Mmbaga Education Fund
or contact ...
Crystal Miller, General Manager, Quiet Way
Bernadine Anatalia Angalusha
Scholarships
Eric and Deb Dowdle, family sponsor
farmerdowdle@smartfella.com
www.dowdlefolkart.com
