Each year as news break that another group of students is getting ready for their trip to New York, I can only imagine the excitement, the preparation, the anxiety. These high school students from the School of Hope, Cape Town, South Africa have made the decision to finish their education in spite of the tremendous obstacles they faced.
Erika Lee, an amazing young woman founded this NYC based non-profit organization called Active Compassion Transforms(ACT) that E-Mentors to disadvantaged students. The caring and willing volunteers communicate with the student on a weekly basis for a year through a guided curriculum of life skills and career planning.
This 10-day visit not only allows the student to meet their mentors but gives them the opportunity to job shadow someone in their chosen field of study while enjoying the BIG APPLE. The inspiring Chef, Kirsten Cuido was my charge for the day and we traveled to our Flushing Center to participate in a supermarket tour with our Healthy Lifestyle expert and participants from our Program. A Chef we told Kirsten must start with the best of ingredients to prepare simple and delicious dishes. We were introduced to many new and familiar products and as we traversed the aisles we learned more and more about the intricacies of good shopping, helping us to become well informed consumers.
The shadowing did not stop there, back at the Center where we serve women, infant and children(WIC), we continued our education on wellness and healthy living. The Nutritionists prepared a great summer recipe for salsa, made with mango, tomato, lemon juice and cilantro. This easy to make dish, packed with nutrients had everyone in the audience smacking their lips at the refreshing and delicious taste. A woman in the audience proclaimed that she was going home to try the recipe and so did Kirsten. We ended our visit with a bag of goodies, presented by the welcoming staff, items fit for an up and becoming Chef. Kirsten left feeling very grateful for the lessons learned.
Dear Students,
When we gathered to bid farewell, it was a time for fun but also to reflect on this
journey that took you from the despair you all described to where you are now. Each of you said
that to even harbor the thought of leaving where you are from is unheard of but here you are
today, given the opportunity to better yourself and with a bonus added, the ability to travel to
a distant land. You also gave honor to Nelson Mandela, Madiba as he is fondly called, on this his
94 years of living. And what a life it has been! Amidst all the din and excitement, good music,
good food, my mind was occupied with your amazing journey.
By taking the difficult steps to continue your education is admirable, that you were able to veer
from the muddy path is courageous; you have planted seeds of HOPE, which when watered with
love, care and tenacity, will blossom and bear fruits of joy. When weeds begin to creep in and
they will, I am sure you will get to work and clear your path once more with helping hands.
The Principal of the School of Hope, spoke sincerely, about never giving up on anyone and
never should you give up on yourself.
KEEP THE LEGACY OF MADIBA ALIVE!
KEEP ADAPTING!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Swinging Into ACTion
Another group of young and ambitious South African students from the School of Hope, Cape Town will be here to have an experience of their lifetime. This eventful journey made possible by the Active Compassion Transforms Organization (ACT), that I gush over from time to time. I am often times spell bound by the achievements of this young and vibrant organization that has touched the lives of so many of the youth whose impoverished lives have taken a toll on them. But they have risen again through the helping hands of Erika Lee, the Executive Director and all the others who work earnestly to make this trip happen. Their work throughtout the year which includes matching each student with a mentor is non-stop preparation for a brighter future. The preparation and the cost are not easy roads to travel down but the ACT team is at it again, making a difference, one ACT at a time.
Not too long ago I listened to a sermon of the mustard seed; when it is sown it is the smallest seed but it takes root and delivers in such abundance. My thoughts turned to this organization's mission and just like the mustard seed, no matter how small the efforts, it continues to touch the lives of the children in so many big ways. I will bring a student or two to my place of work so that they will get a sense of the working world. I will join with my colleague and take them all on a shopping spree, thus fulfilling the mission of the CHOOSE TO CARE Organization, which is to provide a brand new pair of shoes for the youth in need. I am triumphantly awaiting their arrival.
Cheers for a class ACT!
Not too long ago I listened to a sermon of the mustard seed; when it is sown it is the smallest seed but it takes root and delivers in such abundance. My thoughts turned to this organization's mission and just like the mustard seed, no matter how small the efforts, it continues to touch the lives of the children in so many big ways. I will bring a student or two to my place of work so that they will get a sense of the working world. I will join with my colleague and take them all on a shopping spree, thus fulfilling the mission of the CHOOSE TO CARE Organization, which is to provide a brand new pair of shoes for the youth in need. I am triumphantly awaiting their arrival.
Cheers for a class ACT!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
ANOTHER MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
Confucius
Early Saturday morning, April 28,2012, my pal and I were revved up and ready to hit the stores. The purpose? Today's shopping spree is to purchase shoes for the young boys and girls that participated in our October 2011 MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY CELEBRATION and did not receive their gift then. We wanted to make good on the promise we made to provide them with a brand new pair of shoes at a later date.
We picked and chose, with thoughts about what the youth are wearing now, making sure they are kept in style while protecting their feet. Choose To Care, the small organization with big dreams has made its mission a global affair and will make every effort, albeit small steps to buy a brand new pair of shoes for those children and young adults in need. Today, after shopping, a hop and a skip took us to the Vineyard International Ministries, Bronx, NY where we delivered the goods.
Soon we are 'heading' to Haiti, where we will connect with school children in the town of Chambellan, situated in Southern Haiti. The Solidarite Chambellanaise a Brooklyn based organization is handled by a woman who has been working tirelessly to bring education to the youth residing in this area. About three years ago, we shopped for shoes for over 100 children who graduated from this school that is still under construction, yet partially occupied. This is how great the urgency is to find ways for these poor children to be educated. Visit www.solidaritechabellanaise.org to learn more about this vital project.
Getting involved remains essential for the CHOOSE TO CARE ORGANIZATION. It is the hope that providing a brand new pair of shoes will boost the children's reason to take that trek to the classroom. Heeding the words of Confucius, we will continue to do because we understand. Our work is never done!
Won't you join our DO-AND-UNDERSTAND movement?
Confucius
Early Saturday morning, April 28,2012, my pal and I were revved up and ready to hit the stores. The purpose? Today's shopping spree is to purchase shoes for the young boys and girls that participated in our October 2011 MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY CELEBRATION and did not receive their gift then. We wanted to make good on the promise we made to provide them with a brand new pair of shoes at a later date.
We picked and chose, with thoughts about what the youth are wearing now, making sure they are kept in style while protecting their feet. Choose To Care, the small organization with big dreams has made its mission a global affair and will make every effort, albeit small steps to buy a brand new pair of shoes for those children and young adults in need. Today, after shopping, a hop and a skip took us to the Vineyard International Ministries, Bronx, NY where we delivered the goods.
Soon we are 'heading' to Haiti, where we will connect with school children in the town of Chambellan, situated in Southern Haiti. The Solidarite Chambellanaise a Brooklyn based organization is handled by a woman who has been working tirelessly to bring education to the youth residing in this area. About three years ago, we shopped for shoes for over 100 children who graduated from this school that is still under construction, yet partially occupied. This is how great the urgency is to find ways for these poor children to be educated. Visit www.solidaritechabellanaise.org to learn more about this vital project.
Getting involved remains essential for the CHOOSE TO CARE ORGANIZATION. It is the hope that providing a brand new pair of shoes will boost the children's reason to take that trek to the classroom. Heeding the words of Confucius, we will continue to do because we understand. Our work is never done!
Won't you join our DO-AND-UNDERSTAND movement?
Friday, March 16, 2012
LO ME GUSTA!! ^^^^^^^ I LIKE IT!!
There are places and depending on the location that as soon as you call their names, images emerge of dancing in the street, carnival time; hips swinging and swaying to the rhythm of the country, even when there is no music. And let's not forget, playing and frolicking on white and pink sand beaches while others are stretched out on deck chairs, hugging a glass of concoction with the little umbrella. As great as those experiences are, I like to leave the beaten path to discover unexpected places. I was ecstatic to travel to this gem of a country where my sponsored child, pardon me, adolescent, calls home. I was here to meet Elvis for the first time after 11 years of letter writing and receiving photos, an exchange made possible by Children International, the Kansas based organization that sets up shop in many countries to provide for underprivileged through donation from sponsors.
Yes indeed, my first impression was that Guayaquil, the largest city of the country, Ecuador was not making a lot of noise, almost demure. It did not say "look at me," it was not in your face, yet you had to stand still in admiration. It was that kind of atmosphere. It is evident that Guayaquil is on a beautification effort to make it's environment welcoming while caring for it's citizens. A walk through the park lifted your spirit and I guessed it was designed to do just that giving John and Jane Public a place to rest their weary selves, to chill out, to have some quiet time. This same kind of serenity and order could be felt while walking through the zoo, with it's tropical foliage, mangrove swamps, chirping birds, chimpanzees climbing and swinging, showing off their acrobatic skills and other breeds of animals, chomping away at their food or sunning themselves.
The city seems not in a hurry, although the streets are far from empty, the movement of the people seem orchestrated. They seem to know where they were going and at a pace that gave each of us enough breathing room, no elbowing, no stumbling into each other. As I looked from the hotel window in the downtown area, the sweepers were at it again; a ritual that would be seen throughout the day, brooms making a sweep clean, going after any scrap that dared to mess up their lovely city.
Don't be fooled by it's unassuming ways, it is by no means a sleepy town. There is lots of energy. I believe they are making preparations and they want to do it just right. I am guessing that when they are finished, they will say to the citizens of the world "come discover what you are missing." Even if they are not quite ready they do pause for those who have come, they make you feel comfortable, they make you feel welcomed. You arrive at the door, they say Bienvenido{glad you are here}. You leave and they say gracias{thank you for coming}. The strategy, and if you ask me a smart one, I am sure, is to make you their ambassadors, this I have no doubt is the plan for us to spread the word about Guayaquil,Ecuador and I certainly will.
A few hours at Elvis's home with his giggling siblings and father was a delight, mother was at work. This young man was able to embrace the support from Children International to put him on the right track; a journey he hopes to continue through higher education in order to gain a better life for him and his family. He showed me where he has began his first job, he is in training now. The shopping was quick, he picked a few essentials and because we were famished, we all headed out for lunch, the taxi driver, the Children International official, Elvis, my traveling companion and I. Good company, good food, makes for a happy occasion. As we parted company we vowed to stay in touch with Elvis. We wanted to see more and the tour guides were surprised that we stayed pass the overnight visit that is the norm. "Visitors are just passing through," they told us. Then I told my story of what brought me to Guayaquil and thanked them for showing me their lovely city.
A few Days later, we headed off to the Galapagos, Ecuador, a fantastic destination unto itself where you will communicate with nature. It is the perfect place for unhurried living, whether hiking, strolling by the beach,staring in awe of the red-footed booby, the sea lion, the huge turtles and other creatures that roam around on the many Islands in their natural habitat. The sun beats down on you in these Equatorial Islands and the sound of the waves coming from the Pacific Ocean is relaxing, it makes you forget your troubles. You feel your heartbeat, you clear your mind and get your priorities straight. Although I am saying ADIOS{good-bye} I will spread the word about this amazing country and I would like you to know that I am coming back for more, I promise. And Elvis, I am keeping my fingers crossed that you have aced that entrance examination for College.
"To find out what one is fitted to do, and to secure an opportunity
to do it, is the key to happiness." John Dewey
HASTA LA VISTA!
Yes indeed, my first impression was that Guayaquil, the largest city of the country, Ecuador was not making a lot of noise, almost demure. It did not say "look at me," it was not in your face, yet you had to stand still in admiration. It was that kind of atmosphere. It is evident that Guayaquil is on a beautification effort to make it's environment welcoming while caring for it's citizens. A walk through the park lifted your spirit and I guessed it was designed to do just that giving John and Jane Public a place to rest their weary selves, to chill out, to have some quiet time. This same kind of serenity and order could be felt while walking through the zoo, with it's tropical foliage, mangrove swamps, chirping birds, chimpanzees climbing and swinging, showing off their acrobatic skills and other breeds of animals, chomping away at their food or sunning themselves.
The city seems not in a hurry, although the streets are far from empty, the movement of the people seem orchestrated. They seem to know where they were going and at a pace that gave each of us enough breathing room, no elbowing, no stumbling into each other. As I looked from the hotel window in the downtown area, the sweepers were at it again; a ritual that would be seen throughout the day, brooms making a sweep clean, going after any scrap that dared to mess up their lovely city.
Don't be fooled by it's unassuming ways, it is by no means a sleepy town. There is lots of energy. I believe they are making preparations and they want to do it just right. I am guessing that when they are finished, they will say to the citizens of the world "come discover what you are missing." Even if they are not quite ready they do pause for those who have come, they make you feel comfortable, they make you feel welcomed. You arrive at the door, they say Bienvenido{glad you are here}. You leave and they say gracias{thank you for coming}. The strategy, and if you ask me a smart one, I am sure, is to make you their ambassadors, this I have no doubt is the plan for us to spread the word about Guayaquil,Ecuador and I certainly will.
A few hours at Elvis's home with his giggling siblings and father was a delight, mother was at work. This young man was able to embrace the support from Children International to put him on the right track; a journey he hopes to continue through higher education in order to gain a better life for him and his family. He showed me where he has began his first job, he is in training now. The shopping was quick, he picked a few essentials and because we were famished, we all headed out for lunch, the taxi driver, the Children International official, Elvis, my traveling companion and I. Good company, good food, makes for a happy occasion. As we parted company we vowed to stay in touch with Elvis. We wanted to see more and the tour guides were surprised that we stayed pass the overnight visit that is the norm. "Visitors are just passing through," they told us. Then I told my story of what brought me to Guayaquil and thanked them for showing me their lovely city.
A few Days later, we headed off to the Galapagos, Ecuador, a fantastic destination unto itself where you will communicate with nature. It is the perfect place for unhurried living, whether hiking, strolling by the beach,staring in awe of the red-footed booby, the sea lion, the huge turtles and other creatures that roam around on the many Islands in their natural habitat. The sun beats down on you in these Equatorial Islands and the sound of the waves coming from the Pacific Ocean is relaxing, it makes you forget your troubles. You feel your heartbeat, you clear your mind and get your priorities straight. Although I am saying ADIOS{good-bye} I will spread the word about this amazing country and I would like you to know that I am coming back for more, I promise. And Elvis, I am keeping my fingers crossed that you have aced that entrance examination for College.
"To find out what one is fitted to do, and to secure an opportunity
to do it, is the key to happiness." John Dewey
HASTA LA VISTA!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
UNCHARTERED WATERS
"Wherever you go, go with all your heart"
Confucius
Once upon a time I wrote the names of my sponsored children and their Countries alongside their names. On this list are also a list of Countries I would like to visit. Each time I discover another gem, tucked away in this giant of a world, I go through the ritual of updating the list, knowing that one day these journeys will come true. There are no set dates because I have learned the value of waiting, besides it does not cost anything to have wishes, and each new discovery brings pure joy and anticipation that someday I will set foot on this land.
Those who have followed CHOOSE TO CARE'S blogs know that wishes do come true. In 2010 I visited Elizabeth and Margret, two of my sponsored children who live in Zambia, Africa. Now I am planning this ambitious trip to Ecuador, South America where I will meet Elvis, a nineteen year old young man with whom I have shared years of letter writing, since he was at the ripe age of eight. I have kept each letter and each photo. I received a letter a few weeks ago, and I will share tidbits. Elvis wrote "I am writing these lines from my beautiful city......(full of pride, I noticed.) And he also said: "I want to continue studying and have a good future. I want to help those who have been very supportive."
Music to my ears, joy to my soul, with that mind set and given the opportunities, I am sure Elvis will will succeed. This is a tale of transformation, a young man making his way in this harsh world, supported by the Children International Organization that makes it their duty to help children who are in dire need and would not do well if not for their helping hands. I have read enough about Ecuador to know that it is a destination where life is not laid out for comfort and amusement for this young man and many others.
I am setting off on an adventure of a lifetime, heading for Guayaquil, that beautiful city as Elvis described it, and on my return you will be the first to read about how I fared. My message remains the same as it was for the two girls in Zambia, "study hard, keep your hopes alive, we've got your back"
It was John Dewey who said:
Confucius
Once upon a time I wrote the names of my sponsored children and their Countries alongside their names. On this list are also a list of Countries I would like to visit. Each time I discover another gem, tucked away in this giant of a world, I go through the ritual of updating the list, knowing that one day these journeys will come true. There are no set dates because I have learned the value of waiting, besides it does not cost anything to have wishes, and each new discovery brings pure joy and anticipation that someday I will set foot on this land.
Those who have followed CHOOSE TO CARE'S blogs know that wishes do come true. In 2010 I visited Elizabeth and Margret, two of my sponsored children who live in Zambia, Africa. Now I am planning this ambitious trip to Ecuador, South America where I will meet Elvis, a nineteen year old young man with whom I have shared years of letter writing, since he was at the ripe age of eight. I have kept each letter and each photo. I received a letter a few weeks ago, and I will share tidbits. Elvis wrote "I am writing these lines from my beautiful city......(full of pride, I noticed.) And he also said: "I want to continue studying and have a good future. I want to help those who have been very supportive."
Music to my ears, joy to my soul, with that mind set and given the opportunities, I am sure Elvis will will succeed. This is a tale of transformation, a young man making his way in this harsh world, supported by the Children International Organization that makes it their duty to help children who are in dire need and would not do well if not for their helping hands. I have read enough about Ecuador to know that it is a destination where life is not laid out for comfort and amusement for this young man and many others.
I am setting off on an adventure of a lifetime, heading for Guayaquil, that beautiful city as Elvis described it, and on my return you will be the first to read about how I fared. My message remains the same as it was for the two girls in Zambia, "study hard, keep your hopes alive, we've got your back"
It was John Dewey who said:
"To find out what one is fitted to do And to receive an opportunity to do it, is the key to happiness"
FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
STEPPING UP MY GAME PLAN
"How wonderful it is that nobody need
wait a single moment before starting
to improve the world"
Anne Frank
When 2012 came around I did not list any resolutions. Yet in my mind, the need for doing more to make the world we live in a better place has been gnawing at my soul. This thought has stayed with me, pops in my head without notice, catches up with me when I leisurely stroll feeling at peace. And when I have completely attempted to remove it as I like to do with annoying thoughts, it creeps right back and comfortably settles in. No amount of meditation has been able to remove this 'beast' It has dared me to ignore its presence and it has won. "Yes I can do more."
It is not that I am not aware of my obligations to my world my excuse is that I am waiting for the right time, a cue to step up my game plan. This everlasting tugging tells me that there is no escape and the time is now. So I am going to roll with this divine order that I have been given. This morning I began to take giant steps on this journey. I am all pumped up with the possibilities that lay ahead. The gnawing buzz has turned into a happy soul and a lighter mind, giving me the strength to make plans to do more.
I truly believe each of us must give to whichever cause is laid upon our heart. I know what I am good at and I know that I must use what I am good at to help my world, realizing that persistence is the key. I know about uplifting feelings and I know this generous and trusting heart will set me in the right path. Talk is cheap you may say but once my mind is set, it is action all the way. I want to know that I made it better for others and I know the 'Gnawer' will not allow me to lag; he is somewhere keeping an eye on me. Stay tune for Choose To Care upcoming events.
"I am only one, but still I am one.
I cannot do everything but still
I can do something."
Everett Hale
PEACE AND LOVE!!
Visit:ChooseMYPlate.gov
www.vitalchoice.weebly.com
www.eatright.org/kids/
Monday, January 16, 2012
SAY YES to Investment In Our Children's Nutritional Health
Nutrition and Health messages are not only for the grown ups. As we continue to battle the alarming growth of obesity , we must be committed to address the obesity epidemic in children and adolescents. It is important for me to be part of this change we are seeking and make every effort to do my part to explore effective and doable strategies.
Through MyPlate, the easily recognizable USDA Icon, messages are communicated to the public to help apply the behaviors. For example: MAKE HALF YOUR PLATE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES; this is a start to get the public adding fruits and vegetables to their diet even when on a budget. This is the beginning of many buzz activities that are planned to get the attention of the public. Similarly at "KIDS EAT RIGHT" there is a plethora of useful information and ways to get kids started on a healthy track, eating better and participating in physical activities.
CHECK OUT "Kids Eat Right" www.eatright.org/kids/ and see what resources you can use to join in this all important campaign.
Through MyPlate, the easily recognizable USDA Icon, messages are communicated to the public to help apply the behaviors. For example: MAKE HALF YOUR PLATE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES; this is a start to get the public adding fruits and vegetables to their diet even when on a budget. This is the beginning of many buzz activities that are planned to get the attention of the public. Similarly at "KIDS EAT RIGHT" there is a plethora of useful information and ways to get kids started on a healthy track, eating better and participating in physical activities.
CHECK OUT "Kids Eat Right" www.eatright.org/kids/ and see what resources you can use to join in this all important campaign.
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