YeColA

Two years ago, I went to visit an orphanage in Kinshasa. I met this young girl who was around 12-15 years old. I greeted her, and it took her some time to respond back because She was shy to talk to me. Once she got comfortable and the conversation started I asked her “what is your name?” Before she answered I said, “wait, don’t tell me I know who you are. You are Ruth.” She smiled and asked, “How did you know?” I said I have this superpower(a gentlemen handed me a list with her name on it) that allows me to know and do whatever I put my mind to. What I assumed was the beginning of a beautiful conversation was going completely south by her sad facial expression. I did not understand why, So I decided to ask her another question. I asked her “What would you like to be when you grow up?” She said “I wish I could have your superpowers, but I cannot.” I asked, “Why?” She said “because I don’t even know if I will graduate from high school or if I will eat tomorrow, how can I dream of being anything that I want. I am not even dreaming anymore, If Not just hoping that tomorrow-another person comes to visit us and give us gifts and food.” As a student in psychology, I understand the importance of dreams and aspirations in a child's world. I understand that one of the most crucial things during childhood is believing that you can be anything that you want when you grow up. When I was around her age, I wanted to be a physician, an astronaut, a president, and a mother to 15 children. It never came to my mind that I could not do it at all. This conversation with this young girl made me realize that I (We) needed to do more than just give food and more than visits with these children. We need to provide them with the idea that anything is possible. Possibilities that include becoming a doctor, an engineer, or a photographer. This moment inspired my team and myself to create this program, Yecola. Yecola is program that will be giving youngsters from the democratic Republic of Congo, from poor neighborhoods, training in Photography, fashion designing, Computer, science, Graphic design et web design, and entrepreneurship. We are not trying to give them a fish but we would like you to teach them how to fish. WE ARE HOPING THAT YOU WILL JOIN US AND HELP GIVE THEM A FUTURE  WITH MANY POSSIBILITIES. A FUTURE IN WHICH THEY GET TO CHOOSE WHO THEY WANT TO BE. The funds collected will help us: buy computers, books, sewing machines, chairs, tables, notebooks, cameras, food and all that is needed to help them learn. Thank you for your time and consideration.