Ngatha International is a small, grass roots organization run by unpaid volunteers who have a passion for education, gender equality, sustainable community building and most importantly, the health and well being of women and children in the developing world.
Our mission is based on a "full circle" process whereby prosperity comes to a community not by handing out money or humanitarian aid items then moving on to the next destination. It's about building roots, building FAITH and foundations, providing training, tools and resources to help people help themselves. It's about access to clean water, information about HIV/AIDS, health & wellbeing, gender equality, creating jobs, improving the local economy, and excellent child education. It's a big undertaking that will unfold over an unknown expanse of time.
Slow but steady, through tireless efforts of our volunteers and Board of Directors both here in America and Kenya, we are creating a nurturing home and superior education opportunities for orphaned children and a livelihood for teachers and staff in the East African country's Central Highlands. Due, in large part, to our presence, contacting officials and appropriate entities, electricity has arrived from Ndaragua and will be available for the first time in Ngamini Village and at the Ngatha Homestead & Learning Center!
Regardless of our efforts, absolutely none of our progress would be possible without the generosity and creativity of our volunteers, donors & sponsors.
What we do may not seem grand. Indeed we are a small group, and in the scheme of things, assisting a small locale somewhere on this huge planet. We are praying for angels, seeking out those who feel empowered, motived and called to help make a difference in the life of a single human soul and the community that sustains him or her; not to the masses, not to the large, well established entities and projects, but the small gardens where seeds are being planted and young shoots have begun to sprout. At Ngatha International every single act, every single effort, is exponential.
Here's what some of our volunteers and donors have done:
A group of college students at Saint Cloud State University held a bake sale.
Another group of college students at Saint Cloud State University held a silent auction.
Another group of students had a "Spa Day" on campus where they gave arm & hand massages during finals week. A local therapist also donated her time and gave seated back massages. A group of volunteers got together and made "Soap for Hope", which comprised 3 bars of soap in a red box. A youth group raised money to purchase a cow by washing cars over a weekend. A sunday school group has raised money for the purchase of chickens.
One of our child sponsors is a teacher. For two years in a row, she and her students raised money and awareness, sewed lap quilts for the children and collected over 600 pairs of shoes and socks for the Ngatha Intl Children's Homestead & Learning Center. That same teacher is also an artist. She created beautiful cards of her artwork (a portrait of her sponsored child) as well as cards from other works. She came up with a campaign, "Cards For Kids". The profits are being donated to Ngatha! (Learn more about her in our "Virtuous Woman" & "News & Events" section)
One of our sponsors is a Christian business woman who not only ggave a percentage of her 2008 sales to Ngatha and other worthy causes, she also spearheaded our website, paid for set up and monthly hosting, paid for spots on a local radio station during Christmas season AND most importantly, she is one of our biggest cheerleaders and prays for us on our journey. Michele TeBrake is the first person featured in our "Virtuous Woman" section. She also has placed us in the hearts of other compassionate and generous business people that have helped to keep our doors open thus far. You will soon find them in our "Virtuous" section, as well.
Think small. Think big. Get creative. ACT! and have a direct and lasting effect in the lives of the women, children & communities as you help build the circle.
