I wrote earlier about alleviating poverty, pointing out that the problems we see needn’t be overwhelming.
Breaking down broader observations on poverty to small components while seeking modest solutions means that care and support can be targeted with efficiency and with outcomes that are achievable.
Near my home in the beautiful Adelaide Hills is a dog park on the bend of a river. Unlike many dog parks, the Balhannah Dog Park is not fenced. My Webster gets to roam endlessly along the riverbank and through majestic oak trees.
Oak trees grow slowly. These specimens are 50 feet or more high. Someone – many years ago – nurtured seedlings that they probably never saw in their maturity. As I walk amongst them, I hold a sense of gratitude to that person or persons for their vision. Whatever else they may have achieved throughout their lives, they gave my community a lasting gift.
It’s like that with what the Foundation is doing.
With your support, we are providing care through good works and through education and training. We know, from intuition and experience, that, in years to come, the benefits from these small but effective projects will transform that community.
Yes, Rehempur is a small community. The change we may see (and are seeing already) is probably small. Small yet potent. The potential – many years from now – should not be underestimated.
Such was the attitude of Fr. Amato, who spent many years in the region and who is remembered fondly for his pioneering efforts.
Gloria Francis suggested to me, not long ago, that we at the foundation are continuing Fr Amato’s work.
And here’s the reality: Signs of hope are infectious.
When Michael Francis’ little tailoring shop grew and began to employ more local people, it was celebrated in the village and marvelled at.
When Zeeshan gathered the first students into the English Academy, their parents expressed their gratitude, and the Academy continues to grow.
Those parents, those villagers can see change happening before them. Like the acorn in the soil, it will grow and multiply.
Who knows what Rehempur will look like in a decade or two? I may not see it; you may not see it, but we can hold reasonable hope that, with our continued support, our small acorn will grow strong and tall.
Please continue to support this vital work.
Paul Russell
The Tailor’s Secret Stitch is a delightful tale about the difference that love and devotion make in our lives, brought to life through the life of a tailor named Mikal.
For a donation of $25.00 to the Academy, I’ll send you a FREE COPY of my book to delight readers young and old!
Why not accept this offer from me, knowing you will make a real difference in the lives of these children?
Go to our Academy page for details on how to donate and how to claim your free book.
Thank you so much for your support!
