It Takes a Village … like Salt Lake City

“It takes a village to raise a child” is an African proverb that reflects the culture of its origins.  In my trips to Tanzania and Kenya and in my interactions with others from different countries in Africa, I have always been impressed by the all-hands-on-deck approach to raising the children.  Educating, healing, clothing, feeding and even disciplining the children is often a community or village effort.  For this reason, it’s not uncommon in the village to see toddlers running around with other children – no parents in sight.  It’s also not uncommon to see a baby passed from the back of a mother to the back of a crowded bus where someone else will hold on to the little bundle until ‘mawe’ arrives at her stop.  It’s also not uncommon to see parents in the community feeding or scolding the children of another villager. 

“It takes a village to raise a child.” 

I guess I’m touched by this quote today in particular because I’m seeing this impressive rally of our local community in response to our requests for support at our ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraiser coming up on August 5th.  I’m a rookie fundraiser.  I nudge on Facebook and tell great stories to capture the interest and support of friends.  I once put together a 5k Trail Fun Run – but that was at least a little bit related to my ‘strengths’ in that I am a little mountain goat myself and I love outdoor events.  This year – well … somehow I find myself organizing a night of live music with a raffle and silent auction! 

The music is shaping up to be more like a music festival than just a few bands jamming.  We’re going to have two stages with two different feels going all night long – one on the inside, one on the outside.  The reason for the wealth of music is the response of our community!  There is so much talent in Salt Lake City.  We have amazing music to appreciate and follow – so much so, that our scene is almost saturated on some nights.  Bands have the chance to make money, be seen and most importantly – be heard.  But for this night, 3-4 bands plus 4 singer/songwriters are coming out and donating their musical talent to support this cause!  And we, the lucky listeners who attend the event, get to enjoy, sing, drink and dance the night away!

In addition to the remarkable turn out on the music front is the outpouring of local support from businesses, organizations and artists.  So many people are donating their talents, their products, their services and their art so that Project Wezesha can get roofs on the classrooms this summer!  I’m keeping track of our donors and promoting them with links to their websites in our events blog – so click here to read about all the amazing local supporters!

And speaking of the blog, which is conveniently embedded within the website – none of this would flow as well or promote as effectively without this website, which was recently built by my longtime friend – Dan Morris.  Dan sat with me as I spoke in unclear terms about what vision I had for my site.  He let me indulge him with several possible layout options that I admired on other webpages – none similar to the next in any way, posing (I’m sure) some challenges when finessing the site to fit my ideal.  But, Dan is tech savvy, has great style and was somehow able to interpret my lay-woman’s terminology from ‘want it’ to ‘got it.’  So, mad props to Dan.  If you have web design or photography needs – you absolutely have to check out his website and see what he can do for you.  Talent.  Lots of talent! Dan Morris Photography 

It takes a village to raise a child.  It takes this community to build Amahoro Secondary School!  I’m so lucky to be part of a ‘village’ that can rally as willingly as Salt Lake City!  Heart is full, thanks to you!

Asante Sana from Rai, Lucas and Mgaraganza Village!