Fuel their Future was born from the idea that the McKim’s wanted to give back to their son’s birth family and when asked what they could do--buy a donkey for them, send them money, etc.--they were informed of the problem with the school system. Because the government school systems were inefficient and didn't allow students to succeed past the 8th grade (see previous blog post for explanation), they were told that if they wanted to have the greatest impact, they should send their son’s brothers to Yididiya and start a feeding program there.
The goal of this was to not elevate one family over the other, which would only, inevitably, create hardship, jealousy, and alienation for that family, but to create a program that brings the community together and elevates them at the same moment.
When visiting the school this past May, many of the mothers with children in the feeding program made time to visit with us. They told us all about how their child is thriving and growing and learning at a faster rate than their other children in government schools. These women sat together, ate together, and held each other close. When asked if they’ve been able to create a relationship Jamanesh responded: “They’ve created a community among one another. They spend holidays together.” And, when asked how Fuel their Future has impacted their child or respective family, the replies were overwhelming:
“This program helps my family because it’s difficult to work due to my HIV illness. My son never misses a day of school and so he never goes a full day without having at least one meal.”
“With inflation, it’s hard to buy food. It helps knowing that my child is getting fed everyday.”
“When my child started at Yididiya, he was in third grade and didn’t know the alphabet. Now, he never misses school.”
“The kids are motivated. We never have to tell them to go to school anymore.”
“My kids are happy now.” **
Fuel Their Future does not work to sponsor individual children because we want every child and their family to feel elevated. We to feed as many students for as long as we can, so consider donating today. It only costs $3 to feed a child for one day, so they have the energy to learn, grow, and continue smiling.
**While the meaning and facts in these states are true, because they went through translation, it is not word for word.
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