Ignorance is Not Bliss

Ignorance is the state of being uninformed. And there is little bliss in it. Ignorance means being unable to read and write. Having few options for good paying work. Being unable to provide just the very basics for the family. It is the curse of poverty.

We know that education can lift a person out of poverty. We also know that it can help girls grow up to be healthy mothers with healthy children. We know what works but it can’t be just a theory and that’s where the TARA Project steps in.

In our Kenya community, investors like you have helped the TARA Project provide scholarships for amazing young men and women – from secondary school to university. We recently received applications from students for secondary school scholarships. One of the questions on the application is, “who do you admire most in your life and why?” For anyone doubting the power of education, guess who was consistently the most admired person in these young peoples lives? Their teachers.

Read a few entries:

“I admire my teachers who tirelessly encourage me. They also help me through thick and thin by teaching me and reminding me of right lessons.” -- Bernard, 14 years

“My teacher is one of my role models because he shows me the right path.” -- Kennedy, 16 years

“My roles models are my mathematics teacher and my school principle because they are kind and hardworking and give pieces of advice.” – Yvonne, 15 years

“I admire my teachers. They are my role models because they correct me when I went wrong somewhere.” Obungu, 15 years.

These teenagers are not lying in bed each morning wishing they did not have to go to school. Instead, they yearn for an education. Many walk miles each day for the privilege of sitting in an overcrowded classroom with no electricity or books and few supplies. Their teachers are their role models. In them, these young people see a future and a life beyond poverty.

An education for many of these young girls will mean the difference between learning mathematics or learning about being a first time mother at 17. And once that die is cast it's tough to break the cycle. She'll have a potentially difficult pregnancy and delivery because she is too young. She and her children will struggle since she won't have a good education to find a decent paying job. Her kids will likely not be able to stay in school since she'll need them to work as well.

Or, should she have the opportunity to stay in school she will have put off marriage and babies for a few years. Gained valuable skills that will help her find a good job and sound footing to start a healthy family.

Development theory has come a long way in the last fifty years. No longer is poverty reduction focused on bridges, dams and other complex, expensive infrastructure projects. Development is now focused on people, as it should be. It is focused on health, economic opportunity and education.

The TARA Project puts good development theory into practice. Through our scholarship program, our Kenyan community will soon welcome back, Vedis Olima, its first university graduate who will open the doors to a pharmacy that is built and waiting for him.

It means that the community will have access to safe, life saving medicines. Vedis’ education changed his life and that of his family. But it also will change his community for the better and that’s the power of education.

Change starts with an education. For Vedis, it is the beginning of a wonderful future. If you would like to be part of another young person's future, join our community in ending poverty.