What inspired you to work for Because ALL Children Matter?
Deanne, CEO of BACM, is who inspired me. I have always dreamed of being a part of an international NGO and Africa has always been the country of choice. When I was a little girl I would see commercials of orphaned children around the world, inviting viewers to send in money to help a child in need. Those commercials were key in sparking my desire to someday have an impact on children in need from around the world. My dream trip to Africa led me to Deanne and, because of her, my dream of being involved in an international NGO had come true.
My family
Describe a typical day at work.
This is a unique NGO. Board members are from all over the world. A lot of communication and work is done via email, messages, and social media. For now, until I can spend more time in Africa, the majority of my work is creating awareness and fundraising for BACM and its programs.
Why do you do what you do?
Because I was born to do this and I believe in the mission of BACM, in Deanne and Johnson (Mumbi, BACM co-founder) and their hard work in Africa, and for the children. Especially for the children.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Seeing the transformation of a child. When a child is taken off the street, or from an orphanage, and is placed into school, is given clean clothing, bedding, food and a comfortable roof over their head, the smile that radiates from their faces is priceless. Seeing those smiles and seeing them feel loved is my favorite part of the job.
Special needs orphanage
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I have over 25 years of experience working with adults and children with special needs and am now pursuing a career in the medical community. For now my experience is supporting the programs that BACM has created and continues to create.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
The No. 1 challenge I face is the frustration that I cannot physically spend more time in Africa assisting Deanne and Johnson. I overcome this by reminding myself that my current situation that prevents me from doing so, will someday change and one day I will be able to be more hands on.
What are some current projects you are working on?
Mostly fundraising and awareness.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
To be prepared to be changed forever. To be prepared to love like you never have before. To be prepared to meet some of the most amazing people in the world who will become wonderful and lifelong friends.
What makes Because ALL Children Matter special?
I believe it’s special because it is run by a group of international board members who have all been volunteers. Even more so because our CEO Deanne has spent the last decade giving her whole life to volunteering and that has created a level of trust, as well as determination, to succeed and see BACM change the lives of as many children and volunteers as we possibly can.
Why should someone choose Because ALL Children Matter over competitors?
Because of how well organized BACM is, because BACM is doing everything they can to keep volunteer fees as little as possible, and because Deanne and Johnson, who are in Africa, are two of the most honest individuals I have ever met. I trust that my time and my money and all others who contribute these things to BACM can do so with the peace of mind that they won’t be taken advantage of.
Safari
What hopes do you have for the future of Because ALL Children Matter?
To see it grow to many, many countries around the world. I want to see it as a Global NGO and I want to see hundreds, if not thousands, of volunteers drawn to BACM so that millions of children’s lives can change for the better.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I want participants to be completely transformed. That by volunteering with BACM, they will leave their experience and their country with a love and determination to continue changing the lives of children in whatever country they live in. And that their experience with BACM will be so remarkable and positive, they can’t help but share with their friends and family about our program.
If you could participate in one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
Africa. Africa, Africa, Africa. I would spend the majority of my time in Special Needs Orphanages, working in our program that is partnered with those assisting girls who have been rescued from sex trafficking and the women’s prisons. In all honesty, BACM has such a variety of programs I would feel drawn to spend time doing all of them.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Most participants ask about the cost and also about the overall experience that they will have. My personal experience was so powerful, it’s very easy for me to respond in an honest and positive way.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
I personally believe the purpose of this life is to love, above all else love. How can the human race become more tolerant and loving to one another if we cannot understand other people’s cultures and way of life? Experiencing new culture is the best way to teach us perspective, empathy, and love, in my opinion.
Children’s Orphanage
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Be open, be scared, be excited, be loving, be friendly, don’t take a single second for granted. Look outside of yourself and focus solely on the people and the culture. Be prepared to never be the same.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To leave a place and a culture as a better human and with a transformed heart. To leave a place with new friends and a new place I could call home. To leave a place having made a difference in the life of a child or woman.
What qualities in program and host community relations are important to you? (And your organization?)
Honesty, Integrity and topnotch organizational skills and communication skills. I want to see programs where the Organization cares more about the individuals they are serving, than lining their own pockets with money, greed or fame.
