I learned couple of days ago that there are many children in Tanzania has the birthday of July 15th. Not that they were really all born on that day, but that nobody knows when their birthdays are. The forgotten birthdays.
The statement to close off the blog that I read from was “Imagine never knowing your own birthday! Maybe someday in Tanzania, July 15th will be a national holiday to celebrate the forgotten birthdays of so many people in this country”
An idea popped up in my mind – maybe we can be the movement to make that day happen! Better yet, how about we throw the birthday parties for these kids, give them hope, and let them have a shot at this life and dream some big dreams. Perhaps, one day they’ll take the step into a new life, and maybe that day will mark their new birth!
So I purchased www.july15.org
I’d like you all readers to pour your creative juice in and think of things this can potentially develop into. Feel free to leave comments or email me directly.
I was also told that there needs to be more children books written by native authors for native children. Perhaps that may be a good start.
Or, maybe each person give up one birthday present and instead purchase a gift for one child in Tanzania.
Here’s one simple idea: partner with local elementary schools to start (this can expand over time) and set up some kind of partnership w/ something like World Vision — have elementary school kids make/purchase a birthday gift for the kids in Africa and create their own card/write a letter. Then send the gifts via world vision/other charity.
Better yet — support local economies. Figure out a way for gifts to be made in Tanzania (why spend $ to send made-in-china-american-purchased goods overseas?) and have kids here “sponsor” a gift — maybe they save their allowances to do this, or maybe they mow lawns for others. Kids can write a letter or make a card to be given with their gift. Give each kid here who participates a certificate or something to commemorate their deed. Or maybe the gift can just be a simple school supply kit: pencils, pretty color crayons, a notebook.
I love it! I especially like the one about getting people over to make gifts, and have kids here sponsor a gift, and giving it to kids over there. Logistics. I think 410bridge.org did get them to make stuff and have it shipped to the states.
Hey man, I’m interested, but I think I still need some more background story.
Are you in Tanzania?
I love the initiative, keep me posted.