A tour of the Ezomndeni Net...online!

Curious about how video mentoring works? Stop by Infinite Family's YouTube Channel to tour the Ezomndeni Net and our video mentoring desktop!  See the blogs, the kids and the art the Net Buddies create while online with their Video Mentors.  Just click on the link below to view the EzNet tour and many of our other insightful videos!
A tour of the Ezomndeni Net...online!

South African Schoolroom Humor!

Lots of activity happens on the Ezomndeni Net.  We always have lots of Net Buddies uploading photos, sending email, and enjoying their video conversations.  One of my favorite parts of the Ezomndeni Net is the blogs.  Every day we have children and mentors reflecting on their hopes and frustrations and looking to one another for support.

Today, I was lucky enough to catch Pippy's blog.  She decided to share some South African schoolroom humor. I thought I'd give you all a chuckle and pass them on.  You might want to share these with the young people in your life~

Teacher:  Zoleka, go to the map and find North America.
Zoleka:   Here it is~!
Teacher: Correct. Now class, who discovered America?
Class:     Zoleka!
 
Teacher: Busie, how do you spell crocodile?
Busie:     k-r-o-d-i-a-l
Teacher: No, that's wrong.
Busie:     Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how to spell it!

Teacher: Millie, give a sentence starting with "I".
Millie:     I is.
Teacher: No Millie, always say "I am".
Millie:    All right. I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.

Video mentoring with Infinite Family brings many gifts...these jokes being just one of them!  Contact us and learn more about video mentoring a South African child today! Just email: info@infinitefamily.org or give us a call at 212.400.7446 x 12.

The Gift is you...: KQV Global Press Conference: Infinite Family: Connecting with Africa’s Youth

The Gift is you...: KQV Global Press Conference: Infinite Family: Connecting with Africa’s Youthhttp://www.worldaffairspittsburgh.org/nu_upload/Dana_Gold.mp3

Sorry for the double post on the same topic...I was trying to get fancy on the last post and it was brought to my attention that there was no link to the interview.  Ah well!  Click the above for the interview!

Tips for World Cup Visitors to South Africa...from IF Net Buddies!

So much excitement, worry and anticipation has gone into South Africa's preparation for the 2010 World Cup Games.  Will the stadiums be done in time?  Will Gautrain be ready to move the anticipated millions from venue to venue?  Will World Cup fans be forced to live in tents or will hotel space be plentiful?  And moreover, will the visitors to the games be safe?


One of Infinite Family's Net Buddies decided to address some of these issues in a recent blog.  So, if you want some good advice on what to eat, where to visit and how to stay safe, read what Ncesh has to say!


With the World Cup in South Africa maybe some of you are coming here.   So I have some tips for what you should do or not do.  Like any other country, we have some things good and some things bad.

If you like nice food you should buy umnqusho.  That's samp (coarse ground boiled corn) and beans.  Or some meat we call mkqhodi, the meat from inside the cow or sheep.  Or try braai meat (barbequed), steak or pork with pap (boiled corn meal). That is a nice meal for the day.

If you eat early you can buy amagwinya for breakfast.   That's fat cake, polonny (sausage) and chips.  You will be full all morning.

We all know that crime is high in our country so be careful who you ask directions or anything.   The tsostis (criminals) here walk with a Bible so you will think they are good Christian people, but they are not.   They can even pretend to be in danger, or sick, so be careful who you help. I'm not saying you shouldn't help, but be aware.

We have nice places to visit with your family or alone and Durban is one of them.  Capetown is a great city. Also Port Elizabeth is a wonderful place.

Remember don't walk around with lots of cash in your bag or holding your bag with you thumbs.  Make sure that you hold your bag tight in your hand.  

Sit where you feel safe and surrounded by people.  If you don't trust people walk away from them without showing that you are afraid of them.   Try to be calm and confident so no one will think of starting something with you. 

I'm not saying avoid the South Africans or be afraid of us or anything like that, I'm just saying be careful.  Like in your own countries, there are gangsters and crime, so you know what I mean when I say be careful!

 So, take the wise advice of one of the wonderful Net Buddies of Infinite Family and have an incredible time exploring the diverse and vibrant country of South Africa!

If you want to hear more about what Net Buddies have to say about themselves, their lives and Infinite Family, visit our website at www.infinitefamily.org!





   

Infinite Family Opens 4th Video Lab in Soweto

News Release: Soweto, South Africa

Infinite Family, a non profit international organization that connects sub-Saharan children affected by HIV/AIDS and poverty, one on one, with mentors from around the world through video technology, opened its fourth video lab at Tsogang Sechaba in Soweto on 16 February 2010.

Founded by US citizen Amy Conrad Stokes in 2005, Infinite Family expands opportunities for vulnerable children by improving their communications, life, academic, technology and work skills through face-to-face relationships with video mentors worldwide.

Opening the Soweto facility, Stokes said she hopes that the results experienced at the other existing labs - two group homes and two after-school programs with outreach to Berea, Alexandra township, Lanseria and three informal rural settlements, will soon be felt by the local Sowetan community. Early evaluations point to children’s clear gains in English, computer literacy, self confidence, conflict resolution and problem solving skills. In addition, Infinite Family mentors report a uniquely inspiring experience and seek greater involvement. To date, more than 200 tweens and teens have increased their technology, academic and life skills via these direct relationships.

“Strong partnerships are integral to the success of each of these centres and we have been blessed with the best,” says Stokes. “Currently the computer labs are jointly equipped and managed with our local NGO partners, who choose the tween and teen Net Buddies from their local communities. On the technology side, local converged communications service provider Internet Solutions provides the high speed satellite internet connections; Dial-a-Nerd installs and maintains computers in the labs; Bombardier Transportation sponsors the computer labs, employee mentors and a career development program; and apart from our global mentors, IBM (SA) has started an employee mentorship programme.”

“At Tsogang Sechaba, Ma Tony Gloria Bodibe, an icon in the local community for her support and daily feeding scheme of more than 1000 HIV/Aids affected kids from six local primary schools and two high schools, has been a source of inspiration to us all,” continues Stokes. “She has opened her home and her heart to us and given up precious space for the new Computer Lab and the response from families has been heart-warming. We can see that this Soweto outreach is already making a difference.”

Infinite Family has a small number of on the ground management staff in Johannesburg and provides each facility with a Lab Manager. Stokes, from New York, and her dedicated staff of two in Pittsburgh and two in South Africa, spend most of their time fund raising, building relationships with new NGOs and corporate partners and recruiting mentors to continue and spread the Infinite Family network.

Partner Comment:

Dial a Nerd
“Dial a Nerd chose to sponsor this facility, and Infinite Family, due to the valuable work they are doing to not only promote a sense of “family” amongst those of us that are less fortunate, but are doing so with the help of technology which in turn assists greatly in opening up a new door to children that wouldn’t otherwise have access to things like computers and the internet. As one can imagine, this is something that would appeal to us Nerds, as computers play a valuable role in our lives and it’s exciting to see children benefiting as they are.”
Aaron Thornton
General Manager
Dial a Nerd

Internet Solutions
“Since inception, Internet Solutions has been proud to be the connectivity sponsor for this unique and hugely effective initiative. We now sponsor four centres, some of which are in remote areas. Due to the locations of the centres, IS found it more effective to use satellite connectivity as this proved to be the more stable connectivity route.

IS has seen the positive effects that the Infinite Family programme has had on the lives of many young South African children through allowing them access to adult mentors, motivating them to contribute positively to their own future as well as the future of our country.”
Lebohang Thokoane, Marketing Executive


About Infinite Family

Infinite Family is an international organization that connects sub-Saharan children affected by HIV/AIDS and poverty, one on one, with mentors from around the world through video technology. Via webcams, computers, and a secure, interactive internet platform, caring adults around the world see and speak weekly with their “Net Buddies,” motivating them to define and work toward their goals and helping them learn academic, technology, and life skills. It starts with a face-to-face weekly conversation through the computer, but quickly becomes so much more. The impact of these relationships is profound on both ends of the relationship, expanding interest in all things South African through its mentor base in five countries, including South Africa, and across the U.S.

Infinite Family NGO partners include two group homes and two after-school programs with outreach to Berea, Alexandra township, Soweto and Lanseria and three informal rural settlements. Early evaluations point to children’s clear gains in English, computer literacy, self confidence, conflict resolution and problem solving skills. In addition, Infinite Family mentors report a uniquely inspiring experience and seek greater involvement. Our website (www.infinitefamily.org) contains video samples and an overview of the scope of Infinite Family’s work.

Amy Conrad Stokes had the idea for Infinite Family when she and her husband adopted Calder Qhawe from South Africa in 2003. In 2005, Dana Gold joined as Program Director, accelerating the program and providing much needed support. Dana is also the adoptive mother of a South African son.

Haitian orphans, African orphans, American orphans: Crisis brings focus

Pittsburghers mentor HIV/AIDS orphans in Africa using technology 

Every family’s heart was touched as the world watched 53 orphaned Haitian children carried from a city bus and into Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh just a few short weeks ago.  Every media outlet fielded phone calls and emails asking how to adopt, to foster, to make a difference in these poor children’s lives.  Luckily, the majority of these children were already in the process of being adopted and were quickly united with their “forever families”. 

But what about orphaned children the world over who have no hope of adoption and who struggle every day to find someone to guide, nurture and “be there” for them?   

One answer is mentoring. 

Infinite Family uses video technology to connect adult mentors with southern African children affected by HIV/AIDS and poverty.  African children growing up alone spend 30 minutes each week having video conversations with their mentors. 

Video Mentors find the experience very rewarding:

“I am mentoring an amazing high school boy in South Africa through a program called Infinite Family. We meet once a week via webcam and talk about school, work, and life. It is one of the highlights of my week. My Net Buddy is bright, driven, and has hopes for a successful and meaningful life despite living under difficult circumstances. We have talked about American and South African culture, our schoolwork (he is helping me with my math!), and his career goals. He wants to be a radio engineer or program host, and his slogan is “Make It Count!”  Michael B.

“By just spending 1/2 an hour each week talking with a child in need, you make their lives and futures brighter. Not to mention, these children give us so much love and inspiration, my live is more fulfilling with my Net Buddy in it!” Amy S.

Net Buddies in South Africa feel an enduring and special bond with their mentors:

“It feels like my mother has never died when I am with my wonderful Net Buddy.”

 “My Net Buddy is like a brother to me.  I learn new things from him and he shows me things I do not know.”          

Started in 2006 with 5 video mentors in Pittsburgh and 5 in New York City, Infinite Family now has over 130 Net Buddies in 20 states and in 3 different countries.  

Please join Vivisimo, Bombardier, Mullen and The Pittsburgh Technology Council in celebration of  3 years of Video Mentoring with  

Infinite Family

February 9th

5-7pm

at the 15 Minute Art Gallery

Pittsburgh Technology Council

2000 Technology Drive

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Be inspired by Pittsburghers using technology to change the world

Enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvre

Meet Infinite Family Video Mentors & Staff

Get Involved

 

 To RSVP:  212.400.7446 x 6 

or via email

dana.gold@infinitefamily.org

 

 

 

Gift Giving vs. "Gift Being"

Often, the US can come across as a kind of benevolent and capricious Santa figure. We ostentatiously dole out the gifts, but you have to be "good" to get them...good as determined by some parental formula of behaving according to "our" standards.

When it comes to children that I've worked with in South Africa, that expectation of generosity from individual US citizens can be the same.

At Infinite Family, we tell the children and their mentors that we believe "The Gift is YOU". The gift of time, attention, shared laughter, insight and experience are the gifts we bring to one another across the thousands of miles that separate us...all through using the gift of video technology.

The children understand this. They like the idea of being a gift to someone. As a weekly gift to their mentor, they inspire in surprising ways. They bring delight. They bring their willingness to love and be loved by a stranger so far away.

And so, the children of Infinite Family don't generally ask for anything...except your being...your being with them in their journey of growing up and becoming a gift to the world.

These relationships transform more than individual lives...they change perspective. A perspective change that says something about the US as a nation.

By "being with" someone through the process of mentoring, we make a statement that "we believe in you". We believe that by walking with you, we will witness your success, your blossoming into the best you can be.

Instead of holding up a yardstick by which someone is measured, mentoring holds up a mirror and helps you measure yourself by your own expectations and hopes.

So, during January, National Mentoring Month, we encourage everyone to give a gift, by being a gift. We hope you will consider giving your gift through Infinite Family.

Visit our website at www.infinitefamily.org to be a gift or give a gift.

Infinite Family. Infinite Possibilities.

Does Santa Come to Africa?

The kids of Infinite Family have lots of exposure to western culture. They LOVE Beyonce and Alicia Keyes. They are gaga over Zac Efron and Miley Cyrus. They can belt out their tunes and mimic their dances moves.

One young girl via email, insisted I introduce her to Halle Berry so that Halle could help her with her dream of becoming an actress. When I explained that wasn't possible because someone like me would never know someone like the academy award winning Ms. Berry...she couldn't accept that. In email after email, she expressed her surprise and disappointment that I would hold out on her like this.

In light of this misapprehension of American culture, I use some of my time during computer training to encourage questions from the Infinite Family kids about anything "American".

No longer focused on their computer screens, the children turn to me as the fount of all wisdom. The questions come at lightening speed:

"Why are your taxis in America all yellow?"

"Why do Americans ask so many questions?"

"How can one person live in an apartment all by themselves?"

And "Is Santa Claus real?"

As the last question was asked, the room, formerly awash with raised hands and eager faces, became solemn and quiet.

This was a serious question. The children wanted a definitive answer.

But what they really were asking was:

If Santa was real & visited the children of the US, then why didn't the jolly old elf come to visit them? Did they not merit a Christmas miracle? Weren't their Christmas wishes important to Saint Nicholas?

Did Santa not visit them because they were bad or undeserving?

Up until that moment, I never imagined that the Santa story could be so hurtful.

The myth and magic that grown-ups weave is never meant to hurt. But sometimes, it does.

Just a few years ago, when my daughter finally decided to stop believing in the magic of Santa, I explained to her that she was now responsible to embody the magic. By embodying the magic through giving exceptionally and selflessly, you become Santa.

I know we all try to do this for those we love. We try to give exceptionally. We try to give without a thought for ourselves. We all try to extend and embody the myth to those outside of our homes, outside of our communities...to extend the myth of magic to those who have so little magic in their lives.

Facing the somber-faced children in the tin-roofed, concrete block computer lab, I still needed to give them an answer.

So I told them, if Santa was real, he would NEVER FORGET them. You, beautiful and beloved, would never be forgotten by a benevolent and bountiful Santa Claus.

How are we embodying the magic, extending the bounty, this season? One option is to extend yourself to the children of Infinite Family. Weekly video conversations with a child longing for adult attention and the opportunity to make their own dreams come true, gives you the opportunity to embody the magic like nothing else.

Thank you for being Santa this season...to those in your home, in your community and those in tin-roofed shacks in Africa!

www.infinitefamily.org

Exuberant Thanks Giving!

Infinite Family would like to share with you evidence of hope growing in the midst of the most challenging of circumstances. Please enjoy this video as our thanksgiving for all you do each and every day of the year!

Service is the Rent we Pay for Living on this Earth

In a letter to her family, Frances, one of Infinite Family's video mentors writes:

"I am mentoring a South African teenager who has been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. What does that mean? I sign in to a secure website and tell Moses about my week, ask him about his, talk to him about school, about girls, about fighting and problem resolution, about books to read. I am a grown-up that is just his to trust.

Infinite Family's tag line is "The gift is you" This doesn't cost you any money (although donations are always needed). You just have to participate in some online training, get a criminal background check and spend 30 minutes a week engaged with a teenager who has no adult in his life.

...As Thanksgiving approaches, we count our blessings and realize that we have much to be thankful for. Service is the rent we pay for living on this earth. This is a way you can pay up. I certainly get more out of this than I give. You will too."

Service is the rent we pay for living...what a great thought on this week leading up to Thanksgiving. If each of us were to take this thought to heart, we would live our lives knowing that giving back is not an option but an obligation.

So, I invite you to give back (or to use Frances' phrase "pay rent") by involving yourself with Infinite Family. You can do that by giving 30 minutes a week as a mentor or by giving $3 a week as a donor. Either way, your "rent" will make a huge difference in the life of a southern African child growing up alone.

You can learn more about becoming a video mentor and learn how you can make a big impact with a gift to Infinite Family by visiting our website at www.infinitefamily.org.

And if you haven't visited for awhile, please check out our website...brand new and improved!!!

Thanks for reading, for passing this on and for your acts of service this year at Thanksgiving!

Dana