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.