Lazarus Effect: Finding hope and new life through a blog

When we were designing the blog on the Ezomndeni Net, the password protected internet platform where Net Buddies and their mentors interact, we had no idea how it would be used. We were hopeful that the children would write about their lives. We were hoping they would practice their English and improve their grammar skills. We hoped that it would be a forum for exchanging ideas.

Our hopes were not only realized, but exceeded beyond our imaginings.

The children are giving us their rawest emotions, their deepest hurts, their highest hopes...their dreams.

I've shared some of the posts. I've shared some of the trust that the children are placing in the community of Infinite Family.

The words jump from the page in neon green, or rainbow fonts. They are punctuated with smiley faces.

The words are misspelled. Capitalization is ignored. The blogs stand stark and bold, quickly offered snapshots of their internal world.

We are given such a gift in these words. Amazingly tender reflections on their brothers and sisters and grandmothers. Sweeping wisdom in the span of four lines.

We are very blessed by these children. Not just us, the community of Infinite Family, but the world. What these children have to teach us from their perspective and experience of life is so profound. Life lived without a mother. Life lived in the grips of poverty and deprivation. But life still lived. Lived fully. Lived with hope. Life lived with threadbare shirts ironed crisply, symbols of their intention to succeed. Their spotless school uniforms ask with dignity that they be taken not just seriously, but demand that we see them in terms of their intentions for themselves.

And they intend BIG things. Pilots, doctors, lawyers. Social workers, actors, writers.

Their crisply ironed shirts and the well groomed hair are what they can control in their lives. It is their way to say to the world...I am. I am this boy here. This boy with the clean face and the completed homework. I am not to be defined by the hunger I experience. I am not to be defined by the virus that runs through my veins. I am who I choose to be.

And I choose life.

I choose a future.

The pain is knowing how little choice they may have.

We need to make choices available to them. The choice to live a life extended by affordable medication. The choice to be able to use their skills and talents and passions to impact their world...their families, their communities, their country.

I want these children to impact my life, my world, the future. I want these children to be the leaders of their country. I believe in these children. Passionately believe in them.

I want you to believe in them, too.

We make it easy. 30 minutes a week from the comfort of your own home. A computer, a webcam and a headset...the tools to change your life...change a child's whole world...and our world, too. And if you don't have the time, support someone who does by giving a donation to IF on our website: www.infinitefamily.org

"The Family is a Haven in a Heartless World"

The children of Infinite Family lead very rough lives. They they live in orphanages and shacks. They eat meager meals shared by many children and very few adults. They try their hardest to make their few clothes look fresh and clean. They have big dreams and very few resources for making those dreams a reality.

Infinite Family attempts to make their lives less lonely by supporting the children with video mentors who share special one-on-one time with them every week.

But in the interim, the long hours in between those video conversations, Infinite Family hires community workers that we call Net Fundis. The Fundis share the same lives as the children, living in the same rough circumstances. Our Fundis are there for the children every day because of their big-hearted commitment to our Net Buddies who otherwise have very few consistent, caring adults in their lives.

To give you insight into how special our Fundi's are, I'd like to share with you a recent blog post that one of our Fundis posted on our internet platform, the Ezomndeni Net.


CHANGE MY LIFE

ALL THIS TIME I WAS THINKING THAT BEING A NET FUNDI WAS ABOUT REMINDING THE NET BUDDIES TO CHECK AND SEND EMAILS, TO WRITE THEIR BLOGS, TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ATTEND THEIR VCS ON TIME.

THEN ONE LITTLE NET BUDDY JUST CHANGED THAT. SHE SENT ME AN EMAIL. I READ IT AND I CHECKED HER PROFILE AND BLOGS ON THE EZOMNDENI NET. THEN I REALIZED HOW MUCH I'VE BEEN MISSING.

I JOINED FACEBOOK BECAUSE I WAS NEEDING A FRIEND, SISTER, BROTHER...SOMEONE TO TALK TO. I DID NOT THINK THAT I WOULD HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO FIND THAT PERSON HERE AT INFINITE FAMILY.

I LOOKED AT THE NAME INFINITE FAMILY AS ANY ORDINARY NAME, BUT THE MESSAGE WHICH IS CLEAR IS THAT I HAVE A FAMILY HERE. I AM NOT ALONE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH MY BABY SISTER, MARUTLA. YOU ARE THE NET BUDDY WHO OPENED MY EYES.


We hope that the words of our Net Fundi, Hlengiwe, will touch your heart and encourage you to be part of Infinite Family, a haven for so many struggling with the stigma of HIV/AIDS and poverty, who are looking for family in a heartless world.

Visit our website today to apply as a mentor or to donate to the work that supports Hlengiwe as a Net Fundi.

www.infinitefamily.org

Katy Keck receives University of Phoenix™ Volunteer Leader Award

Katy Keck, Chair of the Infinite Family Board of Directors, was named one of just ten Volunteer Leader Award Honorees by HandsOn Network/Points of Light Institute and the University of Phoenix to  outstanding volunteer leaders in the nation.

The award, announced last night in Washington, D.C. during the National Volunteer Week festivities, celebrates the first anniversary of the landmark Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which authorized the largest expansion of national service in America in decades. This award includes a $10,000 grant, which Katy has designated to Infinite Family.

Katy’s volunteer work with Infinite Family is a motivating force for volunteers, donors and staff.  She has inspired friends, family and business partners to become active change agents in the campaign to impact youth in South Africa.  Her tireless efforts, insight and ideas, professional and organizational skills, big heart and buoyant sense of humor are a daily source of inspiration.

With an estimated 55 million youths orphaned and affected by HIV/AIDS and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, Keck feels that Infinite Family’s mission to connect a caring adult mentor to children who often grow up alone is critical.  She believes that by creating these connections, children will begin to define their lives by what they have to gain, not by what they have lost.

She has been the lead volunteer for Infinite Family since it began. With her professional background in finance and event planning, she has produced the organization’s fundraising events, pulling together dozens of volunteers, sponsors and in-kind donors. Over the course of four years, her efforts have generated more than $200,000 in donations. In addition, IF benefits from Keck’s leadership in developing marketing and communication tools, development and fundraising, and her ability to recruit volunteers and video mentors.

IF’s leveraging of technology to connect adults around the globe to youth growing up alone in Africa is an inspiring step towards ensuring that every child has a mentor.  Katy Keck is a 2010 University of Phoenix Volunteer Leader honoree because of her dedication, faith, willingness and selfless efforts to make sure that every child who needs a mentor, no matter where they are, can find one.

Congratulations, Katy!

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.