Over the past eight weeks, Rick and Niki shared their first-hand experiences from the Horn of Africa. Each blog sought to not only give you the hard facts, but also to share stories that bring optimism as a result of compassion and aid.  We hope these stories have inspire you to take the smallest of actions as it can be a powerful catalyst for hope, even if it seems as small as a marble.  As you've followed our weekly journey, have you paused to think about the potential impact of your ‘marbles’?

In my first entry, I reflected upon my childhood experience in Guatemala that served as a gateway to the world.  At a very young age, I had my first encounter with the kindness and generosity of those with very little through a Guatemalan peer who had without hesitation given away half of what was most likely his only possessions – his marble collection.  This simple act has stayed with me and has served as an early springboard to understanding my role in the world around me.

In the last several months, as CARE’s Communications Coordinator in the Horn Africa, I have had the pleasure of adding more ‘marbles’ to my jar.  Time and time again, I have been met with optimism, courage, and resilience from the Somali people.  I have witnessed individuals not only receiving basic food and water supplies, but also participating in vocational training programs that serve and empower their community.  Though my time in the Horn of Africa has ended for the time being, there are still plentiful opportunities to take action that will help rebuild Somali livelihoods destroyed by the famine.  I invite you to take the Path Forward challenge.

Taking the Challenge: Your Impact!

A Path Forward offers students around the world to take a collective stand.  It invites you to make a hand-made bone as a symbol of unity and peace. The Challenge is to collect 500,000 hand-made bones (and an additional 100,000 digital bones for non-US/Canadian students) to be displayed in an art installation on The National Mall in Washington D.C amongst One Million bones.  This global art project will raise awareness in the community, but also generate funds for CARE to continue providing for those living amidst conflict in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For every handmade bone crafted by a young person, the Bezos Family Foundation will contribute $1 to CARE’s relief efforts—up to $500,000.  By taking the challenge —even from 6,728 miles away—you will be making a direct impact on-the-ground. Your impact would go towards elementary schools like Illeys Primary school, training programs for refugee staff like Muya, helping girls like Nur Elmi have equal access to education, or vocational training programs that empower individuals to rebuild their lives as seen with Afrah Beauty Salon in Northern Somalia. Though tragic as some of the stories may seem, the reality is—there's always an undertone of optimism that perseveres. As my colleague, Niki, explained in The Beauty of Dadaab, hope can be found in the most desolate situation. And by taking the challenge, your impact could be the marble that opens up a world of hope.

100% of the funds generated by your hand-made bones will support CARE's work to improve livelihoods and advance educational opportunities for young people in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.