Faith in humanity – did we ever have it, before we lost it? Or do single acts of kindness and altruism convince us that there is still hope to win this war of selfishness and indifference, we’re battling against ourselves. Luckily, there are some extraordinary people, who lead by example and make real difference. Meet my friend, Michela Latini
When I think of altruism the first thing that comes to my mind is giving: donating your own time and resources to someone in need. But I also tend to perceive it as the ultimate form of self-indulgence. James Joyce helped me define it better, in his only play Exiles, first published in 1918, in a conversation between a father and a son on gifts and ownership.
RICHARD
…Do you understand what it is to give a thing?
ARCHIE
To give? Yes.
RICHARD
While you have a thing it can be taken from you.
ARCHIE
By robbers? No?
RICHARD
But when you give it, you have given it. No robber can take it from you. (He bends his head and presses his son’s hand against his cheek.) It is yours then for ever when you have given it. It will be yours always. That is to give.1James Joyce, Exiles, http://jfj-art.com/joycespeak/pdf/Exiles.pdf, 41
I imagine that this is how it feels, to give so unselfishly that each act of altruism becomes your own, and makes you a bigger and a better person.
Michela confirms my reflections. Behind a humble yet radiant personality, lies an infinite world of giving and dedication to a greater cause. For the last few years, Michela dedicates her winter and summer vacation to humanitarian work in Africa, in Kenya, Uganda and Senegal.
Michela in Uganda, 2016
Among numerous experiences, that you can find on her Blog, I chose the one that I believe needs to be shared each day: the building of elementary school in Ve Deme village in Ghana.
School in Ve Deme, Ghana
With a bit over 1500€, gathered in few weeks by donations from friends and colleagues, Michela and Dream Africa Care Foundation, have built a school, that will replace a big tree under which the children were getting their introduction to knowledge.
It makes you think, doesn’t it? What can you buy for 1500€? A good computer, last generation smartphone, pair of designer shoes maybe? Or you can build a school and give a future to entire generations to come.
Michela’s gift to Ve Deme’s children goes beyond simple giving, it is an investment that will produce value and hope that a better future is possible and reachable.
We all have different notions of altruism, but sometimes all you need to do is get informed on how you can help. You don’t have to travel far away, or put yourself to any risk if you don’t feel like it. But you can find a person like Michela close to you and give your support to their cause. Trust me, it is very easy and you sure can make a difference, even from the comfort of your own home.
Follow Michela’s Blog www.michiwipi.com, for the moment only in Italian Language, but soon it will be available in English.
*all of the pictures in this article are kindly borrowed from www.michiwipi.com
