- Harris announced that the store is donating new clothes to needy families in Kenya and Nigeria. This effort is part of the store’s new initiative aimed at addressing the increasing need for comfort, equity, and hope in underserved communities.
- Driven by her vision for a more compassionate world, Dr. Meyerhof continues to champion initiatives that foster peace and bring comfort to children.
- Caroline McOlwal, Principal of St. Peters Disii Mixed Secondary School in Homa Bay County, Kenya, has expressed deep appreciation to Dr. Nina Meyerhof for her support in donating clothes to the school and for sending Mr. Willy Kasuli as a volunteer teacher.
For nearly four decades, Dr. Nina Meyerhof, founder of Children of the Earth (COE), has journeyed across the globe, championing peace, restoring hope for the hopeless, and uplifting humanity through tireless efforts to build a better world.
“My unwavering purpose is to restore the essence of humanity by uplifting vulnerable children and fostering peace within communities yearning for it. Empowering lives and securing dignity remain at the heart of my mission.” Dr. Meyerhof shared in an exclusive interview with Scholar Media Africa.
In April 2024, Dr. Meyerhof, a tireless advocate for the betterment of humanity, visited St. Peters Disii Mixed Secondary School in Homa Bay County, Kenya.
During her visit, she deeply connected with the students and staff, taking time to understand the pressing challenges faced by school-going children in the region.
Moved by their resilience and the difficult conditions they endure, she pledged her continued support, promising to return with more resources and definitely, donations to uplift their living conditions and the school community.
Compassionate Calling
In response to this calling, Meyerhof has embarked on a new mission to provide clothing donations to St. Peters Disii Mixed Secondary School in Kenya and another school in Nigeria. Her initiative aims to bring dignity and comfort to deserving children and vulnerable community members.
Driven by her vision for a more compassionate world, Dr. Meyerhof continues to champion initiatives that foster peace and bring comfort to children.
After returning to the United States from her visit to Homa Bay County, Kenya, she took swift action by reaching out to Kimberly Harris, Manager and Part Owner of Nusantara Store, in Essex Vermont.
With a shared commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities, she sought support for clothing donations to benefit disadvantaged children and families in Kenya, and Nigeria, reinforcing her dedication to nurturing hope and restoring dignity where it’s needed most.
The donations include new scarves, dresses, jumpers, sweaters, trousers, shirts, and blouses, among other essential clothing items. This compassionate effort reflects her unwavering commitment to uplifting humanity and addressing the basic needs of those most in need.
“Kimberly Harris is undeniably an extraordinary woman, deeply committed to giving back to society,” says Dr. Meyerhof. “Her compassion and dedication to creating an inclusive world where everyone can live with dignity and courage are truly inspiring.”
Kimberly Harris believes that a better world is possible when everyone plays their part. She has found inspiration in the work of Children of the Earth (COE), an organization led by Dr. Nina Meyerhof, that focuses on providing dignity and hope to the underprivileged.
Reflecting on her involvement, Harris shared, “When Dr. Meyerhof reached out to me for clothing donations to support families in need in Kenya and Nigeria, I was deeply humbled. It was an opportunity to make a meaningful impact, and I fully embraced it. I’m committed to partnering with Children of the Earth in their mission to spread dignity, hope, and joy.”
Harris announced that the store is donating new clothes to needy families in Kenya and Nigeria. This effort is part of the store’s new initiative aimed at addressing the increasing need for comfort, equity, and hope in underserved communities.
Harris explains that the donation is aligned with the store’s commitment to giving back and supporting global initiatives that uplift those in need. “This is more than just a donation; it’s about extending a hand to deserving families and offering them a sense of dignity and warmth,” she said.
Harris’s donation marks a growing collaboration between local businesses and global initiatives aiming to address poverty and uplift communities. By standing with Dr. Meyerhof, she hopes to inspire others to contribute to similar causes and promote shared responsibility in making the world a better place.
However, the initiative requires additional financial support, with at least $5,000 needed to cover shipping costs.
Dr. Meyerhof explains that Stamoulis Manginas, a friend in Greece, is currently searching for shipping companies willing to assist with the initiative. The development comes even as Ms Harris actively packs the donations into cartons, which will eventually be transferred to crates for pick up by shipping companies.
She says the success of this initiative hinges on securing the necessary funding and logistical support, as the collaboration continues to gain momentum in its mission to bring dignity and hope to communities in Africa.
Creativity and Identity
And in a continued effort to inspire future generations, she has identified a volunteer teacher who will travel to St. Peters Disii Mixed Secondary School, in Homa Bay County, Kenya and in Nigeria.
The volunteer will engage students in art and hand – on practical activities, aiming to enrich their learning experiences.
This educational component is part of her broader mission to uplift and empower underprivileged communities.
By introducing creative and practical skills to learners, the initiative seeks to foster self-expression and critical thinking among young people, ensuring they have the tools to build a brighter future.
Willy Kasuli, the volunteer teacher, is bringing the transformative power of art to students in Kenya and Nigeria.
He emphasizes that while art requires discipline and technical skill, it also offers children the freedom to explore their creativity.
“Once the ground rules are set, children have the opportunity to express new ideas through color, shape, and form, both individually and collaboratively,” Kasuli explains.
Kasuli ensures that all activities are age-appropriate and supported by relevant reference materials. The curriculum focuses on design, mask-making, and banner creation, drawing inspiration from local traditional art forms as well as artistic practices from across Africa and the world.
“I’m developing an image library to serve as reference material for the art process,” Kasuli shares. “We’ll use local design techniques for border patterns, traditional masks for mask-making, and animal motifs for banner design.”
The initiative not only encourages creativity but also connects students with their cultural roots, enriching their learning experiences while fostering a sense of identity and pride.
Kasuli holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, a Master’s in Cultural Diversity and School Reform with a focus on indigenous peoples, and a second Master’s in School Administration.
Throughout his career, Kasuli has worked directly with students, facilitated teacher training, and collaborated with prestigious cultural institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art, Brooklyn Museum, Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Metropolitan Opera, and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Ready and Upbeat
Caroline McOlwal, Principal of St. Peters Disii Mixed Secondary School in Homa Bay County, Kenya, has expressed deep appreciation to Dr. Nina Meyerhof for her support in donating clothes to the school and for sending Mr. Willy Kasuli as a volunteer teacher.
McOlwal highlighted how Dr. Meyerhof’s collaboration with Kimberly Harris of Nusantara Store will bring valuable assistance to their community.
“We greatly value your efforts in enhancing the welfare of our students here in Homa Bay. Your dedication to securing dignity and improving lives across the globe is truly commendable,” said Mrs. McOlwal.
The school is eagerly anticipating Mr. Kasuli’s arrival in January 2025, with students enthusiastic about his upcoming visit.
“Kenya is known for its hospitality, and everyone at St. Peters Disii is excited to welcome him and support his mission,” McOlwal added.
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Calling for partnership
Dr. Meyerhof remains steadfast in her mission to protect children from the impacts of hostility and trauma. Her latest efforts include reaching out to families affected by the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, where she is providing teddy bears to children traumatized by war
Her campaign, which focuses on delivering support and comfort to vulnerable children worldwide, continues to grow as she partners with communities across the globe. Dr. Meyerhof is committed to spreading hope and peace to those in need, and she calls on others to join her in this mission.
“I appeal to anyone who can partner with us to support this program in any way they can,” Dr. Meyerhof says.
