As we continue our Fall Torchbearer Campaign, we want to share the perspective of Keyara’s Gift Board member, Zac Nesper, who joined us for 8 days during our recent trip to Monrovia!
But first, here’s an update on our Fall Torchbearer Campaign!
We have raised 70% of our fall goal and just received a matching grant for up to $12,000 that will double your donation! Can you help us reach our goal of sponsoring 126 students? If we can max out the match, we'll be around 90% to our goal!
For Other ways to donate, visit: www.keyarasgift.org/donate
Now, let’s hear from Zac.
Can you briefly share a little bit about yourself?
I’m 48 years old, happily married for 25 years to my amazing wife Ellen, and love being a dad to daughters Annika (18) and Katia (16). By trade, I’m a finance executive but voluntarily left my last job as Treasurer of HP Inc., for a 1-2 year career hiatus to be a “softball dad” and help Katia reach her goal of playing D1 college softball. Let’s just say I’ve spent many hours, over many years, on a softball bucket! In my free time I like to lift weights, exercise, and read. At some point in my life, I’ve been an ironman triathlete, offensive lineman, and avid golfer.
How long have you been associated with Keyara’s Gift?
Formally, since its founding in 2017. Informally, since 2009, which is when we moved to CA, met Karen and Kreig, and learned about their efforts to help Liberians.
Was this your first time visiting Africa?
It was! I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Europe, Asia, and South America, but I’d never been to Africa.
What were your expectations going into the trip and how were they confirmed or challenged?
I was excited to see our work on the ground, but was honestly a little scared for my safety. I thought I understood what poverty looked like, but realized afterwards that you just can’t fully grasp it until you witness it, feel it, smell it, and hear directly from the people that are struggling to survive. My eyes were opened.
What was it like meeting the Keyara’s Gift staff?
I’d met our country director, Reverend Francis, several years ago when he visited California, but this was my first time meeting our seven caseworkers. Their maturity and heart to serve was immediately apparent. For example, one caseworker shared how they gave up their own transportation money, which is part of their salary, and found another way to get home, in order for a hungry student to purchase food.
I came to see our caseworkers as resourceful problem solvers. They work hard to tackle transportation issues, to encourage family support, or overcome financial barriers, like the cost of books or unanticipated school fees. They do whatever they can to help students learn.
What was your favorite food or meal?
Mammie, the Supervisor for our Caseworkers, brought us some freshly made doughnuts and let’s just say I enjoyed more than a few!
What was the most surprising part of your visit?
I’ve always had a heart for children and been concerned about the problem of poverty but to witness its harsh reality first hand was sobering. On one visit to a student’s home, I had to walk carefully, turning sideways down an alleyway to avoid getting gouged by rusty sheet metal. Upon entering the home, which had almost no light and a dirt floor, I observed that their water well was situated only five feet away from a leaky septic tank. Needless to say, the water required treatment. This home is on government land, at risk of demolition, and situated in what is essentially a floodplain - but the only affordable option for the $20/month they can scrape together month after month. Seeing the challenges our students face, first hand, was eye opening.
I was also struck by the challenges students face, daily, just to get to school. While we try to send them to nearby schools, it isn't always possible. Some students pay to ride a motorbike 20 or 30 minutes, each way, every day. Availability of a ride is never certain, there is always some risk given the various drivers, and in the rainy season, keeping their uniforms clean as they traverse dirt roads and flooded streets can be a real challenge. Still, they are excited to be in school and make the effort.
What makes you excited about the work that Keyara’s Gift is doing to support students and families?
For me, it’s the grassroots and direct impact. I know our investment is directly helping impact the long-term welfare of students and their families. I wish you could have seen the look of excitement of families who received a bag of rice and cooking oil when we visited them. Our students are proud to attend school. They are survivors - incredibly resourceful in overcoming obstacles - and it’s exciting to think about the impact of education on their lives ten years down the road.
Were there any particular students who stand out in your mind?
At our community party, Karen and I met with a student who shared how a botched medical procedure nearly killed her and led to kidney and liver failure. Through loud sobs and tears, streaming from her jaundiced eyes, she shared her pain, fear, and need for additional medical support. It was heartbreaking. I’ve never been face to face with someone pleading for her life. Thankfully, we found a donor to help her get the treatment she needs and pray she’s on the road to recovery.
What were your impressions of the schools you visited?
I was impressed by school administrators who, despite real challenges, are so committed to helping students learn. We visited when school wasn’t in session but it was fun to see classrooms with a few kids milling around. Some of the rooms were cramped, with very old wood desks, holes in the walls and ramshackle rooftops - but they serve their purpose. The prospects of a child who attends school are so much better than those left to wander the village or city. I left hopeful, with a certain sense of joy and peace, knowing these schools are changing lives.
Are there any highlights you’d like to share?
During our day-long community celebration, Reverend Francis wanted to teach the kids about helping others and gave students the opportunity to give to someone in need. A number of kids came forward with donations, 5 and 10 cents at a time. He then asked who was in the most need and it was universally acknowledged to be Alfred, our blind student who impressively just graduated from high school. Rev Francis then gave Alfred the small donation. It reminded me of the widow’s mite parable and I felt convicted by the generosity of these kids, who have so little and yet shared so sacrificially. It made me examine my own giving.
Lowlights?
Reverend Francis barely survived Liberia’s civil war and his body still bears the damage of being severely beaten and held captive. Although he never complained, his hip is so compromised that getting around is obviously painful. Witnessing the impact of such unjust evil was hard but I was also inspired to see how God is using Francis to serve others, despite his own physical challenges.
What were your impressions of the students and their families? (Eg. Living conditions, demeanor, sense of hope or sense of despair, abilities, opportunities, nutrition, etc).
I saw much more hope than despair. These families are survivors and I didn’t sense them spending much time dwelling on despair but instead taking the initiative to survive and seek a better life.
Many Liberians are quite thin, as they struggle to find calories. And seeing homes located on floodplains and right next to standing water, which are malaria breeding grounds, was tough. Still, everyone we met had a smile for us, regardless of these harsh realities.
Did you learn any Liberian expressions that caught your attention?
While not an expression, the Liberian finger snap handshake was a fun way to connect with people. I also enjoyed the way almost every sentence in Liberian English ends with and -O, -Ah, making it distinct and fun!
Kekes are three-wheeled vehicles used for transport and they definitely caught my attention because they are everywhere and loud!
Thanks, Zac, for sharing your experience with us all!
With gratitude,
Karen and Kreig
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