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Naturally, the question is: how did we get here? In ‘What Makes Countries Rich or Poor’, an authoritative book on the topic, Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson essentially argue that the key determinant factor in a country’s standing is “good institutions”. Coming from the Congo, a country at the near bottom of virtually every macro-economic index (due strictly to poor management), it is hard to disagree with their position. In the absence of private property rights, predictable enforcement of contracts and other fundamentals of the rule of law, a country has no prospective of developing sustainably. Sadly, the first victims are almost always children, the most fragile and innocent beings on the face of this earth.
We are the fruits of the environment we evolve in. Children are sensitive beings because they can be molded into virtually anything. Contrary to the erroneous beliefs of proponents of ‘pseudo-scientific racism’ the truth of the matter is that everyone is capable of achieving greatness. I have always wrestled with the question of how to unlock fragile kids’ potential. I came to the conclusion that at this stage in my life, the best way to help is to provide support to organizations which work to enable children to thrive and to realize their full potential.
I met Céline Arens, the founder of AfricaCare in Paris, while she was studying at the University of London. AfricaCare is an NGO based in the Congo that aims to “build and renovate orphanages, classrooms and any structure linked with educating children and caring for them.” Celine turned away job offers from top corporations to head back to her country, because she wanted to change children’s lives right away, to have an immediate impact on their improvement. I was touched by her passion, convinced by her vision but above all, I was ready to help. The only problem was that at the time, I didn’t know how.
Fast forward four years, and here we are today. As of July 2017, Eben will dedicate a portion of its revenues to financially support AfricaCare’s objectives, and will ramp up its existing efforts to promote reading and good health habits by directly taking ownership of programs. At Eben we believe that good health habits and reading are the key to any child’s success. Through these programs children will enrich their general culture, and learn the importance of building strong habits. I have always believed in the motto, “you are what you repeatedly do”. We want these kids to become the best that they can be, to realize their full potential, so that they in turn can inspire those who will follow in their footsteps. We hope our partnership with AfricaCare is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the impact Eben will make in the world.
If you too would like to make a difference by making a contribution to AfricaCare; please visit AfricaCare’s website: www.africacare.org
Milain Fayulu
CEO/Founder – Eben