Two Arizona students adopt Maria Africa Foundation
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Two Arizona students, Paulina and Lydia, have adopted Maria Africa Foundation as their cause and their passion, introducing MAF to other students and raising dollars to advance our mission to build a school in Nigeria. At a recent fund raiser, they spoke passionately and eloquently about our work. Here is what they said.
Paulina
A nine-year-old boy, exceedingly small and weak for his age, kisses his mom goodbye. His mom wonders if she will see him again. “He will probably make it.” She says to herself. That is his chore. To make sure the family has water each day. The boy will have to walk miles to get water. He will have to use a bucket to carry the water. The water comes from a river, a contaminated river. He might never come back because the path is dangerous, or he might get sick since the water is so dirty. Imagine that that is your child.
These children are extremely poor. What can we do to help them? If we give them a good education, we will eradicate poverty there, and produce virtuous and educated kids. However, that will require challenging work.
Has anyone seen ancient ruins? Well, if you go there, it is an impressive sight. However, the houses there have no air conditioning, no floors, barely any furniture, and a roof that is in ruins. That is how the public schools in Nigeria and other places in Africa are. Those public schools do not have bathrooms either. Do you think a good place to study is a place that looks like the ruins of an ancient city? How come buildings from a couple of thousands of years are in better shape than public schools in Africa?
That is why, we are trying to build a school in Nigeria, which offers clean water, food, and a good education. The school will have air conditioning, furniture, a good curriculum, good teachers, and a playground.
I know I am bold to say this, but please, anything helps. impact Join us in our mission to improve the lives of kids in Africa. This will affect their lives and the lives of their children and their grandchildren.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak with you today. My name is Lydia G., and I am a student at Notre Dame Preparatory Academy. I am here to share my passion for starting a club that supports the Maria Africa Foundation, a cause that is very close to my heart.
I first learned about the Maria Africa Foundation through Father Simon Osuchukwu. Father Simon is not only a dedicated priest but also the founder of this incredible organization. His journey from Ihitte-Uboma, Nigeria, to serving communities in the United States is truly inspiring. Despite the distance, he has never forgotten his hometown or the struggles of the people there. His unwavering commitment to providing food, education, and medical access to his community has deeply moved me.
I had the privilege of serving as an altar server under Father Simon’s guidance. His kindness, humility, and dedication to helping others have had a profound impact on my life. Additionally, I was fortunate to join him on a pilgrimage to Italy, where I got to know him better and witnessed firsthand his passion for his mission. His stories about the challenges faced by families and children in Nigeria touched my heart and opened my eyes to the urgent need for support.
Father Simon’s work with the Maria Africa Foundation addresses critical needs in Ihitte-Uboma and other rural areas. Families there struggle to access basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. Children often miss out on education because their families cannot afford tuition, supplies, or even daily meals. The foundation provides life-saving humanitarian services, supporting education, nutrition, and healthcare for these vulnerable communities.
Inspired by Father Simon’s dedication and the impactful work of the Maria Africa Foundation, I want to start a club at Notre Dame Preparatory Academy to engage other teens and their families in this important cause. The club aims to raise awareness, fundraise, and foster a sense of global responsibility among students.
Our goals include organizing fundraising events, hosting informational sessions, and collaborating with local businesses and organizations. By doing so, we hope to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in Nigeria. Education, as Father Simon often reminds us, is a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty. With the support of our community, we can help provide children with the opportunities they need to build brighter futures.
Starting this club is not just about raising money; it’s about inspiring my peers to become compassionate, proactive global citizens. It’s about showing that even as high school students, we have the power to make a significant impact in the world.
I invite you to join us in this mission. Your support can help us change lives, one child at a time. Together, we can extend the reach of the Maria Africa Foundation and bring hope to those who need it most.
MAF is a 501c3 non-profit. What makes us unique is our partnership with the Avemaria Humanitarian Foundation, which has people working directly on the ground to monitor our projects and oversee the distribution of funds, supplies and services so that all donations go directly to schools, hospitals and humanitarian programs. All board members are volunteers.
