My name is Charlotte and I am an American living in Abu Dhabi, UAE. I just turned 13 and I’m very lucky to live in a home full of activists who believe that anything is possible. Without them, I would not have become involved with Flying Kites. It started when we met Leila Chambers, one of the founders of Flying Kites. Our family was mesmerized by the idea of visiting these wonderful kids. I started a shoe drive at my school; we collected over 36 pairs of school shoes; this meant one for every child. Over the Eid break, we delivered the shoes. The look on the children’s faces made all that work completely worth it.
Flying Kites is an amazing organization that runs a home for 37 orphaned children in Kenya. Together these children live and thrive as a family with the supporting care of the Flying Kites team of staff and volunteers. The experience was impossible to forget and we soon made plans to spend Christmas with our 37 new friends. We brought decorated stockings, pajamas and a library of books. Everyday we spent with them was a day full of memories and unforgettable experiences. Once Christmas morning came around, it was better than anything I had ever imagined. I took a look at those familiar expressions and a feeling came over me. I wanted to do more.
I developed an action plan. My project will help Flying Kites continue supplying these kids with what they need. I have started a club: the Kenya Connection. We will help raise money for Flying Kites and draw awareness to their community. I will accomplish this by gathering students who are willing to help, take action, and commit to this worthy cause. I have partnered with Roots and Shoots Abu Dhabi. I heard her speak when she came to visit. Jane Goodall’s mission understands the importance of education to improve the world for all. Hard work and dedication, from the right people, will benefit Flying Kite’s mission, while accomplishing our own. I can’t wait to share that feeling of joy and passion with others who might someday also be able to visit the children with me.
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