In a country where HIV and AIDS proliferate and average life expectancy is less than 46 years, life can be difficult. Rose Naliaka, the only female golf pro in Kenya, wants to make a difference in young girls lives.
Rose aspires to improve conditions for girls in her community by using the game of golf to teach critical life lessons, such as
- the importance of maintaining a positive attitude
- how to make decisions by thinking about possible consequences
- how to define and set goals
- how to transfer values like responsibility, self-respect, confidence and sportsmanship from the golf course to everyday life
The challenge is that many of Rose's students have no equipment to play. Many of them have no shoes and play barefoot or in socks. In addition, they need money to rent a football pitch on which to practice.
Up to now, Rose has financed the entire operation out of her own pocket.
When she realized she can't help as many students as she'd like, Rose reached out to others to help. She emailed Pam Swenson, CEO of the Executive Women's Golf Association, and asked for ideas.
"I received an email from Rose Naliaka that told her story -- but it was the pictures of her girls that touched me," says Swensen, "I responded immediately and said of course the EWGA can help you."
Swensen created Drive for Dreams to collect donation of money and equipment for Rose's girls.
If you are a golfer or know one, please contact Chanee Reed and let her know how you can help. Money, clubs, balls, tees, and even shoes and personal care items are desperately needed.
If you belong to a golf association, maybe you can let them know about the program and start a collection at your club.
Thanks again for all you do for your community and for people around the world. Somewhere is likely feeling grateful for your help even if they've never met you.
Rose's actions remind me of a wonderful Einstein quote, "The example of great and pure characters is the only thing that can produce fine ideas and noble deeds."
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