I have had the pleasure of meeting up with Tara Clapper recently, founder of No 41, an organization out of Rwanda by way of Nashville. Tara’s story is amazing. After traveling to Rwanda for mission work at a young age, she began to see a need and found a way to help. Here is the Story of No 41, and I hope you will find it as encouraging and full of hope as I have found…
When No.41 started, there were, roughly, 100 young adults over the age of 18 living in the Noel Orphanage. With no family and limited resources, the prospect of university or becoming gainfully employed was low. Along with that, confidence was low, dreams were small and hope was almost non-existent. It was important, not only to provide a means of sustainable employment doing a culturally relevant trade for these girls, but also to remind them that they were created for a great purpose, by an even greater God. We all have been given gifts and talents and, once realized, we should spend those helping others and that is where the feeding program came in. In our village there are three secondary schools, grades 7-12, and these students go to school all day, most without eating. The schools, generally, offer a 20-minute break for lunch where children who live close enough or have money, may go home to go to the market to eat. Most do not.
All that has transpired at No.41 is beyond our wildest dreams. We have had ten girls move themselves out of the orphanage and we now have 19 enrolled in university. We have career fairs and business trainings, bible study and English class. I never believed this couldn’t happen, but I never imagined it would happen like this. No.41 is a testament to all that God wants to do in you and through you, if you’ll just say, yes. -Tara
Tara and I have discussed some joint ventures in the future involving music and her non-profit, so stay tuned for some future announcements! So here’s my call to action- today is No 41 day. She is asking everyone to take what they would have spent (I know, I’m late with my blog post) on lunch (or dinner!) and give to this organization. I invite you to read more about her and all the great work she is doing. We have been discussing some exciting future events for No 41 and myself, so stay tuned!
Instead of April Fool’s Day- let’s consider today No. 41 day- a day where we can create change, do good and help others! To donate or purchase other items for this cause, click here!
~lme