Nelson Mandela

OUR STORY

Charcoal has a lot of potential and different uses. It can be turned into fire, it can be used for art, but it is also nowadays used in health- and beauty products and food. And yet, almost no one sees it as the value it deserves. And then there are diamonds, we all know them as expensive and part of wedding rings and jewelry. But how are diamonds made? Out of charcoal. If you put enough pressure on charcoal, it turns into a diamond.

The kids in the program are charcoal: a lot of potential, they just need the opportunity to evolve into something else. Nobody hands them the chances in life they deserve, and nobody helps them to develop to full potential. Yes, they live in an impoverished environment with a lack of social and parental support. But that does not mean they do not deserve to become successful adults. They need to find their talent, they need to find their passion, they need to be empowered, they need to gain confidence, and most of all: they need to learn to be proud of themselves. And we can show them the way. We cannot make the journey an easy one. But we can guide them and help them find their light. We can turn the charcoal into diamonds. Let them show the world how amazingly beautiful and strong they are. Let them dare to dream, dare to challenge and dare to grow.

I see it every day, kids roaming around on the street – regardless of the age. And yes, we need preschools and daycare. Yes, the kids need food and a safe place to play because they don’t have that at home. But that is not enough. We cannot just feed them, let them play and when they go to primary school we give up on them. Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he can eat every day. We need to empower these kids, we need to help them grow and become confident and independent. That is what the diamond program is about. To help them find themselves and their power.