You may already be familiar with the story of the hummingbird. If not, don’t worry—I will share a summary with you. And if you’ve heard it before and find it as inspiring as I do, I’m sure you won’t mind coming across it again.
It goes…
“Once upon a time, a terrible fire was consuming a huge forest. All the animals in the forest were terrified and fled for their lives. They stood on the forest’s edge, watching the flames with a sense of helplessness. Among them was a tiny hummingbird. This little bird decided to do something about the fire. It flew to the nearest stream, picked up a few drops of water in its beak, flew back to the forest, and dropped the water on the fire. It kept going back and forth as fast as it could.
Meanwhile, the other animals watched in disbelief. They said, ‘What are you doing? You’re too small! Your beak is too tiny! You can’t put out this fire!’ The hummingbird looked back and said, ‘I’m doing the best I can.“
I first heard this story from the late Professor Wangari Maathai, a trailblazing woman whose contributions to environmental conservation and human rights have left a lasting global impact. As the first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate, she shattered many barriers and inspired countless individuals, including myself. Her dedication to sustainable development, democracy, and peace earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, making her the first African woman to receive this honor. The Green Belt Movement, which she founded in 1977, has planted over 51 million trees in Kenya and empowered thousands of women. To date, her legacy continues to inspire and guide efforts toward a more just and sustainable world.
Reflections from the Story
For me, the hummingbird story is more than a captivating fable about a mythical bird. It serves as a reminder of Professor Maathai’s remarkable actions. Her unwavering commitment, selfless sacrifice, and patriotism resonate deeply within me, igniting a profound inspiration. Professor Maathai embodies resilience in the face of adversity, even when met with resistance from the highest levels of political power. Her story, similar to the tale of the hummingbird, underscores the significance of even the smallest contributions, highlighting their potential to create substantial impact.
Moreover, I find myself pondering how events might have unfolded had the other animals chosen to join the hummingbird rather than scrutinize its actions. Their collective endeavor could have subdued the rampant fire, averting its spread. Such collaboration wouldn’t have only quelled the immediate danger but also forged a strong bond among them, empowering their society to confront future challenges as a unified front.
Drawing Inspiration
Just like the hummingbird, the belief in doing the best we can was the foundation upon which we established Hill Light Foundation in 2018. My co-founder and I were driven by the desire to address some of the most pressing issues in our society, particularly those affecting children and young people in care homes. As an organization, we align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 4, 5, and 6: zero hunger, quality education, gender equality, and clean water and sanitation.
To help meet these goals, we organize donation drives to provide essential resources for children and care homes in need. From food, toiletries, and sanitary products to stationery, every act of kindness, no matter how small, helps contribute towards a more equitable and inclusive society. We also recognize the importance of empowering young people in financial literacy, career development, well-being, and mental health awareness. By equipping them with these essential skills and knowledge through mentorship and training programs, we hope to foster a generation that is not only self-reliant but also capable of driving positive change in their communities.
Collaborative Efforts: Impacting Lives, One Care Home at a Time
To amplify our impact, we collaborate with other like-minded organizations. For instance, in August 2022, we partnered with Girl Power USA. Through this partnership, we donated a 10,000-liter water tank to Tollen Children’s Home in Kabiria, Nairobi, addressing their urgent water storage needs. Additionally, the home benefited with monthly financial support of $300 for buying sanitary products, helping combat period poverty and ensuring that girls can stay in school, focus on their education, and have a fair chance at building a brighter future.
Our collaboration with Girl Power USA also benefited Total Rehab Children Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi, a home for children with special needs such as cerebral palsy and autism. We facilitated the purchase of 100 chickens, which supply eggs to enhance the children’s diet and generate income to cover essential expenses, including medical care.
Recently, we addressed a critical issue at Pillars of Hope Children’s Home in Athi River. The home’s outdated solar panels were not meeting their power needs sufficiently. Through our partnership with Girl Power USA, we provided new solar panels, batteries, and inverters, ensuring reliable lighting for the children.
Embracing the Hummingbird Spirit
In Kenya, over 45,000 children reside in care homes. Although this number is substantial, our efforts to improve their lives, even in small ways, have a significant impact. The support of our members, friends, family, and partners enables Hill Light Foundation to make a difference. I find profound satisfaction in knowing our actions bring joy to those in need. The smiles and appreciation we receive during our quarterly visits to these homes inspire me to continue our mission. I hope more people can join us as collective efforts can achieve greater results.
At Hill Light Foundation, we believe that each small effort can go a long way in creating a better world for all. We invite you to join us in our mission. Your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word—can make a meaningful difference.
Together, let’s embody the spirit of the hummingbird. Let’s do our best and create ripples of positive change that will spread far and wide. Join us in building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Leave a Reply