Entering the Playing Field

Sierra Leone is a magical place. Coming here from Iraq was quite the contrast, from the desert to the rainforest. Every corner, every person was covered in art, so beautifully crafted and vibrant. At All As One Orphanage we were greeted by the most open, loving children with arms stretched wide and “touch me, touch me.” We were overwhelmed by their devotion to their art. They were so astounded when they first saw the power of their new computers to create and connect. They worked tirelessly learning to use their new equipment.

One very intelligent boy said to me, so formally and politely, “Thank you so much. I never thought I would have these tools to advance my education.” Stephen, the orphanage owner, told me there was a boy there who had been violent and they were going to have to send him to the children’s authorities, but when he touched the keyboard we all could see he was a great talent. To this day he has never struck another child. They need this opportunity; it brings them hope and possibility.