Harambee—a social initiative promoted by Opus Dei—is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In this time, it has carried out more than 80 projects focused on improving the lives of those in 20 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The birth of this initiative is unique: it was created during the canonization of St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei.
LINDA CORBI
Harambee Coordinator
From the pilgrims who came to the canonization, a collection of funds was made to distribute to various social projects in Africa. We thought this initiative would end after the canonization but then, thanks to the generosity of so many people, we were able to continue. Now, we even have 7 Harambee committees distributed around the world.
The 20th anniversary of Harambee was celebrated in Rome and some its workers traveled here, such as Ito Diejomoah from Nigeria. Blessed Alvaro del Portillo's visit, St. Josemaría's successor as the head of Opus Dei, was key for his region.
ITO DIEJOMAOH
Niger Foundation Hospital
When blessed Alvaro visited, he felt a lot of compassion and felt we need to do some things, some social initiatives, and since the number of doctors, they thought, one of the areas where there is a need is in healthcare. Because really, the healthcare institutions are not in good condition, the idea is to start. So in 1993 we started with 3, 4 beds, and gradually, over time, with the help of many people, we now have a 52 bed hospital. Hopefully, with time, we will grow more so that we can attend to more people.
Harambee's goal is to make Africa self-reliant. That is why it is key to invest in education and spend time finding local partners. The UN constantly warns of crises in Africa— it is one of the continents hardest hit by hunger, disease and violence.
LINDA CORBI
Harambee Coordinator
On one hand, there is the idea of education. That is, helping people improve their own situation. We help them at the labor level, because we promote self-development, and we also help them at the human level, so that from a human point of view they have a more dignified life.
We maintain a very close relationship with our partners in Africa. We work alongside them, we help each other. Harambee in Swahili means 'all together'. Together we find solutions.
The improvement of hospitals in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, scholarships for women in Kenya, and support for small farmers in Cameroon are among the projects promoted by Harambee.
JRB
TR: AT
