Last summer, during our trip to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Africa, we met a porter named Freedom. Every day, he went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. Freedom speaks six languages and is highly intelligent, hardworking, and well-educated. Despite his abilities, opportunities in Zimbabwe are scarce.
The economy of Victoria Falls relies almost entirely on tourism. Unlike service workers in the U.S., tipping is not a reliable source of income there. Tipping is not customary in many countries, so when people from those countries travel, they don’t tip—which leaves service workers struggling to make ends meet. On top of that, there is a whole line of people applying for every job in Zimbabwe. Families also face immense challenges, including paying school tuition, even for public education, and hoping they get enough rain for their vegetable gardens.
When we gave Freedom a generous tip, he said he used it to catch up on overdue school fees for his children. Freedom is the sole support of his wife, their two daughters, aged eleven and six, his late brother's three children, and his sister-in-law. We connected with Freedom via WhatsApp while we were in Africa, and he shared some photos of his home and family with us. When we gave him our final tip before leaving, his daughters recorded a video clip to thank us, and Freedom shared it with us. His pride in his family and their modest home shines through in the videos he sends of his family, chickens, and goats. When I mentioned my son’s upcoming wedding, Freedom said they should come to Victoria Falls for their honeymoon. If they did, his wife, Luyando, would prepare a meal using one of their goats.
After returning home, the disparities between my opportunities and Freedom’s weighed heavy on my heart. While I couldn't help everyone in Zimbabwe, I realized I could make a meaningful difference for Freedom's family. I decided to send the children some clothes and a soccer ball, but shipping costs exceeded $700. Instead, I sent the money directly to Freedom through Western Union. He used it wisely and purchased a laptop for the children’s schoolwork, shoes, food, and paid some school fees. He even shared receipts and photos to show how he spent the funds.
When I shared a photo of the fall leaves around my town, Freedom asked how many cars I had, thinking they were all mine. He expressed his wish for a car and explained that owning one would allow him to start a taxi business and provide stable support for his family.
This sparked an idea that aligns with my deep belief: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." If I could help Freedom get a car, it could transform his life and his family’s lives for generations. A car would enable him to start a sustainable business, feed his family, and give the children a good education. In Zimbabwe, family and community are central to life. Freedom would also have the chance to grow his business and help his entire village.
I looked into what it would cost in Victoria Falls to purchase a reliable used car with enough money left over for permits and startup expenses, and I discovered it would cost about $5,000. When I asked Freedom if he would be open to donations for this purpose, he was extremely excited.
I’ve set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise $5,000 for Freedom’s car and permits. Any amount will help—even $5 will get him $5 closer. Together, we can help Freedom build a sustainable future for his family and his village.
Donate here: https://gofund.me/584a876a
With Love,
Kelly
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