The inspiring story (Jacqueline) Jacqueline Novogratz told about Jane was truly humbling. Jane’s story can teach anyone to be happy with what you have. Jane, a woman living in the Nairobi slums (BBC), dreamt of becoming a doctor or marrying a good man. When these dreams could not be fulfilled she turned to prostitution, gaining a few dollars, but losing her dignity. She soon found out there was another way to live out her dream, she turned to sewing. Now she improves old dresses and other clothing for women in her town, and makes around four dollars a day (what is considered above poverty level in her area). She has a loving family and is happy with the life she lives. Jane was patient and persistent to achieve her goal, and even though she did not achieve her childhood ambition, she completed an even better one; having loving children and being able to give them love back.
Jacqueline Novogratz had been to Nairobi, and done research to enhance her speech. She provided heartbreaking photos and small stories of some families living in the slums. She talked most about one person’s story, however, and this person was Jane. What made the talk interesting was Novogratz actually met Jane, she saw the conditions she was living in, and saw Jane’s love of her work and children. Novogratz was personable during the talk and could give descriptions and provide photos that just an interview or research over the internet could not give. The audience could tell Jacqueline felt strongly about women like Jane; self-driven, independent women who could beat the odds and provide for themselves. The story she told about Jane was descriptive, but not too intrusive. It was inspiring, and in the end you did not feel bad for the life Jane had lived. This is because Jacqueline really portrayed how Jane felt about her own life, opportunistic and humble.
What Americans and the rest of the world can really take from this video is hard work and persistence pays off. Jane had to struggle to escape poverty. She had to take out many loans and work hard day after day. In the end, however, Jane ended up doing what she loves. Although she may not get paid as much as someone working in the US would, she is happy. If the whole world stopped spending money on the next best thing and helped out women and families like Jane, the world would be a better place. Anyone can beat the odds if they seek help and have the courage and drive to pursue. Some other inspiring stories (Seasay) like Jane’s give hope of a better world. Mike Wamaya gives ballet instruction to children in the Mathare slums in Kenya. Wamaya says it helps the children find a way to express themselves and gives them hope. Both stories give examples of beating the odds and encouraging others to try too. The lesson? Keep an open mind and work hard to earn a good life.
For pictures of life in the Nairobi Slums click here (Shootback).
Works Cited:
"BBC News | Africa | Picture Gallery: Life in a Nairobi Slum." BBC News - Home. Web. 18 Apr. 2011. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/509834.stm>.
"Jacqueline Novogratz on Escaping Poverty | Video on TED.com." TED: Ideas worth Spreading. Web. 18 Apr. 2011. <http://www.ted.com/talks/jacqueline_novogratz_on_an_escape_from_poverty.html>.
Sesay, From Isha. "Young Ballet Dancers Dream of Life beyond Kenyan Slums - CNN.com."CNN.com International - Breaking, World, Business, Sports, Entertainment and Video News. Web. 18 Apr. 2011. <http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/04/13/kenya.ballet.mathare/>.
"Shootback Exhibition - Photo Essays - TIME." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. Web. 18 Apr. 2011. <http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1739286,00.html>.
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