Aude Sapere: A Girl Named Gift

At age six, a girl named Gift Hawa was foraging the streets of Mombasa, Kenya, with her infant brother strapped to her back. Their mother had just died of AIDS and they were left on their own. Only Gift survived.

With the help of Mombasa's street children, a generous journalist named Anthony Mulongo found Gift, adopted her into his Nairobi home, enrolled her in a boarding school and hired a housekeeper to care for her during school holidays.

Today, Anthony and Gift have been joined by more than 30 other girls from the Kenyan streets in a new home called Mudzini Kwetu -- Swahili for "Our Home." The girls now have a family, attend school, have a safe place to sleep and to eat -- and they have another chance at enjoying childhood and life in all its fullness.

But it gets better! These girls are not only making a better life for themselves and their sisters, but their story is inspiring a small band of supporters from around the world. Led by a Northern Irishman in Boston (who, yeah, okay, is an old friend of mine -- full disclosure!), these folks have created their own organization to support Mudzini Kwetu and the girls. Through One Home Many Hopes, they've already raised thousands of dollars to alleviate the skyrocketing food costs, build a play area, start a small garden and farm, and purchase two cows. And probably more, but I can't keep track of it all.

I just love when stories like Gift's reach across the globe and inspire action - not only from individuals but in journalists too! Get to know Gift's story -- and if you're interested in keeping up with One Home Many Hopes, you can sign up for their mailing list here.