It is in the toughest of times that ideals are formed or lost. There is a limit to which one can be pushed and for most young people living in slum areas that limit was long crossed. It is in those defining moments that most of them get lost in the life of crime or get swallowed in the cycle of poverty. Against all odds, Maji Mazuri youth group members have been striving to come out of the valley and make something of their lives.
One such member is Daniel. He joined the Maji Mazuri youth group at the age of 10 years. That moment was the turning point in his life. Through the knowledge gained through youth activities, counseling, trainings, workshops, trips and exchange programs, Daniel slowly rose to the top. He established himself as a man of character, a role model, and a respected member of the Maji Mazuri Youth Group Alumni.
Visiting Daniel at his shop in Dandora, Nairobi, I could not help but feel motivated by his persistence in making a difference. As he attended to his constant flow of customers, Daniel told of how difficult it was growing in the slums. He knew that he had to do what he could to make ends meet and make a life for himself. Daniel knew that his future entirely depended on his choices and he endeavored to make the right ones.
As a young man, he joined the Maji Mazuri Mavuno Microfinance and in 2002 he opened a business, a small shop in the heart of Dandora. Eight years later, the business has grown and is now a source of income for him and his family. The father of three now points happily on the ceiling where there are three marks, lateral lines on the wall. The three marks show his growth over the years. As his shop grew, he has had to move his shelf backwards to accommodate more stock for his business, thus leaving the three marks. Like Og Madino says, "
So long as there is breath in me, that long will I persist. For now I know one of the greatest principles of success; If I persist long enough I will win."
Daniel says that there will soon be a fourth mark on the wall.
