Oprah Inspires a Local

Six years ago Alpharettan Lanny Donoho was watching an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show. Oprah was giving away shoes in Africa. The camera panned to the horizon and a line of children appeared, each child hoping to get a pair of the coveted shoes. The line stretched for 5 miles. Donoho was transfixed by this image saying, “I couldn’t get that picture out of my head”.

These children haunted Donoho and he knew then that he needed to do something. He recruited 16 college students and started calling friends with a not so simple request ‘Can you get us to Africa?”.

The Trip to Kenya

Arriving in Kenya Donoho witnessed firsthand the most desperate and undesirable of environments. The basic essentials that most Americans take for granted were severely lacking and in many instances the absence of these most simple of needs were quite literally the difference between life and death.

That first trip transformed Donoho and the lives of the students who traveled with him. On the plane trip home Donoho grabbed a napkin and drew up a rudimentary plan – a plan to connect churches and communities to come together to make a difference in the lives of these people who struggled every day not just to get by but to survive.

Donoho knew that there had to be a way to not only transform the lives of these Kenyans but also those more fortunate at home in America. Inspired by the biblical passage 1 Peter 4:10, Donoho had a vision.

The Vision

This vision for help and hope grew into ‘The 410 Bridge’ quite simply a bridge from one nation to another in desperate need. Donoho found that he was not alone, there were many others who heard the same call and they just needed the direction, The 410 Bridge would provide that direction.

The 410 Bridge is not just about supplying resources; it is about enabling the self-developing capabilities of those most in need so that they can sustain themselves.

Donoho found that many Kenyans spent all day walking to and from their nearest water source. Creating sustainable water solutions was of paramount importance. With a safe, abundant, nearby water source, the local people were able to devote themselves to other projects that normally would have to take a back seat to the more important task of procuring that most basic of human requirements.  And so a snowball effect ensued, once the children were no longer spending their days trekking for water they were able to spend their time on skills that would prepare them for their future.

Education was sorely lacking. In a community where less than 20% of the children make it to a quality high school the trickledown effect can be devastating as generation after generation continue to receive minimal education.

Those who are lucky enough to even go to school experience conditions which are barely conducive to learning. With teacher ratios of 1:100 not uncommon and a severe lack of textbooks and materials, these kids are fighting a losing battle.

The 410 Bridge recognized the need to educate these children, the future of Kenya. Working with communities to utilize child sponsorship and education projects they strive to hire more quality teachers, expand classrooms, implement school feeding programs including clean drinking water and provide much needed desks, books and materials.

Extreme poverty is the norm in many areas of Africa; with an unemployment rate of 40% in Kenya it became apparent early on that the children were not the only ones in need of education. The identification and training of entrepreneurs has helped launch revenue generating businesses that are helping to create a sustainable economy in 410 Bridge communities.

As is so often the case, once one need is met another appears. The 410 Bridge is in constant motion going wherever they are needed. That first trip has evolved into many with mission trips traveling all over the African continent, changing the lives of Americans and Africans alike.

And out of this environment of despair amazing voices of hope have emerged. The Daraja Children's Choir of Africa consists of orphaned and vulnerable children who at one point saw no hope for their future but now have something to sing about.  With performances which blend traditional African song and dance with contemporary Christian music they share that hope in a unique and powerful way. Like those who gave to them, this choir is giving back, testament to one of the core beliefs of 410 Bridge, that each one of us has something special and unique to offer.

The Invitation to be on Oprah

A few months ago Donoho received a call from the producers of the Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss the possibilities of his appearing to discuss how Oprah's show had been the catalyst for the original trip that resulted in so many thousands of lives being changed.

Donoho was invited, along with his wife Peggy, to be a part of the audience, not knowing for sure if he would get the opportunity to discuss the 410 Bridge with Oprah. After arriving in Chicago, they were surprised to find that they, along with the rest of the audience had been invited to Oprah's ultimate 'Favorite Things' give away.

Everyone in the audience were givers, people who had created a tremendous impact on the lives of others. Oprah wanted these people who had given so much to be on the receiving end of something great. The Donohos were honored to be recognized for the work they are doing in Kenya and around the world. No doubt it was an extremely nice surprise but, for Donoho, it's not about the getting it really is all about the giving.

Organizations such as The 410 Bridge simply cannot survive without the generosity of others. If you would like to donate funds or time to The 410 Bridge please visit their website at www.410Bridge.org. The website also gives information on mission trips for individuals and groups. You will also find information on how to book the Daraja Children's Choir for your church or organization.