Why Give a Buck?

Episode DescriptionJean Michel Habineza grew up in the wake of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, one of the gravest atrocities in recent human history, where almost overnight friends and neighbours became deadly enemies. Jean Michel is part of the movement to bring Rwanda back to a state of genuine, lasting peace. In this episode Jean Michel details the steps that can lead normal people to become capable of genocide, and how to reconcile former enemies when resentment and trauma levels are sky high. He also describes how to achieve peace through empowering people to debate the most contentious issues, without conflict. He is full of wisdom as well as practical advice that the world needs to hear right now; at the international level, between ethnic groups, and regular people trying to communicate with beloved family members with opposing opinions. Get Involved!Learn more about Jean Michel's work and how you can support him to promote critical thinking, and peaceful and healthy societies and families here: justpeoples.org/leaders/jean-michelWhy Give a Buck?Because with $2,518 USD Jean Michel can educate a school of Rwandan high school students to debate tough topics without leading to conflict, and then implement projects to tackle local poverty-related issues.Meet Jean MichelCome along to an online fireside chat with Jean Michel on 18 April, 2024 where he will share learnings and wisdom along with personal stories about his life and work in Rwanda, with an intimate group of interested people. You'll be able to ask him directly any burning questions you have after listening to this episode! 

Episode DescriptionJohanna and Christey speak with Mercy Kafotokoza, the midwife and nurse tackling Malawi's alarming maternal and infant mortality rate head-on! Mercy discusses how she trains nurses to ride off-road motorbikes so they can ride over rugged terrain to treat the furthest away patients. She also provides an overview of the complex cultural context she works in where consulting witch doctors is the norm, and how lack of education around maternal health leads many women to hide their pregnancies in fear. Mercy also describes how her powerful nurses use culturally appropriate techniques (like song and dance!) to educate, treat and ultimately save thousands of women and children in rural Malawi. You'll love her!Get Involved!Learn more about Mercy's work and how you can support her to reach more mums and their babies here: justpeoples.org/leaders/mercyWhy Give a Buck?Because with $2,160 USD Mercy can buy a motorbike, train a nurse to ride it, obtain her license, and cover fuel and maintenance costs for a year.And with $15,672 USD one hundred women can receive comprehensive pre- and post-natal care, and emergency support from Mercy's nurses whenever they need it for themselves and their babies. These mothers and children will be given the best chance to survive and thrive!