Allow me to paraphrase an old folktale. Thousands of starfish have washed onto a beach, where many of them will die. A young boy gently tosses one back into the water, then another and another. An onlooker asks, “Why are you bothering? You can’t save them all. You’re wasting your time. How can this make any significant difference?” The boy looks at the starfish in his hand, smiles, and says, “It makes a difference to this one.”
In Kenya, as in many parts of the world, there are countless starfish stories that are more than a folktale. The stark truth illuminates every waking day. It feels like many people have been washed onto dry land and are struggling to survive. Poverty is real and affects all areas of life. Basic needs (food, clean water, shelter) are not always easily acquired. Education resources are limited. Poor road conditions present transportation dilemmas. Cultural stigmas affect family and community life.
How do we tackle such huge problems? What difference can an ordinary person make? Here are a few snapshots of those who threw a starfish back into the ocean this year.
Following the official merging of divisions in January, The Salvation Army celebrated the installation of new leaders and the presentation of divisional flags for the Atlantic and Prairies and Northern Territories divisions. “Having fresh and visionary leadership is essential for the future of the new Prairies and Northern Territories
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