Mike's World of Opportunity - Road to $5000

Me and Alfred in Zambia

The picture on the left says a lot for me. I’m standing shoulder to shoulder with Alfred Mungamelo, perhaps the most driven and inspirational person I’ve met in my life. My “all weather friend”, as Alfred says. I look at this photo and see the laughter, the smile, the energy that Alfred brings to every village he goes to. I see the glint in his eyes that pierces through barriers to say “it’s possible”. A laser beam of hope that mischievously bounces and reflects off everything in its path, lighting up belief and potential in everything it touches. The video on the right gives you a glimpse of the potential for a community of leaders like Alfred, and the strategy EWB is taking to increase access to clean water in Southern Africa.

EWB is my life. The past year and a half has been a marriage in fast-forward; I’ve grown, learned, challenged and experienced the whole spectrum of what it is to be EWB. I was in Zambia for three and a half months this summer, and I currently spend more than thirty hours a week as chapter president of the U of T chapter. I put an unbelievable amount of time, energy and passion into this organization because I can, and because I want to. On the back of the envelope, I spent in the range of 2000 hours this past year working with EWB.

Last year at this time I campaigned and raised over $2300 dollars, which completely blew me away. I was unsure, uncomfortable asking people for money – but I had my worldview turned on its head living with my loving and generous host family in Mazabuka who refused to let me give them a single Kwacha for food or rent. This year I’m planning to more than double that amount. I see it as an opportunity to reflect the rays of African leadership and potential to my network here in Canada. My current goal puts the value of my time at $2.50 an hour ($2.50 x 2000 = $5000), so I hope you can support me for at least a few hours worth of work!

Special Campaign Video featuring Alfred and Mike

This January, Canada will be infused with that spark of Alfred’s drive when he speaks at the EWB National Conference. I will be hosting him for three weeks as he, at the age of 43, ventures out of his home country of Zambia for the first time in his life. EWB is covering the costs of this visit to Canada for Alfred, a unique opportunity for him to share his experiences and knowledge and for us to share ours. If you’re interested in meeting him, send me a note at mikeklassen@ewb.ca

Much Love,

Mike Klassen

PS I shaved off the moustache in that picture shortly after getting back to Canada. Sorry to be the bearer of bad/good news.

Living in the Moment - My Blog from Zambia 2009