As part of our Global Studies Lecture Series, we hosted Regan Maki ('98, LD '14), an alumna who shared with us her mission work experiences in Kenya and Haiti. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Maki for taking time out of her busy schedule and inspiring our students to join in the fight against world poverty and addressing the despair that accompanies it.
In listening to Ms. Maki, it is clear that she is totally dedicated to helping her fellow man. Importantly, she is doing so with a great deal of compassion and faith. This is very much in line with Darlington’s Global Studies Program where our goal is for students to have acquired an understanding of world issues from different perspectives, a sense of their own roles as global citizens, and empathy with the problems facing the world community.
The details Ms. Maki provided In her presentation were moving but also illustrated how rewarding it is to address human suffering and committing to making a significant contribution towards a better world.
Separately, Ms. Maki related how addressing poverty and human suffering is not a straightforward affair. There is a risk that if helping is not properly implemented it reinforces dependence and can actually hurt. Conversely, helping that focuses on providing the tools towards self-help and empowerment will truly deliver solutions for the long-term.
We very much appreciated Ms. Maki’s input as it served to remind us that we can make a difference in what too often seems to be a heartless world.
Click here to view a photo gallery from the event.
