Flourishing with Crossing Thresholds

If someone were to ask me ‘what do I most wish for the human family’, I would say, “Flourishing.”  I want people to flourish.  I want people to have every opportunity to grow up and grow strong.  I want people to stretch their minds and nurture their talents.  I want people to have choices, and ultimately the choice to make a contribution to the world.  

That is ‘what I want’.     

In mid-April, I received the news about our 8th graders in Kibera.  At our three primary schools, 65 students sat for the National Exams.  Overall, the results were extraordinary.  Statistically, our students far exceeded the national averages.  More than 95% are now eligible to attend high school.  I am BEYOND proud.  

My pride stands on the hard work of our students.  Over the past year, their strength and resilience have been remarkable.   For more than 6 months, they were out of school.  Their parents were out of work.  On many days, they were afforded only one meal.  They do not own smart phones or laptops.  They do not have access to the internet.  Yet when the time came to start prepping for the high pressured national exam, they showed up and gave it everything.
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Human flourishing should belong to all human beings.  Yet as we scan the globe, we know it is simply not the case.  Some flourish, and some do not.  As I hold that uncomfortable truth, another truth emerges.  How can anyone truly flourish while others are denied the chances and choices to make more of their lives?
Crossing Thresholds pledges to keep fighting the fight for under-served children.  It’s not that hard.  Build it, and they will come.  Give them a chance, and they will show you how strong and capable they are.  Together, we can make something new of this world.                             

Carter Via
Founder and Executive Director