On The Up Side

The news these days is filled with reports of violence, oppression and poverty. In the midst of these daunting obstacles, you will find individuals whose indomitable spirit compels them to be a voice for change.

Below are a few inspiring stories:


A Bolivian woman is determined to make a difference in a country where over 50 percent of the population lives at or below the poverty level.  Self-taught, and making bricks from empty plastic bottles filled with dirt - she has designed, built and given away 10 Garbage Homes!  

Garbage Homes

Homeless and free-spirited, a young man takes matters into his own hands to protect his fellow man.  What he lacks in material possessions, he makes up for with a fierce, tender heart!  See more in Behind the Hero.

Kai - The Hitchhiker ***Warning! - Language Content***

In previous postings, Charles wrote about Malala, the 15-year old Pakistani girl who was shot in the head by the Taliban for daring to speak up about her right to an education.  Recently released from the hospital and on the road to recovery, the ripple effect of her bravery is having a huge impact.  The Pakistani government has now vowed to make sure every child is in school by the year 2015.  That's 5 million children, 3 million of which are girls! Read further: Malala spurs school-for-all vow.

Malala 

Rika

I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do something I can do. - Helen Keller

Be the change you want to see in the world - Ghandi