From the small city of Wylie to the country of Africa, where people live in huts, rebels pillage small villages, and some children have nowhere to call home, a local woman volunteers her time to travel to Africa to help.  Dr. Donna Edge left the gray and blue halls to travel to the desolate lands of Africa so she could somehow help with these tragic conditions.

Edge travelled to Africa to volunteer and share her heart with the children of Kenya. For 10 days, Edge invested a multitude of her time to a small orphanage on the outskirts of a small village in Kijabe.

“The attitude of the people around me was so much different from what I would experience in America. Almost everyone greeted you with a smile or hello; it was nice to feel welcomed. The people there really seemed to just enjoy life without having all the material comforts that we have,” Edge said.

Edge has always been interested in different cultures and has always wanted to go to Africa. While visiting with the children of the orphanage, Edge was touched by the positive attitudes of these children, even with their unfortunate conditions.
            
“The children have no material belongings, but they’re very genuine and special. The children there were so gracious and affectionate; I was quickly greeted with hugs and smiles. Even though they won’t be adopted by anyone, I truly believe they’ll be able to make a difference through their education later in their lives,” Edge said.

The children of the orphanage don’t have access to a bus so they can never leave the orphanage. They walk to school, but they’re trying to raise money to buy a bus of their own.  
           
“My friend and I are going to try and do a couple of things to help them raise the funds so the children can really explore Kenya and know more about where they live,” Edge said.

Dr. Edge is currently seeking a club or organization to fundraise for Naomi’s Village. To help, contact Dr. Edge in room 108.