By Eric Akasa
A ten year old boy has been awarded The
Jubilee Insurance Samaritan Award (JISA), for his creativity in tackling
challenges facing his community.
Baraka Rimba Kahindi won the award for his selflessness and innovativeness
in rescuing flood victims in Malindi. During the rainy season in May when most
parts of the country were faced with flooding crisis, causing enormous
suffering to families, the class three pupil of Kavinyalalo Primary school joined
together old wooden doors to make a makeshift raft, and using a stick for an
oar, helped evacuate his marooned villagers to safety.
“This is a rare show of innovative thinking that Jubilee is
happy to recognize,” said Patrick Tumbo, the Jubilee Insurance Kenya Chief
Executive Officer. “At his young age, Baraka challenges all of us to be the problem
solvers rather than seat back and wait for solutions. We can borrow a lot from his
act.” He adds.
The JISA award recognizes ordinary Kenyans doing
extraordinary acts of charity, and selflessly helping to solve challenges
facing the community around them. The acts awarded are not usually motivated by
monetary reward.
The Galana River running across Malindi County burst its banks
in May, sweeping away homes and property and marooning families on roofs and
hilltops. And while even adults looked at the rising water levels from afar,
frightened, and waited for a helping hand, Baraka worked tirelessly to evacuate
the 12 households of the marooned Kaziani village with his makeshift boat. The
Kenya Red Cross team of volunteers on the ground acknowledged that his
invention helped shorten the time taken in the evacuation because many people
could not swim. The low lying areas of Malindi and Magarini are prone to
floods.
“I saw the difficult situation, and all I could do was think
of ways to help,” says Baraka. “I had to learn to swim because floods have been
a problem here for a very long time.” Baraka adds.
Baraka’s Head Master Simeon Nzai says he is a humble and
disciplined pupil who demonstrated his real self by his response to the crisis.
“Despite his humble background, Baraka is quite persevering even in school.
With his creative mind he has potential to excel in future, ”Mr. Nzai says.
“By awarding Baraka we hope to inspire others, especially
young people to be actively involved in solving problems facing the society,” says
Zipporah Musau one of the JISA judges. “This sense of innovation, selflessness
and the rate of spontaneity in which he responded to provide a solution to the
problem, stood out among the many nominees we received.”
The
JISA panel of judges comprise of six reputable media practitioners who identify
and pick deserving winners from across the country.
No comments:
Post a Comment