World Vision Child Sponsorship Coordinator (left) makes regular visits to check on the orphans that are in the care of Ivy Miyoba, a 57-year-old widow. photo | Lisa Berglund/World Vision |
Most of the funds raised through Hoops of Hope have been designated to be used in the African country of Zambia. According to the World Health Organization, the average life expectancy in Zambia is only 40 years for both men and women, which is nearly half the life expectancy of those living in the US. Such disparities in life expectancy did not sit well with Austin. He says, “Zambia is where I felt the need and where I felt my heart going.”
Within Zambia, Hoops of Hope has been able to provide AIDS orphans with food, water, clothing, shelter, health care and education. This upcoming World AIDS Day, December 1, 2007, the program aims to raise $150,000 USD to construct and equip a medical testing lab and counseling center in Sinazongwe, Zambia. Hoops of Hope is also constructing a school that is in the final building phase, which will accommodate 450 children
in Twachiyanda, Zambia. |
Girls walk to school in rural Zambia. photo | Jon Warren/World Vision |
In October 2007, Austin plans to travel to Zambia with World Vision to officially dedicate the school building. Having never been to Africa, Austin is excited for the trip and is looking forward to meeting the children he has been trying to help for the past few years. “I’m probably most excited to see the smiles on those kids’ faces when they see that there’s a school,” Austin says. “Now they can actually go to school.”
Since the inception of Hoops of Hope, there has been no communication between Austin and those in Zambia who have been aided by his efforts. “For me, it’s not all about having contact and having them thank us for what we’ve done,” he explains. “I think that all of us at Hoops of Hope get the thank you’s out of knowing that people’s lives are going to be changed just by shooting some free throws.”
Genuine in his intentions and modest about his feats, Austin possesses a maturity that makes it easy to forget
how young he is. He has tackled the seemingly overwhelming issue of AIDS orphans and found a simple yet effective way to make a positive impact. The feasibility of a basketball shoot-a-thon has been alluring to kids and adults alike. Judging by the increased number of Hoops of Hope participants each year, most people seem to share Austin’s determination to make a difference. |
Dailessy (left) is in eighth grade and attends a school that was constructed by World Vision. photo | Andrea Dearborn/World Vision |
| “Hoops of Hope has impacted World Vision in a couple of ways,” states Dana Buck, World Vision’s corporate partner director. “The funds raised by the kids participating in the program have been put to great use in our programs, benefiting children [affected] by the HIV and AIDS crisis. But more than that, Austin and Hoops of Hope have served to illustrate that one person really can make a difference when they combine compassion with action.” |
Children from northwestern Zambia attend a school that is supported through World Vision sponsors and community partners. photo | Brian Sytsma/World Vision |
Students in the third-grade classroom at Chiwoko school are eager to learn. photo | Andrea Dearborn/World Vision
While Austin is pleased with what Hoops of Hope has accomplished, contentment is not something that comes easy to him. "It feels good to know that I've helped some people . but I know there's so much more that I can do. That's what really gets me motivated; I'm not satisfied," Austin says. He proves that regardless of age, ability and available resources, one person can make a significant impact on the world. As Austin puts it, "You don't have to wait to be an adult to make a difference." |
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Hoops of Hope
World Vision
PO Box 22227
Mesa, AZ 85277
USA
480.325.8005
info@hoopsofhope.org
www.hoopsofhope.org |
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