Tererai Trent from Zimbabwe

[K.S.R.]

Did you see Oprah's show today? It had the most profound impact on me of any show she's ever done. I was moved to tears as Tererai Trent from Zimbabwe spoke about her dream as a young girl of getting her bachelors, then her masters, and finally her doctorate. Yet, she lived in a hut without running water or electricity. She was married off at 11. Yes 11, and had three children by the time she was 18. Her husband beat her constantly.

And there she sat on stage, several months away from being awarded her phD.

This book, Say You're One of Them has changed my life and given me new eyes to see with. I don't think anyone can read it and not feel inspired to seek out ways to make a difference in even one life--whether it's in the life of someone nearby who has been marginalized by circumstances--or abroad, where the effects of poverty are so evident. After reading it, seeing a show like the one I saw today about Tererai Trent has whole new meaning.

I hope that our group will discuss further down the road, Half the Sky that Oprah mentioned today. The Pulitzer Prize winning authors said that education for women and children is the single most important social movement of our time, and that even the Pentagon can predict where violence from Afghanistan will occur, based on a town's level of education of women.

[Diane]

Hi Karey,

Unfortunately I did not see the show today. Thank you for posting this. I can't agree more with what you write about the book Say You're One of Them. Not sure if you read my post under Xmas feast, but I said I was embarrassed to admit that I was so unaware of the atrocities these children/people face everyday.

I will be looking up Half the Sky and seeing what it is about.

[[deleted user]]

Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton.I am sure you ladies will enjoy this book. Part of South African history.. . heart-wrenching to say the least

[K.S.R.]

Thank you for suggesting the title, Bev. And Diane D.--I did see your post earlier. Sorry not to have commented. I feel so grateful to Uwem Akpan for opening my eyes to a world I couldn't have looked into so closely otherwise.

Since reading Say You're One of Them, and after watching the show about Tererai Trent, I've chosen to sponsor one woman a month in countries that range from Afghanistan, Congo and others. By donating $27.00 a month, a woman is given access to centers for women where she can gain an education and be taught skills that allow her to earn income. Here is the link from Oprah's site: http://www.oprah.com/package/oprahsho...