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I Am Because You Are: How the Spirit of Ubuntu Inspired an Unlikely Friendship and Transformed a Community
In 1998, Jacob Lief, a 21-year-old American university student, met school teacher Malizole "Banks" Gwaxula in a township tavern in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. After bonding over beers and a shared passion for education, Gwaxula invited Lief to live with him in the township. Inspired by their fortuitous meeting-which brought together two men separated by race, nationality, and age-and by the spirit of ubuntu , roughly translated as "I am because you are"-the two men embarked on an unexpectedly profound journey.
Their vision? To provide vulnerable children in the townships with what every child deserves-everything.
Today, their organization, Ubuntu Education Fund, is upending conventional wisdom about how to break the cycle of poverty. Shunning traditional development models, Ubuntu has redefined the concept of scale, focusing on how deeply it can impact each child's life rather than how many it can reach. Ubuntu provides everything a child needs and deserves, from prenatal care for pregnant mothers to support through university-essentially, from cradle to career. Their child-centered approach reminds us that one's birthplace should not determine one's future.
I Am Because You Are sets forth an unflinching portrayal of the unique rewards and challenges of the nonprofit world while offering a bold vision for a new model of development.
Their vision? To provide vulnerable children in the townships with what every child deserves-everything.
Today, their organization, Ubuntu Education Fund, is upending conventional wisdom about how to break the cycle of poverty. Shunning traditional development models, Ubuntu has redefined the concept of scale, focusing on how deeply it can impact each child's life rather than how many it can reach. Ubuntu provides everything a child needs and deserves, from prenatal care for pregnant mothers to support through university-essentially, from cradle to career. Their child-centered approach reminds us that one's birthplace should not determine one's future.
I Am Because You Are sets forth an unflinching portrayal of the unique rewards and challenges of the nonprofit world while offering a bold vision for a new model of development.
- GenresNonfictionAfrica
224 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 5, 2020
Deutsch: das Zauberwort ist Ubuntu. Es lässt uns besser zu sein und glücklicher zu werden.
February 28, 2016
Jacob Lief is my first cousin once removed.
September 17, 2023
"I Am Because You Are" is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking book that tells the remarkable story of Jacob Lief and Malizole "Banks" Gwaxula's journey from a chance meeting in a South African tavern to the creation of the Ubuntu Education Fund. Their shared passion for education and their unwavering commitment to the principle of ubuntu, which encapsulates the idea that our humanity is interconnected, serves as the driving force behind this inspiring narrative.
The book beautifully captures the essence of their journey, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of South Africa's townships and the challenges faced by vulnerable children growing up in these communities. Lief's writing is both vivid and honest, providing an unflinching portrayal of the unique rewards and hurdles encountered in the nonprofit world. His storytelling is engaging and heartfelt, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters and the cause they're so dedicated to.
What sets "I Am Because You Are" apart is its exploration of Ubuntu Education Fund's innovative approach to breaking the cycle of poverty. Instead of focusing solely on reaching as many children as possible, Ubuntu prioritizes the depth of impact on each child's life. From prenatal care to support through university, they provide everything a child needs and deserves, ensuring that one's birthplace does not determine their future. This redefined model of development challenges conventional wisdom and presents a refreshing perspective on tackling some of the world's most pressing issues.
While I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found it incredibly inspiring, I have given it four stars instead of five due to its occasional lack of in-depth exploration of certain aspects of their journey and organization. I wished for more details and insights into some of the challenges they faced and the specific strategies they employed to overcome them. Nevertheless, "I Am Because You Are" remains a captivating read and a powerful testament to the transformative impact of education and the enduring spirit of ubuntu.
In conclusion, "I Am Because You Are" is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of education, social change, and the human capacity to make a difference. Jacob Lief's storytelling is both moving and thought-provoking, and the Ubuntu Education Fund's innovative model offers a glimpse of a brighter future for vulnerable children in South Africa and beyond. This book is a testament to the incredible work being done by individuals who refuse to accept the status quo and instead strive to create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
The book beautifully captures the essence of their journey, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of South Africa's townships and the challenges faced by vulnerable children growing up in these communities. Lief's writing is both vivid and honest, providing an unflinching portrayal of the unique rewards and hurdles encountered in the nonprofit world. His storytelling is engaging and heartfelt, making it easy for readers to connect with the characters and the cause they're so dedicated to.
What sets "I Am Because You Are" apart is its exploration of Ubuntu Education Fund's innovative approach to breaking the cycle of poverty. Instead of focusing solely on reaching as many children as possible, Ubuntu prioritizes the depth of impact on each child's life. From prenatal care to support through university, they provide everything a child needs and deserves, ensuring that one's birthplace does not determine their future. This redefined model of development challenges conventional wisdom and presents a refreshing perspective on tackling some of the world's most pressing issues.
While I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and found it incredibly inspiring, I have given it four stars instead of five due to its occasional lack of in-depth exploration of certain aspects of their journey and organization. I wished for more details and insights into some of the challenges they faced and the specific strategies they employed to overcome them. Nevertheless, "I Am Because You Are" remains a captivating read and a powerful testament to the transformative impact of education and the enduring spirit of ubuntu.
In conclusion, "I Am Because You Are" is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of education, social change, and the human capacity to make a difference. Jacob Lief's storytelling is both moving and thought-provoking, and the Ubuntu Education Fund's innovative model offers a glimpse of a brighter future for vulnerable children in South Africa and beyond. This book is a testament to the incredible work being done by individuals who refuse to accept the status quo and instead strive to create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
January 26, 2020
I received the ARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.
If you ever wanted to go to Africa to help the people there, or to work in an organization that contributes, or to commit to financial or prayer support, you will enjoy this book. If you simply enjoy a good true story, give this one your time.
I Am Because You Are is the story of Jacob Lief, who, as a young student, went to Africa during his summer break from university. It was a few years after the end of the apartheid about twenty years ago and the country was still unsettled. However, Jacob had fallen in love with the country during an earlier trip there, and before he returned to the United States this time he’d decided on the purpose for his life. He passionately wanted to make a difference in the lives of the people of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Once back in the US, his acquaintances expected him to eventually get over the idea, but it had rooted itself in his soul and, instead, he became solidly determined. In his mind, there was no other choice for him.
In I Am Because You Are, Jacob tells an intriguing, moving story of life in South Africa, how he was received as a young white man and why he started the organization known as Ubuntu Education Fund. Ubuntu means “I exist because you exist.” He tells about the challenges, the mistakes, the successes, the pitfalls, the disappointments and the celebrations. He introduces the reader to many of the people he worked with in Port Elizabeth – associates and students. We get to follow the lives of a few of the students, one family in particular, to witness the effectiveness and limitations of Ubuntu.
Jacob admits he made mistakes early on and that he was quick to correct what he could so that the organization he co-founded could continue and grow, evolving into the highly regarded service it is today.
Jacob became well acquainted with Desmond Tutu (who wrote the foreword for I Am Because You Are), the now former President Bill Clinton, and prominent heads of influential companies that donated funding.
In 2010, Jacob Lief was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. In 2012, he was selected as a member of the Clinton Global Initiative advisory board. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and sons, and in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I Am Because You Are was written with author Andrea Thompson.
I Am Because You Are: how the spirit of Ubuntu inspired an unlikely friendship and transformed a community is an inspiring book. It may even motivate you to follow your passion, whatever that may be.
If you ever wanted to go to Africa to help the people there, or to work in an organization that contributes, or to commit to financial or prayer support, you will enjoy this book. If you simply enjoy a good true story, give this one your time.
I Am Because You Are is the story of Jacob Lief, who, as a young student, went to Africa during his summer break from university. It was a few years after the end of the apartheid about twenty years ago and the country was still unsettled. However, Jacob had fallen in love with the country during an earlier trip there, and before he returned to the United States this time he’d decided on the purpose for his life. He passionately wanted to make a difference in the lives of the people of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Once back in the US, his acquaintances expected him to eventually get over the idea, but it had rooted itself in his soul and, instead, he became solidly determined. In his mind, there was no other choice for him.
In I Am Because You Are, Jacob tells an intriguing, moving story of life in South Africa, how he was received as a young white man and why he started the organization known as Ubuntu Education Fund. Ubuntu means “I exist because you exist.” He tells about the challenges, the mistakes, the successes, the pitfalls, the disappointments and the celebrations. He introduces the reader to many of the people he worked with in Port Elizabeth – associates and students. We get to follow the lives of a few of the students, one family in particular, to witness the effectiveness and limitations of Ubuntu.
Jacob admits he made mistakes early on and that he was quick to correct what he could so that the organization he co-founded could continue and grow, evolving into the highly regarded service it is today.
Jacob became well acquainted with Desmond Tutu (who wrote the foreword for I Am Because You Are), the now former President Bill Clinton, and prominent heads of influential companies that donated funding.
In 2010, Jacob Lief was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. In 2012, he was selected as a member of the Clinton Global Initiative advisory board. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and sons, and in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I Am Because You Are was written with author Andrea Thompson.
I Am Because You Are: how the spirit of Ubuntu inspired an unlikely friendship and transformed a community is an inspiring book. It may even motivate you to follow your passion, whatever that may be.
July 9, 2015
This book was fantastic - such an intriguing read into the establishment, growth, and success of the Ubuntu Education Fund in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Ubuntu has such a radically different vision and mission than any other NGO I've read about, in that it basically takes on the role of a parent to children in need and provides constant and continual care from early childhood all the way to/through college. Yes, it's expensive, and no, it doesn't always work, but it's about building a community, not just feeding people for a day or doing "low cost, high impact" development work that isn't sustainable. After studying development over the past 15 years, it seems that everybody is frustrated that nothing seems to really work - even the obvious things (malaria nets, iodized salt, digging wells) aren't as helpful in the long-term as people would wish, and part of it is because nobody is focusing on comprehensive, long-term sustainability. Ubuntu is, and it's SO INSPIRING. This was a fantastic read.
August 17, 2015
I loved the book! It was quite inspiring and interesting. Very moving, and it was informative, as well.
December 28, 2015
A reminder of the power that individuals can have. This organization started with an idea that 2 men had and grew from there.
March 18, 2016
This book touched my spirit. It is true the soil of Africa never leaves your feet and its spirit feels your heart.
November 12, 2015
Well written account of one nonprofit's journey - inspiring!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews