Tag is developing an interesting initiative to show recognition to outstanding children and adults who have outshone themselves and are an inspiration to those around them. For example, by celebrating a dedicated mother who is struggling mightily to prevent their youth from descending into a life of crime, or the teenage boy who is tending to his mother who is dying from AIDS, whilst refusing to fall behind in school.

We do this by surprising them with a generous gift, and also include their peers in the occasion. It is our great pleasure to give these amazing people a small amount of the credit they deserve – and to do so in a fun way.

Here are the stories of two of our recipients:

Vanessa

In the slums of Kenya life can be dark but it is here that the stars shine the brightest. We are in Korogocho in the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya – one of the most deprived slums in the world. Today someone is about to be surprised in a big way.

As far as everyone was concerned it was just any other basketball training day in Korogocho at Hoops for Kids, where children learn life skills through basketball. However, one of these youngsters was about to be shocked to receive a special gift. Her name is Vanessa Mariscah.

Vanessa has no idea what is in store for her. She is getting ready for another day of basketball practice at Hoops for Kids. She thinks it is just a normal day on the court. Well, she’s about to find out otherwise.

Thirteen-year-old Vanessa’s life is not easy. She lives with her dad, separated from her two siblings. Her father comes home late, and she has nowhere to go until evening. Despite the hardship in her life, Vanessa works hard at everything she does and has done exceptionally well.

Vanessa displayed an exceptional work ethic. She would stick around after practice to play basketball with the older kids, so she could continually learn and improve. She became the most advanced basketball player in her age group.

Also, after all the other children went home, she would pack up her sports gear, change into school uniform and sit under a tree to do her homework.

In addition to keeping up with her school studies, Vanessa would learn to play the clarinet and was recruited to a Youth Orchestra. We wanted to recognize her impressive motivation and time management skills.

We gave Vanessa an initial gift, and she thought that was it, but there was a big surprise at the end. First, we gave her a book that contained everything she needed to know to complete her school studies. Being an excellent student, she was thrilled and moved to tears.

Vanessa is a passionate fan of the LA Lakers, since she was introduced to the game by a coach who was a fan. One of her dreams was to have the strip of her favorite team, but this must have seemed a distant dream. Well, we had an LA Lakers strip made with her name on it. The shock on her face was wonderful.

We also gave a book to six of Vanessa’s closest friends, so they would feel included. We also gave a water bottle and treats to every child, so that no one would be excluded. Everyone went away happy.

Diana Mbaka

Diana is a mother of five and the sole breadwinner in her family. She lives in a small village in Nyakalewa, Western Kenya. She uses what little money she has to pay for schooling for her children, and would often lack money to buy seeds and fertilizers for her farm – leaving her in a continually dire situation.

Diana joined our rice growing project, and she became one of its star performers. Despite many challenges, she stuck with the plan. We wanted to congratulate her with a public surprise.

We invited her entire village and good friends to a gathering, ostensibly to discuss the future of the project. But we have a secret plan. Diana, like all the people in the village, is poor and struggles to provide for her family. On this day, we were going to give Diana a helping hand.

After sharing snacks with everyone, and some customary group singing, the formalities began. We explained how much of an impression Diana had made, and that we wanted to give her a little gift. To help her keep herself and her children safe, we gave her three mosquito nets. In rural Kenya, they are extremely helpful. She was pleased. But that was just the beginning.

We asked her to turn around, and on a table behind her, we unveiled four pairs of children’s school shoes. Each of her school-age children would now have good shoes to go to school in. But we were not done yet.

We asked Diana to turn around again. This time on a table sat a large food basket covered with a cloth. In it were provisions for her to feed her family.

We then presented food baskets to six of Diana’s closest friends, so that they would also feel included.