What You Can Do

What You Can Do

What You Can Do To Help Kids

“Someone asked me a question about how people can help orphans and kids in need. Here are my suggestions.” - Mark

• Volunteering your time, regularly, to a local center in your city. In China there are several such 'Social Welfare Centers' that welcome local and foreign volunteers. You can teach English, or music, or just provide lots of hugs to the kids.

• Money donations. In general, foundations will provide you a bank account and let you know how your money is used. Sometimes a portion of the funds, anywhere from 4-10% is used for administrative fees as there are costs involved with even purchasing and logistics. I used to think this was wrong but I now realize that there are costs that sometimes have to be paid. Depending on the foundation this may also have tax benefits.

• Bringing items like clothes, mosquito nets, mattresses, dvd players, musical instruments etc directly to the kids yourself. This is what I did when I first arrived in Shenzhen as I did not know exactly where my money was going.

• Combining volunteering and delivering items is the most effective way, since it builds a face to face bond and provides tangible benefits. It is also important that volunteering be regular (even if infrequent) as orphans rely on consistency as proof of caring, more than occasional attention.

• Of course the best way is to adopt a child!

Above all, remember that every little bit helps, no matter how small it seems!

Thank you for considering helping the Mark Obama Ndesandjo Foundation!

The Mark Obama Ndesandjo Foundation Limited is a charity which promotes the education, development, understanding and valuing of diverse classical and modern art and music, particularly among the young and the disadvantaged. A portion of profits from Mark’s music recordings and book sales will also contribute to the fund. in Hong Kong, we are registered under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap.112) and donations are tax-deductible. From time to time, we will partner with other organizations who can offer tax benefits on a case by case basis. The Board of Management comprises 5 Councillors (including the Chairman) who meet annually and are consulted on proposals and fund solicitations.

About the Novel

The protagonist, upon arriving in China in the wake of 911 and the onset of a terrifying global war, is forced to confront his early experiences in Kenya and the United States as a result of his growing love for a beautiful Chinese woman and a young orphan. Parallels between his own upbringing and the potential family that lies before him lead to questions about his true identity, the complexities of his multi-racial family and the relationship he had known with his father. 15% of profits from book sales are donated to help disadvantaged children.