LIHUE – Zeke Gamby said his thoughts weren’t always focused on the well-being of others. Today, the 10-year-old says he is wiser about his way of thinking. He said he is worried about the future of people not only on
LIHUE – Zeke Gamby said his thoughts weren’t always focused on the well-being of others.
Today, the 10-year-old says he is wiser about his way of thinking. He said he is worried about the future of people not only on Kauai but the people around the world who are underprivileged.
“It’s offensive to be selfish compared to people in other parts of the world,” Gamby said.
Gamby is one of the founders of “Connect 5,” a youth group committed to “Making Change Happen.” Its members have aspirations that include becoming an engineer, a naturalist, a theoretical particle physicist and a rock star.
But first, they have other priorities on their minds.
“People don’t have the luxuries we have,” said Pierce Bivens, another group founder.
The 12-year-old, along with Brianna Ryan, and Jackson Gamby, will unveil their plan from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Lihue Public Library to “connect, collaborate and create positive change” and ultimately build more Connect 5 chapters.
“We’re trying to get kids to know and care about the different issues out there,” Ryan said. “Kids can really make a difference. The biggest change we can make is to empower other people to make changes.”
Jackson said he has seen videos of poverty-stricken areas in other parts of the world.
“There were kids who didn’t have food,” Jackson said. “They are not as lucky as we have been.”
Bivens was also struck by other people’s misfortunes.
“There are a half a million homeless kids in Brazil,” Bivens said. “It would always make me sad when I’d hear those types of stories. I didn’t think I could do anything about it until, ‘Connect 5.’”
Laurie Ryan, Brianna’s mother, said the group has been meeting for a year formulating plans. They spend two to three hours, twice a week, brainstorming.
“They’ve partnered with, ‘Leadership Kauai’ and the kids are learning all about business along the way,” Ryan said.
Concerns span from the environment to people impacted by cancer, but awareness of other’s problems is the first step toward solutions.
“If more people knew, more people would care,” Bivens said.
“It’s the ripple effect,” chimed in Zeke. “If we help someone they might be willing to help someone else and it keeps on spreading from there.”
Anyone who wants to attend Tuesday’s meeting should RSVP to info@leadershipkauai.org
