Bringing Hope for a Future
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. - Proverbs 31
Who Are the Majang People
The Majang are an indigenous tribe of people who live in the rainforest in remote Southwest Ethiopia in an area called Dunchay Village. Living by traditions and culture passed down over 100 years, the Majang are herdsmen, agriculturists, and beekeepers who rely on traditional methods to farm and gather food. A traditionally oral culture, most of the Majang have had no formal education and as many as 85 percent are illiterate.
The Majang were introduced to Christianity in the 1970s. Although they are still waiting for the Bible’s Old Testament to be translated into their language, 86 percent of the Majang are now Christians. The tribe has a rich history, a strong sense of community, yet they struggle with malnutrition, sickness, and war. Each year, approximately four out of ten children die due to preventable diseases, and they have an infant mortality rate of 50 percent.
Providing much needed food, supplies, and medical care is difficult due to the thick jungle, mountainous terrain, and heavy flooding. They heavy rains bring mosquitos, which contribute to the wide presence of malaria and other preventable diseases. All of these factors compound the orphan crisis, leaving vulnerable children to fend for themselves.
There are over 400 orphans in Dunchay village who need help and support they cannot receive locally. The extreme remote location of this tribe in addition to the political tensions of the nearby Sudanese border means many other non-profits and government organizations won’t take the risk to provide aid. At Kaleo Global, we are committed to working with the Majang people until there is a sustainable model and local leadership in place to ensure a thriving future for the village.
At Kaleo Global, we are a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to bringing hope, the love of Christ and education to the underserved children in Africa, where they can realize their potential and become influencers for change in their communities. We believe that linking children to education and essential health and nutrition is vital to their overall development and contribution to their communities. In partnership with local communities, in-country officials, and donor support, Kaleo Global will reach the vulnerable and forgotten children of Africa.
Ethiopia currently has 4.5 million orphans, a majority of which do not have access to education, health, and nutrition. Specifically, Dunchay Village in western Ethiopia is home to the Majang people, a traditionally oral culture with extremely low literacy rates. Kaleo Global is seeking to bring hope to the impoverished community of Dunchay Village, Ethiopia. Kaleo Global started a school called Hope Academy, where the vulnerable children are our first priority. We offer the indigenous people and communities’ education, nutrition and medical services through sponsorship and other programs.
Meet Mama Kelli
Kelli Ryals, or Mama Kelli as she is affectionately known by the village children, is the heart and soul of Kaleo Global. She is inextricably linked with the Majang people and founded Kaleo Global in 2019 to provide education, nutrition, and hope to Dunchay Village.
Kaleo Global’s story begins many years ago when Kelli and her husband, Mark, felt called to adopt a child. Following an arduous two-decade journey to bring a child into their home, Kelli and Mark’s dream of adoption was finally realized, and they welcomed home two beautiful Majang children in 2013.
Selah Joy was 4 and Greyson was 2 when Kelli and Mark brought them back to the United States. To say it was a culture shock would be an understatement. They were from another Majang village similar to Dunchay Village where their are no modern conveniences. They didn’t speak the language, but with patience and love from Kelli and Mark they began adjusting to their new life.
Creating Kaleo Global
Presently, the COVID pandemic, civil unrest, along with unprecedented flooding have kept critical supplies from getting to the vulnerable people of Dunchay Village. A lengthened rainy season has led to failed crops, increased mosquito populations which has caused higher incidents of malaria as well as starvation, especially among the orphans in the village. Making matters worse, Dunchay Village is extremely remote, and there are no other organizations providing relief currently. Immediate help is needed in this community. Kaleo Global has been working in this area for 5 years and has established strong ties with local leaders.
Together we know we can bring hope to this small village with the right amount of support.
It was important to Kelli for her children to know their culture. In 2017, Kelli decided to go back to Ethiopia to learn more about her children’s heritage. This trip opened her eyes to the dire needs of the village. Seeing the many orphans who lacked basic necessities was heartbreaking, and Kelli wanted to help. She partnered with another organization working in Ethiopia, but they were not able to dedicate their resources to Dunchay. At that point, Kelli knew that if she didn’t take action herself then no one would. It became her calling, and Kaleo Global was born.
Because her adopted children are Majang, Kelli and Kaleo Global were welcomed into the close-knit Majang society. Through the years, Kaleo Global has developed meaningful relationships with village elders, and in 2020 they were allowed to start the first phase of their sponsorship program. With Kelli’s passion and drive for helping children in need, this is just the beginning for Kaleo Global.
Nutrition and Clothing
Access to food and clothing are basic needs that no child should have to worry about. Our initial goal in 2019 was to ensure the children in the village did not go hungry. Each child receives two meals per day, lunch and dinner. Next, we wanted each child to have clothes. We make sure every child has clothing that fits and is in good condition.
Education
The vast majority of the Majang people have not attended any type of school. Providing excellent teaching is vital to building a sustainable future for these children. In 2020, we opened the Hope Academy, Dunchay Village’s first school, with 25 students. In 2021, we expanded the school by adding three additional buildings. We are committed to hiring local teachers, cooks, security guards, maintenance and ground keepers. In 2022, we were able to hire 5 cooks, 5 teachers, and 3 security guards. Today, Hope Academy provides education to 120 children.
Capital Improvements
Due to its remote location, bringing in construction materials is extremely difficult. In 2022, we built another large building, totaling 4 buildings for the school and community to use.
Water
Our goal for 2023, which we have already met, was to secure clean water for the village. Previously, villagers walked three miles just to get water. An artesian underground well was identified, and we worked with the government to secure the well and build a pipe from the well to the village.
Future Goals
In 2024, we are setting our sights on increasing access to quality medical care. Our goal is to build a medical clinic that will provide the villagers and children with accesible healthcare, including access to HIV medication and malaria treatment. The new medical clinic will have a labor and delivery room to help address the staggering 50% infant mortality rate. The medical clinic will be built in three phases and ultimately include an exam room, delivery room, pharmacy, and reception.
Long-Term Goals
Our three-to-five-year plan focuses on expanding the staff that supports the village. Our ultimate goal is to create a sustainable society for a thriving future. Employment and job creation gives the villagers the means to support themselves and their families, benefiting both the individuals and the community as a whole.
Shining Light on Children in Need
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