About Baobab Humanity Initiative

Story (Why we exist)
Baobab Humanity Initiative is concerned that the lack of understanding of Benin and other similar African countries' present climates will leave the region perpetually impoverished while increasing the likelihood of desperate and violent acts occurring in the future. Using Benin as a model, we are going to focus on educational efforts that will shed light on the remarkable cultures in Benin and help those living there to know that they have support from all over the world. We believe that if we can generate solidarity with the people of Benin and provide resources that help projects there to succeed, we will have reached our goal. We will have contributed in some way to breaking through the isolation that accompanies poverty, and will have learned from the great wisdom and dignity of these peoples.

Our name (Why we are called the Baobab Humanity Initiative)
Thought to have originated in West Africa, the baobab tree is truly a wonder of nature, with some species living 5000 years. Its tangled branches and monument like trunk make it appear that it is an upside down tree that has been plunged back into the earth by a giant hand, leaving its roots in the air. Alexander von Humbolt called the baobab, "the oldest organic monument of our planet." The Baobab tree is full of a variety of hidden riches, depending on who or what needs it: durable ropes can be made from the fibrous bark, rainwater can be stored in the hollowed trunk, the pulp of the fruit makes a refreshing drink, elephants can pierce its bark with their tusks during drought and find water, the adansonin found in the bark is the active ingredient for treatment of malaria, and the whole trunk can be cave, shelter, prison, or refuge as needed.

Our organization exists to benefit the lives of people living in Benin and the region, and through this interaction, educate those outside Benin to the wonders of this country and its people. Each project we undertake will be shaped by the deep needs of specific communities. One relationship with a village may be centered on bringing water closer to the homes so the people can produce their own food; one relationship may be centered on supporting the artistic output of youth in a way that urges people forward in their creativity and connection to audiences outside of Benin; one relationship may be in cultivating educational activities that use multimedia to preserve local identity. We ourselves will be the recipients of the riches from within the communities we work. So we will not so much be the tree, as gather around the tree with our human family, asking what each other needs most and being responsive, flexible, and creative with our solutions together. Perhaps we can all find something solid, beautiful and long-lasting in the relationships that are created through the work of the Baobab Humanity Initiative.