The Lidiaana Foundation

Last year I had the opportunity to create my own first charity, which is called "The Lidiaana Foundation".

There were loads of different reasons for launching this project, mainly because I was annoyed at the amount of charities that are out there who don't show where their donations are going - some big charities make a lot of money and profit from donations for the people running that actual company. How much of the money actually gets to the people who need it - you just don't know and there's no way of finding out.

For example did I find it confusing that about 10 people stand around in corners in London and promote a charity as 'fundraisers'. Wow!! Coming from a small town in Germany  I wasn't used to that at all and thought it was great. Well, when I was looking for a job myself in 2007 I got offered to do one of those jobs. Seriously when I found out that they get £10 an hour I was on it. 

At the same time I was confused, because I didn't understand how you would spend roughly £700 on a team when you are asking me for £2 a month for your charity. I understand that we all need to work in order to survive but seriously £10 an hour? It just didn't match up.

Anyways, I am generally someone who doesn't complain about things that do not involve me. Also I got another job anyway ....

So this fact inspired me to be a woman of her word and I created my charity.

I always loved helping and I love working with and around children. So I went Eritrea and I took a couple of stationary items such as pencils, pads, rubbers ... You know essential school stuff.

 There were various groups but in the end I decided that I didn't want to donate it all to people that I haven't seen. Don't get me wrong this is not because I wanted to be thanked for or adored or whatsoever, but I just wanted to honestly  give it to someone and see their reaction.

So I went to my home country and asked around who I could give the items to?

So in the end I decided on something spontaneous. So just after recording   Adey , I left the recording studio and felt so inspired. The hook of the song was still on my mind snd while I was walking to my grandfather's house I saw a crowd of children celebrating the independence day of Eritrea and playing games on the road.  Before entering my grand father's house I asked my cousin to get me my big bag which contained the stationary items I mentioned before. While she was getting it I asked the children who could sing ... All of them started suddenly screaming and said "Me! Me! Me!"

I then asked the children to sing my song Adey... It made me cry as they sang it with such a passion. 

Luckily my cousin was able to record the happening. That way I was able to feature them in my video Adey. 

To me their smiles were a reward enough and after that I was able to donate a percentage of my music sales income toward Rediate's Fund amongst others.

We can all help. We can do something great everyday so don't hesitate to do it!

Much love, Lidiaana

www.lidiaana.com