Check out what our Angels have been doing to spread the word about DEF!

Posted on May 3, 2011 in Uncategorized | No Comments

Left to Right: Kristen Kenney, Flaviana Matata, Venance Ndibalema, and Rhama Jama. Photo by Jarrett McGovern.

TANZANIA: A FRIENDSHIP JOURNEY STOLE THE STAGE FRIDAY, APRIL 22, AT THE SOHO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL EARNING BEST DOCUMENTARY AND BEST WORLD SHOWCASE!

TANZANIA: A FRIENDSHIP JOURNEY, produced and directed by Emmy Award winning director Sylvia Caminer, chronicles the intimate journey through Tanzania of two best friends from vastly different worlds. Kristen, an all-American blue-eyed blonde-haired girl travels with Tanzanian native, Venance, to his homeland after a 10-year absence. Her naivety evolves as Kristen experiences the day-to-day life struggles of Tanzania, which ultimately inspires her to dedicate her life to making difference.

“My life will never be the same after experiencing the realities of what the people of Tanzania and most of Africa face day in and day out. My eyes are open, and I am now dedicated to doing what I can to make a difference. I was a nobody yet all it takes is a nobody to make someone smile and change someone’s life. This documentary is a tool to bridge the gap between our daily lives here in America and the emotional struggles of those in Africa…and mobilize us into action!”
-Kristen Kenney, Founder of MALAIKA FOR LIFE

The Diamond Empowerment Fund Africa’s Angels Flaviana Matata (Miss Tanzania, 2007) and Rahma M. (International Super Model) were in attendance at the SOHO premiere and were deeply moved by the film’s powerful message.

“TANZANIA: A FRIENDSHIP JOURNEY reminds us that some of life’s most precious gifts are priceless. When we allow our hearts and minds to be open, the possibilities are endless.”
-Flaviana Matata, DEF Africa’s Angel

“The documentary explores a land of beautiful nature, traditions, and the lust for life of Tanzanians, despite their unfortunate circumstances. Despite all the smiles and laughter, we must remember that extreme poverty and diseases is the reality of many people across the globe, which kills every second.”
-Rhama Jama, DEF Africa’s Angel

While filming in Tanzania, Kristen was suddenly struck with the all too common disease, malaria. Fortunate to have the minimal finances necessary to treat the disease, Kristen recovered. However this trauma left with her an indelible impression about the lack of resources available to those who can’t afford the medication. Her journey, captured in this documentary, became the genesis of MALAIKA FOR LIFE – a non-profit organization that has provided malaria medicine to over 20,000 Tanzanians since its inception in 2009.

TANZANIA: A FRIENDSHIP JOURNEY screened at the Florida Film Festival and the Buffalo Niagara Film Festival.

About MALAIKA FOR LIFE

Founded in 2009 by malaria survivor Kristen Kenney and financial advisor Anna Wascher, MALAIKA FOR LIFE is dedicated to saving lives and empowering communities, ONE bracelet at a time. Proceeds from every bracelet purchased provide life-saving medication to a child with malaria. For the widows and HIV-positive women who craft the products, the organization provides a sustainable income that in turn facilitates economic development for their local Tanzanian community.

Connect with MALAIKA FOR LIFE:
Website: MALAIKAFORLIFE.org
Facebook: facebook.com/MALAIKA4LIFE
Twitter: MALAIKAforLIFE
YouTube: youtube.com/user/MalaikaChannel

About The Diamond Empowerment Fund

Founded in 2007, The Diamond Empowerment Fund™ (D.E.F.) is a non-profit international organization with the mission to raise money to support education initiatives that develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.

Kickstarter.com/TanzaniaAFriendshipJourney is providing audiences and supporters the unique opportunity to back this budding film as it makes its way across the nation

Connect with D.E.F.:
Website: diamondempowerment.org
Facebook: facebook.com/Diamond-Empowerment-Fund
Twitter: twitter.com/DEF_AFRICA