Building Hope - The Story of Mahiga Hope High School

Building Hope - The Story of Mahiga Hope High School is a touching and inspirational documentary released in 2011. It features the incredible life work of Nobel Peace laureate Wangari Maathai and architect-activist Cameron Sinclair, as they join hands with a small and dedicated army of supporters from the Austin, Texas-based Nobelity Project to bring education and hope to the remote village of Mahiga, Kenya.

The movie starts with the vision of bringing quality education, clean water, and shelter to the children of the remote Kenyan village of Mahiga. This ambition, though humble, was unprecedented given the challenging circumstance in Kenya, where access to basic education and amenities remains a struggle for many.

The documentary showcases the heart-wrenching adversities faced by the students of Mahiga. Venturing frequently through dangerous pathways and fighting the inclement weather, these children have to make sacrifices that very few of their age would ever need to make. However, none of these hurdles defeat their relentless pursuit of knowledge and a chance for a better life.

Wangari Maathai, who was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, works tirelessly with Cameron Sinclair, a co-founder of Architecture for Humanity which provides architectural solutions to humanitarian problems, to provide basic education facilities and infrastructure to the children of Mahiga. Their shared vision to transform these children's lives forms the core part of this documentary.

The Nobelity Project had chosen the small village school in Mahiga as the blueprint for what they wanted to achieve. The place was in dire need of even the most basic facilities, which were a commonality in the developed world. It was these conditions that the central figures of the documentary, Maathai and Sinclair, sought to change.

The movie is an inspiring narrative that documents the transformation of Mahiga Hope High School— from a school without books or basic facilities to a vibrant learning institution with classrooms, a science lab, and a computer lab, thanks to the efforts of these dedicated individuals.

The journey is not easy, as they face multiple challenges and obstacles such as fundraising, acquiring necessary resources, battling weather conditions, and construction problems. Yet, the resilience and determination of Maathai, Sinclair, and their supporters are manifest throughout the film.

The film was directed by Turk Pipkin, who co-founded the Nobelity Project with his wife Christy Pipkin. With his remarkable storytelling ability, Pipkin narrates the tale of an ambitious project that leaves a lasting impact on the lives of the Kenyan village children. The film offers the audience a raw and honest depiction of the state of education in parts of Africa, while also radiating an aura of hope and promise for the future.

The captivating visuals shot in the rustic landscapes of Kenya add a visual appeal to the film that beautifully complements the heartening narrative. The story is deeply moving and thought-provoking, with moments that are bound to evoke a gamut of emotions in the viewers. It serves as an eye-opener to the universal challenges faced in offering education to all and encourages the viewer to appreciate the transformative power of education.

Building Hope - The Story of Mahiga Hope High School shows the power of humanity and the importance of community when faced with adversity. It’s an inspiring story that will move you to think about the power of change and the reward that comes with unwavering dedication and hard work.

This film is a must-watch not just for those who are interested in education and social issues, but also for anyone who appreciates stories of hope, courage, and transformation. It provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the betterment of society. It’s a powerful testament to the adage that every journey begins with a single step, demonstrating that given the necessary tools, the will to learn and grow is universal, irrespective of the circumstances one is born into.