The Chamber of Us

10/22/2024

By 2050, our oceans might have more plastic than fish. This startling prediction isn’t new—it’s been projected years.

Here’s an excerpt from the research (sourced below):

‘The best research currently available estimates that there are over 150 million tonnes of plastics in the ocean today. In a business-as-usual scenario, the ocean is expected to contain 1 tonne of plastic for every 3 tonnes of fish by 2025, and by 2050, more plastics than fish (by weight).’

At The Chamber of Us, we remain optimistic that the tide can still turn. These fun little visuals highlight a dire forecast but also pinpoint where a significant share of this pollution originates. The top 10 plastic-polluting countries, largely in Asia, contribute 80% of the plastic that enters our oceans. Let’s bring awareness, focus on the hotspots, and help drive solutions.

Sources: World Economic Forum, Ellen MacArthur Foundation and McKinsey & Company, The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the future of plastics (2016); Meijer et al. (2021), More than 1000 rivers account for 80% of global riverine plastic emissions into the ocean, Science Advances.

10/10/2024

Every day we wake, we face choices. We can live for ourselves, or we can take actions—no matter how small—to better the lives of others, especially those who will inherit the world we leave behind.

These words resonate with us and we are inspired by the idea of planting seeds for trees under whose shade we may never sit.



“Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow.” – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

10/05/2024

Illuminating a dark reality—a huge disparity exists in primary schools around the world.

Why it matters: Electricity is needed for basics like lighting, fans, heating, and digital learning. North America and Europe enjoy nearly universal access (100%), Sub-Saharan Africa lags dramatically with just 32%.

The big picture: This gap drastically limits opportunities for millions of children in Africa, affecting not only their learning environments but also their future potential and broader societal development.

Take action: We’re working to bridge this gap and need your support. Through our partnership with ‘Together We Learn’, we aim to raise $14,000 this year to build three classrooms in Azezo, Ethiopia. Your support doubles in impact, as we will match contributions to help make this project a reality.

Regional Access to Electricity in Primary Schools:

• Central Asia: 100%
• North America: 100%
• Europe: 100%
• Latin America: 89%
• Sub-Saharan Africa: 32%

Data source: UNESCO UIS.stat, 2022
Chart by: The Chamber of Us

10/04/2024

Preach it, Winnie.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill

10/03/2024

I began a journey into the global south, driven by a desire to see firsthand the realities where data and research said the was the greatest need.

Poverty was expected—this is a well-known issue globally. However, I wasn’t prepared for the extent of deprivation and the hope for aid that comes with being an outsider.

In this photo, you see the moment we began to unload our vehicle and a line quickly formed. The faces are curious but also hopeful for the basic things we enjoy—food, school supplies, toys.

I have traveled to other parts of the world and been met with curiosity, but Ethiopia stands apart as something unique, transformative in ways that no chart can prepare you for.

Our goal now is to deepen our understanding of these needs and to build effective partnerships to best meet those in hope.

If you have anything to offer, no matter how small, I urge you to consider supporting our mission. I assure you, your generosity has the power to change lives, and there are many waiting in hope.

Thank you for considering this cause.

- Kevin Schmidt

10/02/2024

What miracles will you create today

10/01/2024

Help Us Build a Classroom in Africa: Address the critical challenge where nearly 98 million children in Sub-Saharan Africa are out of school—the highest number in any world region. This staggering figure is nearly 25 times greater than in Europe and North America, despite similar population sizes.

Your contribution will be matched by The Chamber of Us, with all funds going directly to our partner, Together We Learn . This collaboration marks our first collaborative educational project, aiming to provide opportunities to those who need them most.



Source: UNESCO. “250 Million Children Out-of-School: What You Need to Know About UNESCO’s Latest Education Data.” Last modified September 21, 2023. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/250-million-children-out-school-what-you-need-know-about-unescos-latest-education-data

09/27/2024

09/26/2024

Of all the places I’ve traveled, Ethiopia is truly unforgettable. Here, ancient rituals and customs blend with modern trends to create something quite distinct.

This is during Meskel, a major Ethiopian religious festival that dates back over 1,600 years to the fourth century AD. Also present is the more modern social ritual: the selfie. It seems that everywhere I have visited local cultural practices have been diluted by the influence of pop culture, global tourism, and the internet. Yet customs in Ethiopia remain remarkably preserved. It’s a place where the old and the new, the local and the foreign, merge and still reflect the character of the people.

To see a selfie in this context was a reminder to me that although our backgrounds are diverse and our homes far apart, we are not so different after all.

09/25/2024

We’ve all heard it said: It is better to give than to receive.

This wisdom, shared around the world and from our earliest days, holds a profound truth backed by science. Research shows that altruism is not only pleasurable but hardwired in our brains, offering a pathway to a life that’s happier, healthier, and more meaningful.

Yet, true giving isn’t always easy—it should feel enriching, not depleting. To give in ways that fulfill us, it’s essential to align our efforts with our passions, invest our time wisely, and choose organizations that match our values and show clear, impactful results. When we give thoughtfully, we don’t just enrich the lives of others—we enhance our own, finding purpose and joy in every contribution.

Remember, the best way to give is by finding what feels right to you, integrating your interests with the needs of the world. This approach ensures that every act of generosity enriches, empowering both the giver and the recipient.

09/23/2024

💡 If you’re reading this, chances are, your early education equipped you with essential literacy and numeracy skills.

These foundational abilities—being able to read and perform basic math by age 10—are the building blocks for future personal, community, and societal outcomes. Unfortunately, 9 in 10 children in Sub-Saharan Africa are deprived of this basic skill set due to numerous systemic challenges.

And so we’re teaming up with Together We Learn —a veteran nonprofit from the UK with over 20 years of experience in improving educational outcomes in Ethiopia. By helping to build classrooms, train local teachers, and supply educational materials, we aim to address some of the critical factors that contribute to low literacy rates in Ethiopia and beyond.

This is the founding year for The Chamber of Us, and we are matching every dollar donated — to build trust and encourage others to take the leap with us to help fund building three classrooms in Ethiopia this year.

If you’d like more info or to donate, see the link in our bio!

Source Attribution:
Data and insights are drawn from the UNESCO Education 2030 Framework for Action, comprehensive reports by UNICEF, and local educational assessments in Ethiopia, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the educational landscape.

09/22/2024

Benjamin was ahead of his time:

Research (Working Paper 8402) says that each additional year of schooling can boost an individual’s earnings by an average of 9%, with even greater returns in developing countries.

And the benefits extend beyond financial gains; educated individuals are more likely to actively participate in their communities and make decisions that contribute to societal progress.

At The Chamber of Us, we view education as a practical tool that can help can solve everyday problems and significantly improve society. And by investing in education, we’re committed to accelerating economic development and empowering communities to break cycles of poverty.

Join us in helping build classrooms in Ethiopia.