BARACK and Michelle Obama have not only broken several barriers and secured history-making moments in United States’ (U.S.) politics and their lives, but they have used their portfolios to make changes in the lives of others, in the U.S. and around the world.

Both Obamas having come from humble beginnings and rising to where they are today seem determined in ensuring that they reach out to others, so they too can have better opportunities in their lives.

Where the young Barack started effecting changes in the lives of others as a community organiser that he continues today as President, is evidence that he sees helping others as a privilege and by extension continues to distinguish himself from among his peers. One such is his mentorship programmes, one of which is local and the other international.
The “100,000 Strong in the Americas” programme sets the goal to increase students’ participation to 100,000 from Latin America and the Caribbean studying in the U.S. and 100,000 from the U.S. doing vice versa by 2020.

Students from the University of Guyana during 24th July -3rd August engaged their counterparts of Texas Technical University. What is most instructive about this programme is the visionary approach in looking at the world through 21st century lens, which acknowledges diversity and the Americas’ changing demographics with a willingness to plan and embrace same as against ignoring and stifling.

According to the U.S. Department of State, it is “Against this future landscape, 100,000 Strong will deepen relationships across the Hemisphere, enabling young people to understand and navigate the rich tapestry of shared values and culture and lead the process of greater commercial and social integration, key to our region’s long-term security and prosperity.”

“My Brother’s Keeper, which is the local mentorship programme, sees collaboration with the Obamas and leaders across the various spectra in the society. Targeting the young, including those from disadvantaged communities and socio-economic backgrounds, this programme offers role models who interact with the young, helping them with needed lifeskillsand support to believe in themselves, seek expression and empowerment through legitimate channels and where inaccessible, seek to make it possible through implementation and creating connections.

Mrs Obama has taken on similar work. Her local “Let’s Move” aims at addressing the cultivating of healthy lifestyles among the young. This mentorship programme is making full use of different channels, appeals and personalities to effect change. It is not unusual to see Michelle in the White House garden with schoolchildren digging dirt, planting, reaping, discussing healthy eating and celebrating the harvest. She has also capitalised on her physical agility and the entertainment industry, including celebrities to push this programme. From jumping ropes, to playing hula hoop, rapping and appearing on late-night shows, she continues to find creative and receptive ways to motivate and inspire her target group.

At the international platform there is the “Let Girls Learn” programme which aims to ensure that adolescent girls get the education they deserve. This sees her visiting countries where women are still experiencing hurdles in having access to education and what we in Guyana take for granted. There are a lot of benefits to this programme. Some of these are that educated girls will grow into educated women and play more determined roles in their lives and society, including getting into politics and influencing decision-making that impact their lives and the environment within which they live.

With almost half (49.6%) of the world population being women — according to UNESCO millions of girls are denied the fundamental right to an education — it means that the world is moving ahead without a significant part of its population having an input, much less being able to reach the level of head of state and/or government.

The reality of the paucity of women in such roles was not lost on the First Lady when speaking at the Democratic Convention in July, a country that is 238 years old and for the first time a woman became the nominee of a major party (breaking the proverbial glass ceiling as she noted) and stands the chance of becoming the country’s president in a population where women comprise 50.1 percent.

The humility the Obamas bring to public service is exemplified in their ability to connect with the ordinary man and woman, empathise with their challenges and determination to play a role in making a positive difference in such persons’ lives. And it is not an untrue statement to say that in addition to being a breath of fresh air, the Obamas are an inspiration to leaders and peoples everywhere.