- 6/3/2025
Be Peace Africa podcast. Nigerian Teacher Ronald Kiyimba special interview with Richard Blank.
We promote peacebuilding efforts in Africa. We focus on enhancing peace within local communities and cultivating ethical behavior among children, youth, parents, faith-based institutions, schools, and stakeholders. Through local languages, we effectively communicate our message.
Our goal is to promote peace at all levels and educate young people on good ethics and moral living. Through practical guidance and engaging discussions, we inspire positive change and empower the next generation as peace agents.
Join us on this transformative journey as we explore various topics, feature insightful guests, and provide valuable insights on peacebuilding and moral development. Our content inspires, educates, and guides towards a more peaceful and ethical society.
BePeace Africa's mission of peacebuilding in Africa is vital in a continent that continues to face various challenges. By embracing localized approaches, fostering collaborative partnerships, and taking a holistic view of peacebuilding, BePeace Africa is making a tangible difference in communities across Africa. Through its tireless efforts and commitment to empowering youth and women, BePeace Africa is paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future for Africa.
https://youtu.be/Bd4KwKjr-9Y
https://youtu.be/l3rRhagUO5g
https://youtu.be/mk97PZd0Y1A
https://youtu.be/MoCwYIhrsQs
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Ronald Kiyimba, BePeace Africa, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
We promote peacebuilding efforts in Africa. We focus on enhancing peace within local communities and cultivating ethical behavior among children, youth, parents, faith-based institutions, schools, and stakeholders. Through local languages, we effectively communicate our message.
Our goal is to promote peace at all levels and educate young people on good ethics and moral living. Through practical guidance and engaging discussions, we inspire positive change and empower the next generation as peace agents.
Join us on this transformative journey as we explore various topics, feature insightful guests, and provide valuable insights on peacebuilding and moral development. Our content inspires, educates, and guides towards a more peaceful and ethical society.
BePeace Africa's mission of peacebuilding in Africa is vital in a continent that continues to face various challenges. By embracing localized approaches, fostering collaborative partnerships, and taking a holistic view of peacebuilding, BePeace Africa is making a tangible difference in communities across Africa. Through its tireless efforts and commitment to empowering youth and women, BePeace Africa is paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future for Africa.
https://youtu.be/Bd4KwKjr-9Y
https://youtu.be/l3rRhagUO5g
https://youtu.be/mk97PZd0Y1A
https://youtu.be/MoCwYIhrsQs
Richard Blank hired bassist Garry Gary Beers of INXS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieGjN5H4xPQ
Ronald Kiyimba, BePeace Africa, Richard Blank, Costa Rica's Call Center, Outsourcing, Telemarketing Call Centre, BPO, Nearshore Contact Center, Sales, Entrepreneur, B2B, Business, Podcast, Gamification,Leadership, Marketing, CX, Guest, Money, B2C education, BPO trainer,call centre, contact centre, contact center,trend, trending
Category
🦄
CreativityTranscript
00:00:00I welcome you on the Be Peace Africa podcast. My name is Ronald Chiyimba. I therefore dedicate today's knowledge sharing to all continents. It's about the golden rule ethic.
00:00:16For without the golden rule, life becomes meaningless. Oceans become dry. Forests get burnt. Love grows into hatred. Peace turns into violence. Gardens become graveyards. Mountains turn into portholes. Who are you, the golden rule ethic?
00:00:40Parents, children, men and women, understand the golden rule ethic of doing for others as you would have them do for you. For whatever is injurious to yourself, don't do unto others.
00:00:59The golden rule affirms peace building is possible only with that golden rule ethic. God bless the African continent. God bless the Be Peace Africa podcast. Thank you.
00:01:17It's a honor to have you, Richard D. Blank, on Be Peace Africa podcast. This is a medium for peace building and golden rule instruction.
00:01:31We are here to see that we create sustainable peace in all nations, especially in these developing countries where peace is a challenge.
00:01:42It is still a huge gap. It is still a huge gap. And there are few people who have come to bridge this gap.
00:01:49So with you, with your great work that you are doing, we feel honored to share with you this afternoon about the possibilities of mobilizing, especially the youth,
00:02:03and impact them with the skills of self-improvement in a bid to creating this space, which has been lacking.
00:02:14I'm honored. I'm so honored to have you, Richard.
00:02:18Oh, Ronald, I'm so happy to be with you today. I think the work that you're doing is amazing.
00:02:23And I'm here to support you and your organization.
00:02:26That is very, very great. When I was looking at your profile, there is something that captivated my eye and attention.
00:02:38This is gamification. With your rich profile, you are a few unique genes this world has got.
00:02:48Gamifying is a concept that really can bring back the youth on board.
00:02:55When you come to Africa, our learning processes are boweling, full of memory, mind stagnancy, inability to create, to reason, a lot of copy and paste.
00:03:09How would you have this developed?
00:03:13What program can we have in the form of knowledge partnerships and linkages to have this gamification concept producing results to us?
00:03:23Well, that's an excellent question. There's a lot to unpack there.
00:03:28I think from watching your videos and reading about your organization, the greatest thing, once again, is just simple communication from storytelling, book reading, and classroom instruction.
00:03:41And I'll tell you why, because I'm 52 years old, and technology is wonderful today, and it really assists.
00:03:50But there's nothing better than that face-to-face communication.
00:03:53And when people are working with one another compared to just sending an email and texting and chatting, which is important.
00:04:03It's important to have those skills.
00:04:04But I've always found that individuals that can really deliver a message and can make their points very clear are undoubtedly some of the wisest ones you could find.
00:04:18So I guess since your culture is so rich and so diverse, and it just has so much to offer, I'm just a kid from Northeast Philadelphia.
00:04:28I mean, I could talk about things I grew up with, but really, I'm the one that's in awe.
00:04:32I'm the one that would like to learn.
00:04:34And so if it's my ability to share my education, my stories, and what got me to where I am today, and this can assist entrepreneurs, individuals studying second and third languages, or deciding to, let's say, move out of the continent of Africa and become an expatriate and travel the world, I believe in my personal space.
00:04:57These are the sort of things that I would be able to share with you and your audience.
00:05:02Thank you so much.
00:05:05Our audience is very, very huge and open for knowledge exploration.
00:05:12To hear from you, men, whom the Lord has blessed you with wisdom.
00:05:18One of the challenges we are facing in these developing nations is the knowledge gap, which is widening.
00:05:24The technology has come.
00:05:25Even if technology comes and it gets improved, minus you, the genes, with the wisdom to have that love, to open up your hearts for us to share with you, we cannot move so far.
00:05:42For example, for example, I developed a mental health and know-how game.
00:05:48This is an innovative game, which is knowledge building, which opens up the minds of the learners, the youth, and elders.
00:05:58I want to see this game shared with knowledge experts internationally, people who value content, knowledge vitalization, because knowledge vitalization is low in our countries.
00:06:13But with you, that side, it is high.
00:06:16I would like to see this game digitalized.
00:06:19But I lack a people like you to share with.
00:06:22If this is the case and the Lord has blessed us with you, I know we are going to move so far.
00:06:29But I looked at the profile, you are a motivational speaker, who has changed so many people's lives.
00:06:37Communication is important, but if you can communicate, there is that infiliality complex.
00:06:44How can you communicate if you can't create knowledge, you can't create content?
00:06:48So we are, at the end, just receiving, but we would like to take a part in the knowledge generation, knowledge mobilization, knowledge acquisition, and demonstration.
00:07:00But how can we have this?
00:07:02The answer is Richard Blank that I'm speaking with tonight.
00:07:08That's right, buddy.
00:07:08Take us through your education, and how can it navigate into our less developing countries to experience that change?
00:07:22Well, once again, if you have a message to share, make sure that it's universal.
00:07:29I'm the last person.
00:07:30I mean, Uganda is beautiful, and you're my friend, and we're sharing ideas, but I'm not an expert on where you grew up.
00:07:37And your education system.
00:07:39And so, really, the message sent should always be done with good faith and with good intentions.
00:07:47And for me, I would love to listen more than I speak so I can learn.
00:07:52I mean, it's not about saying something foolish, but choosing your priorities with such limited time, giving people a certain focus on what they can do.
00:08:02But I tell you what, the most important thing for me, regardless of anywhere in the world, I think people should be family-oriented.
00:08:12I think they should have some sort of spirituality, okay?
00:08:16And they should find ways, like we're doing today, is to pay it forward in one way or another.
00:08:24And so, I love when two worlds come together.
00:08:28Why?
00:08:29Because who says that we're so different?
00:08:31We're so much alike, and we're so far away from each other that I know that if you and I were sitting next to each other at a restaurant,
00:08:38having hamburgers, and so we'd be having the best time.
00:08:41And so, I miss those sort of things where, as I say, one day when I visit, it'll be wonderful to spend time with you and to walk with you
00:08:50and to meet these amazing people that are in your life.
00:08:54That is fantastic, great, that your number one priority is for somebody to have a family orientation in Africa.
00:09:06There is a much family blockages.
00:09:10We are worried.
00:09:13A lot of individualism is emerging, yet family institution is where, naturally, it starts from.
00:09:19It is worth it to have a family, where one can be nurtured, can receive that love, that spirituality,
00:09:30because these parents, God is representative in that capacity, to give you hope, to give you peace, to take care of you with the basics.
00:09:40We would like to loot the family institutions in Africa, though there is that huge gap, that they are being endangered, wreckages.
00:09:49People no longer want to marry, people fear responsibilities, poverty is much, gender-based violence, all such.
00:10:00But again, it is us, it is our responsibility to enter into ourselves and become theories of change,
00:10:08to have these firm foundations, that really we need this family.
00:10:13Even, even, I think, God blessed an institution of family, father, mother, children, relatives.
00:10:21So, we must strive hard to see that we get back on the drawing board, back at basics,
00:10:30to give respect that a family is a key where everything can start from.
00:10:39So, I hope your family is still alive, children, wife, grands, grandfathers.
00:10:48Well, fortunately, the grandparents passed away.
00:10:51My parents are still alive, thank God.
00:10:54I have an older brother.
00:10:56Oh, you are blessed.
00:10:57We are blessed.
00:10:58And it's the most important thing, in my opinion, since I do live far away from the family,
00:11:05is you have to respect one another, and you have to respect people's desires and wishes.
00:11:13Because a lot of the times, I'm sure it's like this as well, where you're from,
00:11:18where you might be under pressure from your parents and your friends and your teachers
00:11:22to choose a certain career or have a certain life.
00:11:25It's like that anywhere in the world.
00:11:26And so, there are certain dreamers that are out there that want to follow their passions
00:11:33or they are looking for a more fulfilled life so they can find that center.
00:11:40And so, I do appreciate all this due diligence you've done in reading my profile.
00:11:46And as I say, there are individuals out there that have climbed mountains and crossed deserts
00:11:52and oceans, I myself, I just decided to leave the United States at 27, study Spanish, move
00:11:58abroad, and with God's graces, I started a company.
00:12:01And so, is it unique in a certain sense, but it's not as special as some people put it out to
00:12:08because each one of us has their adventure in them.
00:12:13It's just a matter of unpacking that and opening that present and seeing where it could go.
00:12:21Wow, that's great.
00:12:23So, you moved from the U.S. to Spanish, to Spain?
00:12:27To Costa Rica, to Central America.
00:12:30But I was in, excuse me, you're correct, Ronald.
00:12:32I was in Spain for my junior year in college.
00:12:35So, I was there during 93 and 94.
00:12:38And then in 2000, I came to Costa Rica.
00:12:41Oh, so you are in Costa Rica?
00:12:44Right now, yeah.
00:12:45Right now?
00:12:46Central America, that's it.
00:12:48Central America.
00:12:49Yeah.
00:12:50So, is the country of its own, not your state?
00:12:54Good question.
00:12:55Listen, we're north of Panama, south of Nicaragua.
00:12:58Costa Rica is the only democratic society in Central America.
00:13:03They claim that they have a neutral English accent.
00:13:07You're going to love this.
00:13:08Companies such as Amazon, HP, Intel, and Oracle are here.
00:13:13So, they pack a punch.
00:13:14They're very competitive in my industry, which is the call center industry.
00:13:21So, it's been a good labor pool.
00:13:25Okay, that is great.
00:13:27So, I pray that may the grandparents be in heaven with the Lord.
00:13:34And we thank God for the gift of their life, the time they spent with you.
00:13:39But now, they're on a different place where I hope they are with the Lord.
00:13:44Unfortunately, on my side, the father and mother all passed away.
00:13:48I'm sorry.
00:13:48I never saw the father.
00:13:51I was very, very young.
00:13:52I was just told that he looked like this, like this.
00:13:58He used to talk like this.
00:14:00But all just imaginations.
00:14:01I never saw him as the mother passed away during 2009, when I was also at the University, reading a bachelor's in social sciences.
00:14:13So, the family institution seemed to end like that.
00:14:18And we started living self-management with the orphans around us up to present today.
00:14:29We thank the Lord that we are still alive.
00:14:31And we love to live with so many, many, many, many, many, many.
00:14:38Every day is a gift.
00:14:40Every day is a gift.
00:14:41And you know that.
00:14:43Yes.
00:14:43Yes, every day is a gift for us.
00:14:46Now, the spirituality, how do you see there are different religions, people come from different religious sects, which it looks like bringing division is affecting their unity.
00:15:06What do you mean by spirituality?
00:15:09Is there a form of the spirituality that can unite us all to experience the love?
00:15:17I've learned two things in life.
00:15:19You should never talk politics or religion.
00:15:21But this is what I do now.
00:15:24Alms.
00:15:25Alms.
00:15:25When people are capable of giving food, giving shelter, giving warmth, giving love.
00:15:33And I don't think that's any sort of religion.
00:15:37As I mentioned, I think that's a universal thing.
00:15:41Religions are made to give people structure, hope, a place to go.
00:15:46And I think certain or all religions are good for people if they do the right things with them.
00:15:54What can bring us all together?
00:15:58I hate to say it.
00:15:59It's kind of like those movies when you see an asteroid about to hit Earth or Godzillas blowing up cities.
00:16:07The only thing that can unite us is a common enemy.
00:16:12And with humanity, maybe if humanity is threatened, which I hope never happens, I believe that even COVID did not unite us that well because people were separated with the injections, the masks, distancing.
00:16:26But that's for another day, another time.
00:16:30I believe children bring us together.
00:16:32I think when a child is lost and can't find their mother, every single person, whoever they are, is willing to assist.
00:16:43I've seen here in Costa Rica and even my own self, Ronald, when I've had a flat tire, for an example, and it's in the rain.
00:16:49I can change the tire myself, but there are people from the bus stop, the neighborhood, the store, they'll walk over, hold the umbrella, they will assist.
00:16:59I've seen beautiful parts of humanity.
00:17:04And if I've walked past certain farms, the people will give you an avocado, a banana, some strawberries.
00:17:12Why? Because they're having a beautiful day.
00:17:16They see you, you see them, and it's just a way to exchange.
00:17:19And so I'm just hoping that people give others the benefit of the doubt.
00:17:26They have no idea how they were raised, where they came from, what they've gone through.
00:17:30But maybe one of the best things to do is to not speak your position, but to have, as they call, comfortable silence.
00:17:39Where I don't even know if this person even speaks English, but we can smile, walk together, sit next to each other, and break bread.
00:17:44And we don't even have to say a single word and have an amazing experience together.
00:17:48And so maybe less is more.
00:17:51Maybe just through simple, honest, pure gesture.
00:17:56That's an excellent way for us to start.
00:17:58But as they say, extending an olive branch, that can be done in any language.
00:18:04Oh, that is very, very wonderful.
00:18:08Very, very wonderful.
00:18:10Like this side, I have a non-reduing thinking bureau, Uganda.
00:18:17It is accredited with the electorate for industrial training, and abbreviation, Calibu School of Mind.
00:18:23I reach out to communities, different communities, extending education to them.
00:18:31I move with my mobile or best library, carry books in a box.
00:18:36I reach out in communities of children who are not going to school.
00:18:40Yeah.
00:18:40Mobilize them.
00:18:42Take them through readings.
00:18:43Teach them on different subjects, giving them work.
00:18:50I take scholastic materials, I share with them, such that they can experience that love, and that feel that they are not going to school.
00:19:00But I have brought a mobile or best school, and a mobile or best class with a mobile or best library.
00:19:07Yeah.
00:19:08To take them through the simple education I can with the little materials I have.
00:19:14Yes.
00:19:14So, this knowledge, I think, bureau is an accreditation of the Dialectology for Industrial Training.
00:19:20Mm-hmm.
00:19:21I feel they should receive knowledge publication skills.
00:19:26And a few have produced some work, a testimony of this service that I'm offering with my colleagues and friends.
00:19:36So, we move out, you will see some pictures, be sending you, sharing with you some pictures of these activities that I'm trying to extend to these communities, to bring that togetherness, that oneness.
00:19:52Uh-huh.
00:19:52Some days we can say, let's have a meal together.
00:19:56Let's have a sweet banana.
00:20:00A fortnight ago, we had some bananas with some children somewhere.
00:20:05Let's have a maize together.
00:20:08Uh, let's have a barbecue someday, sometime.
00:20:13Yeah.
00:20:13With these children in communities, irrespective of one who's religion, so long as you are human and you are in that community.
00:20:24So, we try our level best to have that done.
00:20:29But we would love to have it extended even to many areas where we are invited, but we are unable to reach there.
00:20:40You can fail to reach.
00:20:43You can't.
00:20:44How will I reach?
00:20:45What am I taking to experience, to share with these little ones, and even the youth?
00:20:52So, Norajiri Think Bureau, Uganda, school of mind is that.
00:20:58We want to change this mindset.
00:21:00That there is somebody who cares about you, who thinks about you.
00:21:06That's right.
00:21:06Even if he's not there physically, but there is at least somebody.
00:21:10If I bring a pen and a book, it is that somebody who is thinking about you.
00:21:18So, in community, it's happening here, and we are trying our level best to do so.
00:21:28Then, that however much we are...
00:21:32We can establish these families ourselves.
00:21:39Let us change the mindset.
00:21:40And we assume this responsibility that we are now the family.
00:21:45No one else but us.
00:21:48We are a family.
00:21:49We can unite.
00:21:50We can share.
00:21:51We can think.
00:21:52We can help one another.
00:21:55We can pray together.
00:21:56Is he sick?
00:21:58How can we treat him?
00:21:59How can he experience that love?
00:22:02And teach him how to read and write.
00:22:04So, that is how we are living in these communities, where we are.
00:22:11I authored a simple manual for public speech training.
00:22:17Yeah.
00:22:17Normally, it is called the early mindset speaker's shed.
00:22:22Okay.
00:22:22Whoever wants to learn, to have a skill of this and that, in my smaller capacity, I do some
00:22:29thing, I want to see that they have that empowerment to speak, their mind, their heart, to think, to
00:22:41reason, to create something, however small it is, that can be translated, that can be
00:22:48supported, can be watered, it will grow into something great.
00:22:51And I believe, when we walk like that, we can open so many other doors, with love, with blessings, with patience,
00:23:04values, to one another.
00:23:07So, with you, I believe we can move so much and have techniques of solving conflicts that
00:23:18may arise here and there, as a strategy, because with the conflicts, we can't move so much.
00:23:26But when we harmonize, we can move, we can think, we can rest, we can feel that love.
00:23:34And I believe, you have already laid the great foundation, being an architecture of business
00:23:40strategies, that side.
00:23:42I'm also here, listening from the horse's mouth.
00:23:48I think it's making a huge difference.
00:23:51It's simple physics.
00:23:52If you do nothing, you're just going to collect moss and just sit there.
00:23:55You need to be a rolling stone.
00:23:58Can we change the world?
00:24:01No.
00:24:02But you are doing it one student at a time.
00:24:06And I think that's fantastic.
00:24:08And so, as I say, we can't carry the world on our shoulders.
00:24:12But you and I, today, are making a difference.
00:24:15And I think that's very important.
00:24:19So, that is very important to me.
00:24:23I saw you went to the University of Arizona.
00:24:26How are you doing?
00:24:28In Tucson, in the southwest, the weather is nice.
00:24:32The desert is absolutely beautiful.
00:24:34You're going to find this interesting.
00:24:36There's really no humidity.
00:24:37So, it's dry heat.
00:24:38It's like being in a sauna.
00:24:40And they have some beautiful, original American Indian culture.
00:24:48Through the artwork and with the designs.
00:24:51And so, I loved going to school there.
00:24:53And it was perfect for me, Ronald, because Spanish was my major.
00:24:56So, besides classroom study, I could put in a couple extra hours each day just walking around town and talking to everyone.
00:25:02What about Philadelphia?
00:25:05You were a keynote speaker some time back.
00:25:09Are you still in touch with them?
00:25:13100%.
00:25:13I'm so happy you brought that up.
00:25:15I know how much you love education.
00:25:17For anybody that knows northeast Philadelphia, I'm a proud graduate of Abington High School.
00:25:22I was the class of 91.
00:25:24Ronald, unlike yourself, I was not a very good student.
00:25:27So, but I do a scholarship every year for a graduating senior that wants to study languages at the university level.
00:25:37And I was honored by being the 68th keynote speaker for the Honor Society induction ceremony, which is ironic.
00:25:44I was no more honor roll than the man on the moon.
00:25:47But I was given that honor by the principal, Angelo Berrios, who now is the superintendent of Bucks County.
00:25:56And, you know, it's so funny, Ronald.
00:25:58Back in the day, if I said, yeah, I'm friends with the principal and the superintendent, they'd be like, yo, this kid's a nerd.
00:26:04You know, why is he trying to kiss up?
00:26:06But I got to tell you something.
00:26:08As an adult, me and you, and seeing what's behind the scenes of education, my hat's off to teachers and educators and superintendents.
00:26:17They're really molding these young minds.
00:26:21And even someone like myself who was lost at 16, 17, and 18, I got my act together.
00:26:27And if it wasn't for certain Spanish teachers and principals that wrote me recommendation letters, I would have never had this sort of experiences.
00:26:36And so, I don't think they're paid enough.
00:26:39I think these are some of the most important people in young minds.
00:26:44And you hear the stories.
00:26:47And even myself, I'll go back and visit my teachers and just let them know how amazing they were.
00:26:54And I want them to know that.
00:26:56And I think they understand.
00:26:59And so, yeah, my friend, I'm not like pretending I'm still in high school, even though those were some of the best years of my life.
00:27:06But I have to pay it forward.
00:27:08I got to say thank you because, A, I can afford it and, B, because I want to.
00:27:13And maybe this new generation will see that an old dog like myself still loves and respects the sort of organizations that believed in me when I needed somebody the most.
00:27:28Oh, that is great for having that heart of connectivity.
00:27:33You did not leave that gap to expand because of that love, that unity, that oneness, that attachment, recognizing, loving your principles, your tutors, lecturers, nor reject parts, all those who made you is a great honor.
00:27:53All those who made me.
00:27:54Unlike my side, I dropped out of the university.
00:27:59Yeah.
00:27:59Yes, I dropped out, but most of this side, it is financial problems that leads to...
00:28:07It happens.
00:28:08...courses like that.
00:28:10But we would have loved to exploit so many other opportunities to expand our knowledge horizons,
00:28:18to see the world, to even be able to add value to the few things that we have started because we feel there is that more knowledge we haven't tapped that can be of greater significance to what we have done.
00:28:38So, how can we have linkages with you, that side, in the field, say, of education?
00:28:45How can we have those linkages?
00:28:47Can we share with you what we have done and see how we can take it to other levels?
00:28:56And also, I pray one day, one time, I would love to see you in Africa, especially in Uganda.
00:29:02Are you kidding?
00:29:03I would love to be there.
00:29:04Yes, I would like to have that golden opportunity.
00:29:10Oh, yeah.
00:29:11To see you coming.
00:29:13Beautiful Uganda.
00:29:14Deciding when to come shouldn't be your problem.
00:29:18Feel free.
00:29:18Keep on travel.
00:29:20Yeah, you come even if you spend a week.
00:29:23And be treated like a prince.
00:29:26And be treated like a prince.
00:29:27If we sit together.
00:29:28Yeah.
00:29:29Of course.
00:29:29When we have a knowledge sharing, one-on-one, you know, it would be great fun.
00:29:36It would be great fun.
00:29:37My goal would be to meet as many students, teachers, and your friends as possible.
00:29:43You know, and just have a great time.
00:29:46But I also believe prior to my trip to Uganda, when I was growing up, we used to have pen pals.
00:29:52We would write letters back and forth, which was very special.
00:29:55In fact, you saved those letters.
00:29:57I think today, maybe connecting some of the people here that I work with, educators and employees and people that would be very interested, to connect with some of your people.
00:30:08And so they can start building bridges and doing these things.
00:30:12Yes, we can mobilize university students.
00:30:16We can say five universities.
00:30:19Let us gather, say, in the Makerere University.
00:30:21That's right.
00:30:22In that one university, then you come and you share with the students.
00:30:27You share with everyone.
00:30:28We can organize, say, community members, families.
00:30:33We gather, say.
00:30:34That's wonderful.
00:30:35Have policymakers, parliamentarians.
00:30:39We organize, say, where should we go?
00:30:41Prior to that, Ronald, we could always do this sort of Zoom thing where you're in a room, throw on the camera, microphone it, and then I can see everybody.
00:30:48And, you know, so at least we can set up some sort of meet and greet and maybe a monthly or whatever you want, some sort of reoccurring event.
00:30:58So at least we can get the interest going and get the ball rolling.
00:31:02Yes, I think we should develop a program.
00:31:06And then we have that.
00:31:08We are a program.
00:31:09We share it.
00:31:10Then we front it.
00:31:11We pioneer that program.
00:31:14Well, the sooner the better because I'm excited.
00:31:17If you have entrepreneurs out there or business owners, I'd be more than happy to discuss certain things that I've done with telemarketing and onboarding and customer support.
00:31:26So it's a medium that can work with any sort of businesses, from retail to on-the-phone sales.
00:31:33Yeah, because internet is still our challenge.
00:31:37This side, it is only in a few places.
00:31:42And like universities, I don't give access to everyone to access it.
00:31:47Really?
00:31:48In towns, some places, it's the same.
00:31:50You have to buy data to have a smartphone.
00:31:53Really?
00:31:54This is not common to everyone.
00:31:56Yes, students don't have this.
00:32:00But if a chance comes, maybe one day, one time for you to come.
00:32:04Physically, mobilization is possible.
00:32:07It can be somewhere.
00:32:09But the internet is not evenly distributed.
00:32:12At one time, it was even abolished and stopped because of politics.
00:32:18I had no idea.
00:32:19Wow.
00:32:20Yes.
00:32:21So where are you calling me from right now?
00:32:22Off of your phone, is that correct?
00:32:24You're not in an internet cafe or at the university?
00:32:27Right now, I'm in Kampala town.
00:32:30I came to Makerere University.
00:32:32Then moved to town.
00:32:35Okay.
00:32:35Then it is in town where I decided to wait for this important moment to speak to you.
00:32:42Okay.
00:32:43And I appreciate that.
00:32:45And your audience should know we worked hard to get here today.
00:32:49We were rescheduled.
00:32:50We were communicating.
00:32:51And so we both really, really wanted to connect and share this message to the world.
00:32:56We worked hard for this.
00:32:58Yes.
00:32:59So this is where we are now.
00:33:02Our office is out of Kampala.
00:33:08Next time I will try my level best, at least it will be in the office.
00:33:14Okay.
00:33:14Yeah, sure.
00:33:16We organize from the lessons for children.
00:33:20Yes.
00:33:21And then where Kalibu School of Mind is located.
00:33:26Awesome.
00:33:26Yeah, on our venue.
00:33:29Right now, I just came to Kampala, Makerere to pick my transcript of the bachelor's.
00:33:38The master's I didn't complete.
00:33:40I had to drop out.
00:33:41And this is now where we are speaking about with you.
00:33:45I would like to see you on the podium speaking to us.
00:33:48I would be honored.
00:33:49Having that sharing.
00:33:51That would be the best day of my life.
00:33:53We have things that you...
00:33:55Yes, that time is very, very huge.
00:33:58But traveling is important.
00:34:01Traveling is key.
00:34:03We have that exchange if possible.
00:34:05We also come to Costa Rica.
00:34:08Yes, you invite us.
00:34:09You give an invitation.
00:34:12You would love it here.
00:34:14It is so beautiful.
00:34:16If you love eco-tourism, from flowers to plants to exotic animals and fruits, this is the place to be.
00:34:23So much fun.
00:34:25Could you give me an invitation?
00:34:29You always have an open invitation.
00:34:31We would love to have you come and visit.
00:34:33A written one.
00:34:35A written invitation?
00:34:36Yes, the written invitation is what we best on this side.
00:34:43We go to the embassy.
00:34:45I did not know that.
00:34:46Well, when we hang up on the podcast, we'll communicate and I'll get that thing done for you.
00:34:51That's not a problem at all.
00:34:53Hmm?
00:34:54Of course we'll do that.
00:34:55Yeah, we type the podcast and we'll speak off the air.
00:34:59I'll make sure we get that done for you.
00:35:00Yes, we shall.
00:35:02I will mail you that.
00:35:04Once you give an invitation, for us, we can organize program.
00:35:08Program, we come, we have like that side, say, a team of yours.
00:35:16That's right.
00:35:17And then we have a round table.
00:35:19We share experiences.
00:35:22of how life is this side, how businesses are, how could we add value to this and that.
00:35:32And then we want to say, team of yours, we saw some day coming.
00:35:34And we have that exchange and we explore the world.
00:35:41Oh, yeah.
00:35:42That is, that would be very great.
00:35:46Once you invite us, I will send you a note, a written note on your email and then go through.
00:35:52And you keep talking barbecues.
00:35:54We will have a beautiful barbecue for you and your guests.
00:35:57We'll have a really good time.
00:35:58The fresh ones, the fruits are fresh.
00:36:06You enjoy everything.
00:36:08The greens, bananas, pineapples, beans, everything is good.
00:36:16Definitely some local dishes.
00:36:18You got to try some of the local stuff and I think you'll be happy.
00:36:22Yes, yes, yes.
00:36:23We enjoy.
00:36:24People are loving.
00:36:25People are loving.
00:36:27That's true.
00:36:28Yeah, we are not like, there are some, some people who may not be welcoming, but this side,
00:36:35we are loving, we are welcoming.
00:36:38So it is you who has delayed yourself to fly to Africa.
00:36:44Back, I may be like that.
00:36:47I'll, you to give an invitation and then we come.
00:36:50We shall be very grateful for that moment.
00:36:54For that moment.
00:36:54Knowledge shared is knowledge improved.
00:36:57Knowledge.
00:37:00So what message would you have now to the youth in Uganda and now in our communities?
00:37:06To the beautiful children, just, just don't be hard on yourself, regardless of what happens
00:37:14that day.
00:37:14As long as you do things with good intentions and good faith, live with yourself.
00:37:20Look at yourself in the mirror, look in your eyes, make your bed in the morning.
00:37:24You know what I mean?
00:37:25Try to be healthy.
00:37:26Make sure your diet's okay.
00:37:28Try to get some exercise in there.
00:37:30A couple moments to relax the mind and, and you build upon that, my friend, and try to
00:37:35do a ton of reading.
00:37:36I think reading is the best education.
00:37:39Reading is the best education.
00:37:41That's right.
00:37:43And don't rely on AI.
00:37:44Write your own papers.
00:37:45Don't do this, this, uh, AI chat bots and stuff.
00:37:49No, write your own compositions.
00:37:51Put your own thoughts down.
00:37:52Make it a painting.
00:37:53Make it really unique and beautiful.
00:37:56Yes.
00:37:57Now, Richard, in my teachings to the community children, there are many who have developed,
00:38:03who have written.
00:38:04These materials are very important that I want you to, to, to see one day, one time.
00:38:09Yeah.
00:38:10They have written.
00:38:11We have a reading ideation program we developed.
00:38:16Reading needs ideation to be improved.
00:38:19Many people don't want to read.
00:38:21Going in library is not possible.
00:38:24The few libraries we have are understocked with the materials.
00:38:28So sorry.
00:38:28But you would like to mobilize them to read these materials through other programs.
00:38:35Because we create like a, we developed a MAT, MAT program.
00:38:40Yes.
00:38:40MAT is memory alert testing program.
00:38:43It's very, very key.
00:38:45After MAT, then we go to the critical thinking challenge.
00:38:50We want to see what you have gained in the MAT.
00:38:53Can you demonstrate it with a reasonability, creativity, with ideations on this second phase
00:39:01of the critical thinking?
00:39:03So when you do this, we feel sure you are in the destination of understanding what your
00:39:11library is and how to utilize it.
00:39:14Because you are now having a product you are producing, you are developing.
00:39:19Therefore, you will be in a position to consult other knowledge materials in life.
00:39:25You will empower us.
00:39:27You will awaken that sleeping giant in us.
00:39:30Because many, many people are asking you, they need someone to kick their pants to wake
00:39:36up.
00:39:38Make them see things to change mindsets.
00:39:42Because there are really communities that are in danger.
00:39:47But it is us to make them better communities to live in.
00:39:51Rebuilding families, rebuilding the family institution, especially in Africa, is one thing.
00:40:00It is one thing.
00:40:02We have so many orphans, children on the streets who haven't experienced any love.
00:40:09They are on their own.
00:40:10They sleep outside.
00:40:12No beddings.
00:40:13No food.
00:40:14Getting food is through their struggling, pickpocketing, fighting, you know, such kind of life.
00:40:21But they are brothers.
00:40:23They need to share with us.
00:40:25But societies disown them because of their lifestyles.
00:40:29They don't talk.
00:40:30They don't request for something.
00:40:32They know they have to get it in such a hard way.
00:40:35If it means grabbing your back, they do so.
00:40:39So that compassion, the golden rule ethic, treating the others the way you want them to
00:40:47treat you.
00:40:49Of course, it has another version.
00:40:51But we don't normally encourage the other one.
00:40:55If you kick me, I also kick you.
00:40:57But if I show you love, it is that same love I expect you to show me, the golden rule ethic.
00:41:08So all of that is on our fingertips, and we must make sure that we share it.
00:41:15To fish, we have a newborn generation of golden rule children that we want to see.
00:41:22They are the ones who are big leaders.
00:41:25They are the ones who are big policymakers.
00:41:27They are the ones who take over businesses faithfully, to be innovators, to be parliamentarians,
00:41:34to be religious men and women.
00:41:40They are the ones who are parents.
00:41:43And when they bring you this balance, they will take their responsibility fully to nurture
00:41:50them, to prepare them to take over this nation forward.
00:41:55So it is this golden rule instruction that we strongly feel as one of the cores of this
00:42:04B-Peace Africa podcast that you are on right now.
00:42:11Oh, yeah.
00:42:12And the nation is watching you.
00:42:14And I'm going to say, what's up, my beautiful Uganda nation?
00:42:19Yes.
00:42:20Yes.
00:42:20I think, and you brought a lot of things to light, and some things I wasn't aware of, others
00:42:28the world knows, the world knows, and my heart goes out to the orphans and to those that I
00:42:34can't say we're never given a chance, but have it tougher.
00:42:37And the fact that we're bringing this to light, and we're talking about it, as I mentioned,
00:42:42it's at least a first step.
00:42:43But I'm very sorry to hear these things.
00:42:49I think that children deserve a beautiful childhood so they can feel safe and warm and
00:42:58secure, and they can learn to laugh and have happy days.
00:43:03And so when I see these things, and I see it here in Costa Rica as well, there are young
00:43:08children that should be in school, and they're not, and they're on the streets selling lollipops
00:43:15or just next to their parents that are there.
00:43:20I don't know what to say.
00:43:22It's not my place to intervene with a parent and their child.
00:43:27But then again, I'm allowed to have an opinion thinking that this young individual should
00:43:37be given more opportunities and times in which they can relate to other children, make bonds
00:43:49and friendships, and develop their skills and their personalities and their turn-taking and
00:43:56their common courtesies, right?
00:44:00Certain soft skills.
00:44:01And the more that these children are, but a lot of the kids here, all they do are they're
00:44:09on their phones, they're on the computers, they're not outside playing sports, goofing
00:44:14around, having fun with their friends.
00:44:16And that sort of isolation, I believe, affects people.
00:44:21I think in regards to insecurity and how you see yourself and certain social skills, you
00:44:28feel very alone and you think that these online communities and these likes and these followers
00:44:35and stuff, that can substitute a true best friend or somebody that's next to you.
00:44:41And so, what an interesting thing to look at and to think about.
00:44:48But, oh, my good friend, what an interesting topic.
00:44:56And I feel very fortunate to be where I'm at.
00:45:00I know I'm talking Philadelphia and Arizona.
00:45:01How lucky that I had fortunate parents and I had a support group that gave this to me.
00:45:14And so, I don't believe that anybody should, you know, it's not a human right to get this
00:45:21stuff.
00:45:22I mean, there are people along the way that assist.
00:45:27And so, that's why I do this scholarship.
00:45:30That's why I mentioned people in the past.
00:45:33Because, Ronald, they're the ones that put wind in my cells, just like you.
00:45:37When I'm watching your videos and seeing these beautiful children sitting around a Dr.
00:45:41Seuss book and all this stuff, you're the guy that's making that happen.
00:45:45You're the one that's doing that.
00:45:47And so, you know, it's funny.
00:45:49You and I were little at one time.
00:45:51We were five years old.
00:45:52Now, we're adults.
00:45:54We're the ones that are in charge.
00:45:56We're the, in my case, the bald one with gray hair.
00:46:00And so, I'm supposed to be the wise one.
00:46:04I'm supposed to pay forward this experience so I can make sure that people don't fall into
00:46:12the same traps that I did.
00:46:14Yeah, that is very, very great.
00:46:20Appreciating parents for having sacrificed to see that you are who you are is key.
00:46:28Because, very many don't appreciate, don't remember.
00:46:34But when you look what the one who is today, suffering, doesn't stress, you really feel
00:46:40the huge contributions that the parents did at that time.
00:46:48And God spared you for a reason.
00:46:51Maybe you are the answer to make these ones suffering experience God's touch unto them.
00:47:01The word to them, sharing with them, playing with them, chatting with them, bringing them
00:47:08closer to you.
00:47:09So, if they are not, like, hostile, may be the reason why God is still blessing us.
00:47:19May be the reason as to why we are still alive.
00:47:23Like, I walk out in communities, you find over 50 children seated, been waiting for you
00:47:30to come.
00:47:30Now, you ask them, how many of you have got a pen out of 50, some of 70 with a shot?
00:47:39Mine is here.
00:47:41Yeah.
00:47:44The rest you don't have, and you will come.
00:47:47You know, they say, oh, will you write?
00:47:50Didn't you expect that you may have a chance to write?
00:47:53That's right.
00:47:54And they say, oh, we don't have, we don't have, well, mommy doesn't have money, and daddy
00:47:59has no money to buy a pen.
00:48:02Now, how many have got where to write a piece of paper they don't have?
00:48:08So, you come when you knew you were guided by the Holy Spirit, that I need to walk with
00:48:18the 100 pens in my bag, you walk with a rim of duplicating papers in the bag, you move
00:48:26with 50 pencils, sticks in the bag, a marker and a whiteboard, and then you reach out to
00:48:35the community.
00:48:36When they say, we don't have pens, what can we do?
00:48:39Some others may say, should we go back home?
00:48:41Then you calculate the time from here to going back, getting a pen and coming back.
00:48:48You may not have time, but then you just say, no, let us share.
00:48:53I have pens here, but after, I would like to take them back.
00:48:59Is it okay?
00:49:00Yes, yes, yes.
00:49:02You share 100, you give papers, you give assignments, you take them through, give them a chance to
00:49:09express themselves, to practice, to form groups, and at the end of it, you find that
00:49:15coming with those materials has made a difference.
00:49:20They haven't gone back, they have experienced, they have learned, and you've collected what
00:49:25they have done that very day.
00:49:27You take it because you are the vision bearer.
00:49:31You take it to another level that you share later when you meet.
00:49:37And now, last time we met, we did this and that.
00:49:41The good news from this phase, we are going through a second phase.
00:49:46But out of this work, I think if we take this loot, we may reach there with such and such
00:49:54a thing during this holiday.
00:49:57Then you show to them, you guide them.
00:50:01When time for school comes, those few with a chance to go back, when parents have the
00:50:06capability, they go.
00:50:08Others remain in the communities doing simple, simple work for survival.
00:50:14So, when you organize again, you take them through lessons based on the time, the available resources,
00:50:24and their willingness to attend to you.
00:50:29Because there are those who may not have an interest in, say, in urban centers, they see
00:50:35things in different perspectives, but those in rural areas, they need to learn.
00:50:41They, they are yearning, but chances of reaching there are limited.
00:50:48No partners coming to reach out to those rural areas.
00:50:52They want to stop in these towns where it is not far, where at least, I don't know why,
00:51:00but to me, my interest is to reach out to those far places where many don't go, to dine with
00:51:08them, you share with them, you chat with them, and their parents who also want to learn more,
00:51:14who say, can I learn to write my name?
00:51:17I want to, to learn, please, I need to write my name, I need to write a story, can I just
00:51:24say it as you write, you document for me?
00:51:26If you have time, you say yes, sit there, begins to talk as you, you write, you write,
00:51:35you write, you write, you write, you write, you write.
00:51:36So it is interesting, this side.
00:51:42Unemployment is, is high, no jobs.
00:51:47It is for everyone, on Wiemu Sarefu, and God, for us all.
00:51:51The government can only employ a few, is now striving to promote science subjects, to
00:52:01make sure that students can graduate at, people who graduate in thousands, but lacking
00:52:11the skills, even create, even write an article.
00:52:16Also, somebody that has learned mass communication for three years, can't write an article, two
00:52:22pages, cannot, uh, introduce himself, he's lacking those skills.
00:52:33You ask him, what can you do?
00:52:36He cannot answer.
00:52:38He just says, anything that is available, I'm willing to do.
00:52:45Now, if you can't say, I have graduated into this, and I want this job, but you just say,
00:52:53anything available, I'm, I'm willing to do.
00:52:56So, you see, the kind of challenges we are still having.
00:53:03Much theory, much theory work, which is not practical.
00:53:09Yet, those countries, like in your country, that you developed knowledge economies, you
00:53:15developed science, observation, science is an observation.
00:53:20So, we need such programs that are scientific now, with observations, with creativity, where
00:53:28you can imagine, you measure practically, and then you see a product.
00:53:33So, we need a purposeful innovator.
00:53:35It's what I've always strived to do within these community, communities.
00:53:40They have written stories.
00:53:41They have written books.
00:53:42Books that are good, that just need a partner, a somebody, with knowledge vitalization to see
00:53:51and really appreciate, if possible, adds value to that.
00:53:58Like, there is a community in Gomba.
00:54:02Children wrote, but they are having school fees problems.
00:54:06I see the writings they made, if they are even a chance somewhere for a fundraising,
00:54:14they can yield some money.
00:54:16That money can be used to pay for their best key needs and school fees.
00:54:21The ones that they have written.
00:54:24If a book can go, say, Amazon, say, we post it and it reaches Costa Rica,
00:54:32addressed to Richard Blank, receives a package of what these children in Africa,
00:54:39deep in the village, have done, you can see, you may have a film and you see and you rethink
00:54:48of how to add value to it and share even with others.
00:54:55So, we have children who have done that and we are continuing to promote that.
00:55:01When the right time comes, with the right connections that God may bring,
00:55:08those children will have a smile onto their face.
00:55:11I think I wanted to establish, to construct a community library in Gomba district.
00:55:20I have the land, the plan I did, the first community library in the entire district.
00:55:27There is not any library at all.
00:55:31But I have a land and a plan and the children and some materials they have developed.
00:55:38Because you want that library to be launched with the materials written by community children
00:55:44in themselves.
00:55:44It is the only way that we enable them to improve their skill to becoming better authors,
00:55:54better knowledge engineers.
00:55:55Now, a library, a community library, say of 50,000 US dollars, 50,000 just US dollars.
00:56:07We can have a community library, the first of its kind.
00:56:10We have a space for reading, space for recreation, space for accommodation for those who are homeless.
00:56:19Where community members may come, they sit, say in a garden, read, revise, relax, and then they go.
00:56:31I have such kind of dream for these smaller communities where I'm engaged with learners.
00:56:39But all these are thoughts, Richard, we may not have the capacity to make them like you, to have them real on the ground, to believe in God.
00:56:52That's right.
00:56:53Yes.
00:56:53So, children are there.
00:56:56We are doing our best.
00:56:59We have not lost the energy.
00:57:02We feel we should do more.
00:57:04We shouldn't carry the world, as you say, does our burden.
00:57:10But we do what is possible.
00:57:13We can do only what we can, yes.
00:57:16Yeah, what we can.
00:57:17What we can control.
00:57:19And life does move on.
00:57:21So, pleasure one day, traveling to Africa, and you are coming to launch a community library.
00:57:27Amazing.
00:57:28Hanging out in the garden with everybody.
00:57:30Hey, they come and you see them.
00:57:33They express themselves to you.
00:57:35You see what they have been doing.
00:57:37You share with them.
00:57:39You show them the techniques here and there.
00:57:41Ronald, I got a question.
00:57:43How large is this piece of land that you have?
00:57:46You said you got the land.
00:57:47How big is it?
00:57:50It is an acre, one acre.
00:57:53Oh, hey.
00:57:54That's funny.
00:57:54One hundred decimals.
00:57:56Yeah.
00:57:58Yeah.
00:57:58Does it have nice views?
00:57:59I mean, what's the property like?
00:58:02It is very, very good.
00:58:05It's enough.
00:58:07It's enough.
00:58:08Exactly.
00:58:09That's a good way to put it.
00:58:10Yeah.
00:58:11More than enough.
00:58:13More than enough.
00:58:14That one acre can construct flats like a flat.
00:58:20Yes.
00:58:21You can have a house, a facility there.
00:58:24You can have a water pump.
00:58:26Yes.
00:58:27A water source there.
00:58:28That's right.
00:58:29Such things I'm looking at.
00:58:31That's a great idea.
00:58:32Because water is a problem.
00:58:35Is it?
00:58:36It is hot.
00:58:37It is hot in Uganda.
00:58:38We don't have water.
00:58:39We are struggling.
00:58:41But digging a hole, a well, is possible only when the resources are available.
00:58:47So, when a chance comes, we would like to have that.
00:58:53So, are you ready for launching your community library?
00:58:58Well, we're definitely going to talk about it.
00:59:00I'd love to see the pictures of the land and what the plan is.
00:59:03But, yeah, we'll definitely continue to talk about it.
00:59:05Yes, yes, yes.
00:59:06We'll show you the pictures of the land.
00:59:09Pictures of the land.
00:59:11I will show you.
00:59:12Because I've never built something in Uganda before.
00:59:15So, there's a lot of education that I need on my end, of course.
00:59:19The shelter of education?
00:59:20No, in regards to the permits and the construction, how long it takes, the materials, the architect,
00:59:29where you're going to get the books, all that good stuff.
00:59:31There are the fine details.
00:59:33Yes, it is a good plan.
00:59:35But then you've got to start making big piles into little piles and start chiseling away at it.
00:59:41Yeah, we shall share.
00:59:43We shall share.
00:59:43We view that, how it could be done, what is required, the quantities here and there.
00:59:51But now, once you believe, having that positive stamina, I think things are possible.
00:59:58That's right.
00:59:58Fear is our greatest challenge.
01:00:01So, we kick fear out of our vocabulary.
01:00:05And we believe things are there because it is us.
01:00:09God gave us the power, the energy to put things in place.
01:00:13That's right.
01:00:16To put things in place.
01:00:17So, it's great having you on BP South Africa Podcast.
01:00:21This evening, I know people watching.
01:00:24Yeah, those to watch.
01:00:26We find a great time.
01:00:28A good time.
01:00:29I had a great time today.
01:00:31This was a great interview, Ron.
01:00:33You did wonderful today.
01:00:35Yes, yes, yes.
01:00:36Because I've also been, I felt sorry last time when I missed.
01:00:40I thought maybe it was a Monday.
01:00:43I didn't realize that that's well.
01:00:46On Monday, I came organizing myself only to see that it was a Sunday.
01:00:52Don't worry about it, my man.
01:00:55You know, the best people are given second chances and the really special people are given three chances.
01:01:01We're going to make it happen.
01:01:03Yes, I'm grateful for this.
01:01:05Me too.
01:01:06So, it is getting dark.
01:01:07It is getting darker here.
01:01:09Yeah.
01:01:09In Uganda.
01:01:11Okay.
01:01:11I don't know.
01:01:12Is it morning that side?
01:01:14We're looking at 10, 14 in the morning.
01:01:16I just had my breakfast.
01:01:17Got a nice big thing of coffee next to me.
01:01:20So, I'm about to enjoy my day, which is nice.
01:01:23Oh, it is getting dark at this side.
01:01:27Well, I don't want it to be too dark for you, my friend.
01:01:29I'll let you wrap it up, give you some final thoughts on your amazing podcast, and I'll let you go have a good dinner.
01:01:37Yes.
01:01:38But, I think, mental health issues, would you like to, would you have an insight into mental health issues?
01:01:47There are so many mental breakups on this side.
01:01:50That's an individual forced march that people have to take.
01:01:54For me, personally, when it comes to health, if your body feels good, there's a chance your mind's going to feel good.
01:01:59I can't make your financial problems go away if you're having a bad marriage.
01:02:04But, I mentioned before, if you can sleep, if you can find ways to do exercise, have a half-decent diet, figure out how to stretch and relax your mind, at least that's half the battle.
01:02:16You know, at least you'll recharge some batteries, Ronald, in order to be able to confront some of these challenges that you have.
01:02:22But, I'm going to say this as an older guy.
01:02:24Just don't be hard on yourself.
01:02:25If you put that additional weight, it's only going to make it more difficult.
01:02:30Just try to take off as much weight, mental weight, as possible.
01:02:36And, also, like with what happened, you know, we made a mistake with the date Sunday.
01:02:41No big deal.
01:02:41But, nothing should ever be a real deal breaker where I'm so angry at you, Ronald, and I'll never forgive you in one time and that's it.
01:02:49Don't ever do things like that because sometimes people can run out of gas in the rain.
01:02:54Sometimes things happen with the internet in Uganda and in Costa Rica.
01:02:59I mean, you're nine hours ahead of me.
01:03:02So, I mean, it's something that we had to coordinate.
01:03:05And so, please, give the people in your lives, the real special people, extra chances just to make sure that things can work out.
01:03:13And, maybe that will reduce some of the mental stress that people are having.
01:03:19Yeah, that is very great.
01:03:21It is us to share the message, to make our friends also feel good.
01:03:30Yeah, mental strength.
01:03:32You said mental weight.
01:03:35It's not easy.
01:03:37It's discipline.
01:03:38You can't just be fleeting.
01:03:39It can't be one moment of motivation.
01:03:41You need to make it a lifestyle.
01:03:42But, don't be fake because I hate the fake smiles and you pretend.
01:03:47You know you.
01:03:49You know you.
01:03:50So, as long as things are raw and things are authentic and sincere like our conversation today, those are the things that will last the test of time.
01:04:00When you put your – you know what it also is, Ronald?
01:04:03It's making yourself vulnerable.
01:04:04It's putting yourself out there.
01:04:06Not to be critiqued, but like you and I putting this podcast out there.
01:04:10Some people like it.
01:04:12Some people might not.
01:04:13But, at least we are out there.
01:04:17And, that's leaving your castle.
01:04:19It's slaying a dragon.
01:04:20And, becoming eventually a prince.
01:04:22Thank you so much, Richard.
01:04:30Ronald, my man.
01:04:32For this wonderful moment, all that you have shared has landed on the Fatahiro Soiri.
01:04:40And, you take very good care of yourself, my man.
01:04:43And, we'll definitely talk more about the library and the trips.
01:04:46But, see, look what your audience saw.
01:04:49Look at this nice friendship that has been built.
01:04:52Two men from different areas of the world.
01:04:55I'm very fortunate we have this technology.
01:04:58But, look what just happened today.
01:04:59Magic happened.
01:05:03It is good.
01:05:05I thank those experts who innovated in this technology.
01:05:10Yeah, me too.
01:05:12Yes, because we are now connecting far, far away from one another.
01:05:16Yes.
01:05:17But, speaking to one another, sharing, creating friendship, extending our horizons.
01:05:25That's right.
01:05:26It is great.
01:05:27Yes.
01:05:27We thank the Lord for that, who has made it possible.
01:05:32And, we pray that this occurs many, many, many more times.
01:05:37It becomes a daily routine to communicate.
01:05:40That's right.
01:05:40To share ideas.
01:05:42To share ideas.
01:05:44Till when these ideas grow into something constructive for our communities and for our nations.
01:05:54Because, even in nations, it's trying to be friends with other nations.
01:05:58So, we, God is people, the same.
01:06:03We become friends.
01:06:05We share.
01:06:07As we make the kingdom grow.
01:06:11Leaving it a better place for other new generations to live.
01:06:17So, I'm so grateful, Richard.
01:06:19I'm so very grateful.
01:06:21Thank you so much for this wonderful time.
01:06:26Yeah, buddy.
01:06:27BPS Africa Podcast sends much love to Costa Rica.
01:06:33Much love as well.
01:06:35May all people in Costa Rica subscribe to our BPS Africa Podcast.
01:06:42And they see what is happening in Africa, this side.
01:06:45It will be the best.
01:06:47Thank you so much.
01:06:49Take care, my good friend.
01:06:50Thank you very much.
01:06:52Bye now.
01:06:54Bye-bye.
01:06:55My name is Richard Blank.
01:06:57I'm the proud CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center.
01:07:00We're a bilingual, dedicated, near-shore call center located here in San Jose, Costa Rica, Central America.
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