Aussie-born Israeli gives priceless gifts to African nations
While many Australians are heading to department stores, engaging in online shopping, or trying to purchase that unique gift, Aussie-born Israeli Achi Kuchnir is giving one of the greatest gifts: the gift of time and expertise to some of the poorest communities in Africa.
A visit in the local barber shop in the remote village of Endagichan – Mbulu district
Earlier this year, Melbourne-born Achi gave up his well-paying secure job as a medical engineer to head to Africa with the sole intention of helping others.
Achi said he was keen to share the power of giving this holiday season and inspire others to do the same.
“My true passion is in humanitarian causes and social entrepreneurship,” he said. “I have a deep and genuine passion to promote and advance human welfare and health.”
Since June of this year, Achi has been travelling in some of the poorest, remote regions in Africa, offering his medical engineering expertise free of charge.
In Tanzania, he worked with Australian company FREO2, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to reduce the number of deaths of babies and children suffering from pneumonia or hypoxia in low-and-middle-income countries.
“When many in our Western culture focussed on what to buy friends and family for Hanukkah or Christmas, we tend to take the basics for granted. Giving the gift of life through improved access to oxygen has to be one of the best presents to not only receive, but to give.”
Achi has also been collaborating with Ayudame3D in Tanzania, who specialises in prosthetics developed by 3D printers.
“The other day I took the arm measurements of two children who require prosthetics. I can’t explain what an unbelievable feeling it is to play a part in giving children the gift of an arm.”
Achi truly believes in the power of giving and has been encouraging others to follow a similar path through his social media presence.
“I realise not many people are able to take the dramatic steps I did: giving up the security of my job and heading to a developing country, but there are many small things people can do on a daily basis that will make a difference.
“I would like to encourage people to think about what they can give that isn’t necessarily bought in a store or online. For giving the gift of time and our expertise, in whatever capacity that is, is the most priceless gift one can give.”
Achi made aliya in 1983.
Report by Libby Burke
