A boy in rural Kenya was weeks away from leaving school forever. A woman in Sweden wrote a check for fifteen dollars. Neither of them knew they were altering history.

In 2003, she traveled to Kenya for the inauguration of the Hilde Back Education Fund and was honored by the local community. The fund has since supported nearly 1,000 students in continuing their education. Many beneficiaries now mentor others and contribute financially through an initiative known as “A Small Act Jamii.”

Hilde Back died on January 13, 2021, in Västerås, Sweden, at age 98.

A modest sponsorship sustained one child’s education. That child established a foundation. The foundation continues to support others.

The scale began with fifteen dollars and a decision to help a stranger.