I was surprised to learn that in South Africa, a substantial portion of the national budget goes to the education system. In 2006, approximately 18% of total governmental spending went toward education. Compare this to our own education system, where federal contributions to primary and secondary education are about 9% of spending.

One reason for this higher level of spending is to try and overcome the imbalance in education imposed by apartheid. The architect of apartheid, Hendrik Verwoerd, believed that black South Africans were "educated for their opportunities in life." South Africa, under apartheid rule, had no place for blacks "above the level of certain forms of labour." While this policy has, of course, changed significantly in the last 14 years, only students beginning the education process in the last few years have benefited.

While working with schools in the Johannesburg area I found, that despite progress, major steps still need to be taken. But how does a country with widespread unemployment and one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the world accelerate spending and improvements in schools in some of the most impoverished areas?

Many of South Africa's public schools operate under staggering statistics. Mpontsheng Secondary School in Katlehong outside Johannesburg had a 16% matric (i.e. high school passing) rate in 2007. This isn't due to the students' intelligence or eagerness to learn -- each student I met was dedicated, articulate, and bright -- but simply due to a lack of resources. How can a child be expected to learn without the proper tools? Imagine sharing a classroom with 60-70 students or going through two school terms without any textbooks.

I was inspired by the passion the teachers had, and began to wonder if there was a way one person could make a difference. What could my limited means and resources do that the millions of dollars poured into the continent through governments, corporations, NGO's, and even Bono could not?

Well, the answer was right there, in Peter Motaung, Deputy Headmaster and tourism teacher at Mpontsheng Secondary School. Peter is a perfect example that one person has the power to make a difference in the lives of many learners. He was so passionate and dedicated to giving his students' every opportunity that his actions alone had already helped turn this school around.

After meeting Peter and his students, I immediately asked what I could do to help. His request of me was a simple: to help bring his school into a digital age, he wanted a single laptop and a projector. A laptop and projector; not a ground-breaking, innovative program that would change the nation's education system from the top down, but real and immediate needs that, for those teaching with the bare minimum, would maximize a small gift to the fullest effect.

A donation of this nature took a bit of finessing. Surprisingly these two items didn't come from a major tech company. Even as Executive Director of an educational organization, it was a near impossible task to get in touch with the decision-makers in the larger companies who could consider this modest request. Rather, these items eventually came from two small-business owners who are actively involved in educational and community development programs worldwide. They offered their support because they've seen first-hand the impact that even the smallest items can have on a learner and/or a school.

The students at Mpontsheng, across South Africa, and around the world are future leaders and visionaries. However, without the proper tools it seems that they will be stuck in a cycle of poverty and unemployment.

While the course of South Africa may not be changed overnight, it is something that we, as individuals, can help to set in the right direction. For me, it was all about the personal connection of seeing the potential that would be wasted if every child isn't provided an education.

There are many well-funded education initiatives that benefit millions of children in poverty-stricken areas. While NGO's and corporations are working to expand their programming, many students are still falling through the cracks. This is where we, as individuals, can aid those children waiting for their opportunity.

I'd like to think that as global citizens, everyone would be inspired, as I was, to provide the basic tools for learning to every child, especially for those who are hoping to break what seems like an endless cycle of poverty. Each of us has within us the power to change something, somewhere, in a positive way. I believe that these problems are much more likely to have a million small solutions rather than one big one.