Mark Brna Reaches Out to African Schoolchildren

Mark Brna, on the job site during construction of the MOB 5 building

Not long ago, a lifelong dream came true for Team Lead Mark Brna, project manager of Capital Projects for Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa.

What now seems like a fateful sequence of events made it possible for Mark (an architect by training), his significant other, and a small group to go on a two-week vacation in South Africa. They made it their mission to deliver shoes to young children in need there. With the help of Kenwood School here in Sonoma County, they gathered more than 200 pairs of shoes. This trip of a lifetime struck a chord with Mark and he looks forward to another expedition with the hopes of touching more lives in a positive way.

When and where did you go on your trip to Africa?

We went in 2006 to Kruger National Park, South Africa; Zambia; and Zimbabwe, and to the Tongabezi Trust School.

Smiling faces, thumbs up, and shoe-covered feet of the children at the Tongabezi Trust School.

What was the response to the donated shoes?

"Brilliant!" was the word the headmaster used when we unloaded suitcases full of shoes. We had all these shoes that were donated from schools and individuals throughout Sonoma County. We were met by the head of the school who introduced us to the children. She explained to us how the school works and that many of the children have less than desirable lives at home. Many of the children go barefoot since shoes are somewhat of a luxury item, but to attend this well-run school, students must be shod... and on time every day. No excuses. It broke our hearts to see one boy squeezing his feet into an old pair of sandals that were two sizes too small and unmistakably designed for a little girl. We were seeing the ambition and determination of those who wanted to go to school every day. After we left, the school organized a lottery for the children and they had a day for the families to show up and try on the shoes. There were sneakers, soccer cleats, slippers, sandals, boots — all sorts of shoes.

What are your strongest memories from this trip?

Being up close and personal with lions, rhinos, elephants, and other wildlife. And seeing the kids at the school totally mesmerized when they saw their image on the screen of my digital camera.

How did this become a lifelong dream?

I've wanted to do this since I was a kid. It's really amazing the way it came together. I mentioned it to Bill and soon after he and a friend talked about a trip to Africa. Everything fell into place. It was an emotional experience for me to have this opportunity. If anybody has the ability to go, you should. You really feel that you are at your origin and the quality of light, the smells and sounds of the wildlife, and the mysteries of the landscape are tremendous.

What are your plans to do something like this again?

I'm always looking for an opportunity for travel. It could be Africa, it may be somewhere else. I'm hoping for 2008 or 2009. I would like to get Kaiser involved somehow.

Are you involved locally in volunteer work?

Through the Kenwood Community Church, I am actively involved with the Valley of the Moon Children's Home and The Living Room.

How has this trip impacted your day-to-day life?

I love to travel to new and interesting places and if I can do that while reaching out to help someone there who needs it, that makes the experience all the more meaningful.