This short Social Motion Book is about Susan Rammekwa, a woman who has dedicated her life to helping orphaned and vulnerable children. Through a series of stories told by and about Susan, this book shows a glimpse of her insightful knowledge and what makes her a great and effective leader.

The African word ubuntu means "My humanity is bound in your humanity," or "My greatness is found in your greatness." This African proverb highlights the way the entire world is interdependent. One person's greatness can be increased and enhanced by another's knowledge and care. We all many learn from each other to progress farther in our lives. From that idea, more and more people are realizing the importance of sharing their stories with others. We can learn and grow from each other and improve together as humans.

When you ask Susan her story, it feels different every time. But each time there is the same passion, gratitude, and faith. There is no short or abridged version, no place she always starts. Depending on the day and the people, she might omit some details and highlight others. There is excitement and emotion in her voice each time she tells it, no matter if you are the first person to ask or the eighth for the day.

Susan uses the idea of ubuntu to teach every person she meets a lesson of patience, faith, and good leadership.

A Liberian peace activist also defined ubuntu as "I am what I am because of who we all are." Susan manifests this perfectly. She wants her story to be shared for the purpose of others to learn. She wants others to increase their results and do stronger work by learning from the mistakes she has already made and by expanding on her successes. The person she tells her story to is then progressed farther in his or her life by taking in Susan's experiences. This is an unselfish act, one that eliminates all unnecessary competition and recognizes the common cause and higher goal of all parties.

In my opinion, the greatest aspect of leadership learned from Susan is her complete reliance on God. From the birth of her idea to start a social project with kids, there were many setbacks, days and weeks of failure, and lack of aid from any human source. Yet Susan has kept on going, with a strong vision, a strong cause, and a strong faith supporting her. Through her time running her project, she has demonstrated humanly impossible miracles and contributes every success she experiences to God.

From my experience on the Simunye Project, meeting Susan in person and hearing her story has opened my eyes to the deeper aspects of leadership. She surpassed any other role model I had. She proves a different type of leadership: one of sincere courage, strength, dedication, sincere passion, and obedience to God. Many leaders sport their own agenda and insist their followers to adhere to the same plan; Susan allows God to lead the way and plays the role of humble servant. This results in a truer sense of leadership that cannot fail, and that we all can learn from.

Kaylea Butler