Run Across May Runner Profiles: Prem Kumar
Prem Kumar first found WORK through friend and longtime supporter Janine Schuliger. A 2019 Run Across Haiti alum and Bright Futures participant, Prem committed to running 200 miles for Run Across May this year, raising over $400 for his campaign.
When Prem first got involved with WORK, he was immediately drawn in by the close-knit community we foster and the general purpose of the organization: accompanying families out of poverty through good, dignified jobs. In our interview, Prem reflected on his upbringing near the Afghanistan/Pakistan border. He told us that he, too, had grown up in a similar situation to our families in Haiti and that his involvement with WORK allowed him to reset his mindset and get in touch with his roots.
“It [his involvement] has helped me realize where my personal roots were. Realize the rest of the world doesn’t live the way we live in America, the rest of the world doesn’t take things for granted… it has resetted me the last two to three years since I’ve been engaged with WORK. It’s personal for me.”
Prem and his family were going through their own struggles prior to RAH 2019, but rather than back out of the run, Prem used his situation to put everything in perspective and make his time in Haiti that much more meaningful and fulfilling. He remembers the excitement, support, and camaraderie that welcomed him upon arriving in Haiti. Prem’s fierce commitment and dedication to WORK has allowed him to share not only his experience, but his own background with his kids, as well-- a highlight for him.
I also asked Prem how he hopes to spread awareness through his involvement through WORK. He brought up the fact that as a western society, we often take things for granted, such as the ability to to work for a living. He particularly emphasized the importance of the word “dignified” in WORK’s mission statement.
“The mission at hand of helping, finding “dignified” jobs; that word is so critical in that equation. It’s not just giving money or helping out, it’s getting somebody a dignified way of living. At the core human level, we gotta be able to do that.”
During our interview, I particularly enjoyed how willing Prem was to share so much about his life with me. His incredible insight allowed for an honest, passionate conversation about WORK and Haiti, and personal reflection on my part. I hope Prem’s story serves as an inspiration for those who may seek motivation or purpose for getting involved; we all start somewhere!