We are now 8 months into the school year in Kenya so we just wanted to give you a quick report of how things are going. First of all, we are so grateful for your contributions that have helped 44 Kenyan youth stay in school. We could not do this without you! The first group of kids that we started this program with is halfway through their third year of high school and the majority have just begun. Thanks to a generous donation at the end of 2017 we were able to help 27 students begin their first year of high school. On top of that, a 26 year-old who struggled with all her subjects in high school was able to attend a tailoring school this year so she can learn how to sew and make a living. One student that graduated from our high school program was able to attend his first year at a technical college where he is learning how to be an electrician. Another student who graduated from high school at an orphanage is now able to attend a polytechnic college where he is studying to be a plumber.
Last December we visited almost every house of the new students. These houses were tiny one-room rentals, mud homes, or almost collapsing homes. There were grandmas raising multiple children. Many single parents raising large families. We wish you could meet these kids that you are helping, they are amazing kids who have been through some tough situations. These children are resilient and inspire us each day.
Some new developments we are working on…
Water Project
Last January we began a survey of all the working and broken water pumps in the Rongo, Kenya area. We found 25 were missing pieces or needed some replaced parts and we will construct 4 new pumps with one of those being for a special needs school. So we are partnering with another non-profit based out of Michigan called Vox United to bring accessible water to this community.
Product Design and Entrepreneurship
We are in the process of teaching our students two different skills when they are on their breaks. This will give our students the knowledge and skills of how to create goods plus it will help them to raise money for their education and give them the opportunity to give back. So stay tuned to see their beadwork and leatherworking skills in the products that we will sell in the US.
Dream School
One Life is ready to start the discussion of forming our own school in rural Kenya that will offer youth the exposure to visual arts, performing arts, music, dance, and hands-on entrepreneurial skills as they run different business throughout the school year. All these creative arts are unheard of in this area of Kenya. One Life to Give has recently acquired our registration as a company in Kenya so the next steps are writing out a business plan, forming a board of like-minded individuals, and then fundraising to purchase land in Kenya.
Our priorities are putting our current students back in school this December/January, where we will need $17,000. After that, we will need $18,000 for the water project. The One Life School will come last so, for now, we need to raise about $35,000.
We thank you for how you have helped us in the past and ask you to consider donating to One Life to Give again. Thanks so much for being a part of this adventure with us!
