Empower Kenyan Girls with Education

2021 was an immensely impactful year for the children! With education as one of the main focal points during the difficult times of COVID-19, the children have been able to sustain their progress in school. This helps further their individual growth while being so strong and resilient across uncertain times. Thanks to our gracious donors, Makindu Children's Program was able to support the Center with new school uniforms for over 500 children. Over 560 attended school regularly throughout the year and 34 graduated vocational school or high school. One of our girls in college was robbed at knife point by two thugs, ordered to kneel hands on head, then lie on ground with knife pressed to her back as they stole her belongings - her laptop, cellphone, personal items, and her final project for school. She's due to graduate in June but will now have to recreate the project. She walked away unharmed physically (and thank goodness her 3-year-old child was not with her), but evidently this is NOT UNCOMMON for female college students. We were able to loan her an old Chromebook and purchase a new cell phone to get her through graduation. The efforts by our donors and the Center allow for young girls like this in the program to feel empowered, creative, and find new doors that lead to so many amazing opportunities in their lives. She has the self-confidence and self-worth to learn and grow from this experience, knowing also that she has a huge community of support. She still plans on graduating this summer, and becoming a successful, contributing professional in her community.

I am thrilled to report that next month 25 kids will graduate from vocational school (many pictured here), trained with employable skills and empowered to be productive and independent. Another 9 students will graduate from high school with some going on to university, two attending teacher training college, and two attending technical institute training. We are so proud, and they are so grateful, for their opportunity and success. 542 children will advance to the next grade.

In 2022 we'll enroll 331 students in grade school, support 116 students in high school, and send 95 students to vocational training schools. This means you are helping us empower 542 students with education next year so that they too can pull themselves out of poverty and find skilled work upon exiting Makindu Children's Program. 

Schools have been back in session now that COVID restrictions have been lifted in Kenya, and the kids could not be more delighted. Online learning was not an option in Kenya and so ALL CHILDREN missed two of three school terms. Those terms are now being made up within 2021 and 2022 school years. Instead of three 3 month terms with a month break in between, these school years will have four 3 month terms with a week off in between. These additional school terms will cost us an unexpected extra $70,000. Add to that the wonderful problem of having many kids doing well in middle school and advancing to high school, as well as increased enrollment of our students in great vocational schools nearby, who seek skills based education. High school education in rural eastern Kenya costs approximately $600 a year while vocational school costs $450. A variety of vocational skills provide excellent education on hairdressing, tailoring, tech skills, small motor repair and prepares the children well for the job force. 

Makindu Children's Program sponsors many of these girls pictured in hairdressing school. I was lucky enough to visit them recently and received overwhelming gratitude. They were quite curious and excited to touch my soft straight hair. I was happy to further their experience and education!

Thank you for helping us fund education for these kids. You are empowering many!