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.