REcent Newsletter articles
Kenyan Schools of Hope typically sends out a newsletter on a monthly basis with news from the Ewuaso Osiligi Center, stories about the rescued girls, and updates on construction projects. If you would like to receive these newsletters, please go to "Contact Us" and select "Keep me updated on Kenyan Schools of Hope progress."
For recent articles on how construction of the multipurpose building is progressing, please go to Construction Updates.
Samantha
Samantha was rescued in 2018 and was among the first rescued girls at the rescue center.
As her father was unable to be at home, she was left in the care of her grandmother who, being old in age, struggled to care for her. When school fees became a challenge, her inconsistencies put her at risk of dropping out, and dropping out, in the Maasai community, would then put her at risk of FGM and child marriage.
Fearing for her safety, she was ultimately brought to the rescue center. Today, Samantha is thriving in school! She loves to dance and enjoys having visitors at the rescue center and playing football.
Now in eighth grade, she is preparing to continue her education into high school. Her father is currently able to visit her often and is a committed parent! Samantha dreams of one day becoming a nurse and with her determination and efforts in school, we know she will go far!
March 2024
Farming Season
For the current growing season, unused farmland was offered by a parent who was grateful for the work being done by the rescue center.
Deacon and one of the guards from the rescue center have volunteered to cultivate and plant maize in their free time. Not only will this be a huge blessing to the school, but it also shows amazing teamwork and dedication amongst the staff!
March 2024
FInal Emergency food distribution
On February 9th, the outreach team, led by Catherine Wangari, embarked on the final distribution of food for members of a nearby local village. This community has faced severe drought for over three years, resulting in the deaths of livestock and jeopardizing their livelihoods. The community of Ewuaso has been greatly impacted by your generosity. Thank you for partnering with us!
February 2024
Jacky
Jacky was rescued in January 2024. She is seven years old, in second grade and was raised in rural Kenya. She has been under the care of her 80-year-old great grandmother, as her mother is unable to care for her.
Jacky’s aunt had been trying to take care of Jackline together with her brother, her mother, the great grandmother and her own children, even while she was unemployed. With the heavy burden, Jacky was at risk of undergoing FGM and child marriage.
Jacky is a very bright girl in school and is willing to learn. Her calmness stands out! So far, she enjoys playing with her peers in the center. She dreams of one day being a teacher.
Jacky is among the 18 girls who were recently rescued and brought to the rescue center. If you have been considering sponsoring a girl, now is the time! We are in need of 18 sponsors to cover the education and living expenses to provide safety, education and hope.
education: A Path out of poverty & child labor
Josh is 11 yrs old and hails from Loita Hills. He is the first born in a family of four whose parents live in abject poverty and cannot afford to send them to school. He came to Ewuaso in 2022 and was employed to take care of livestock despite his tender age. Deep inside his heart, Joshua had the quest to pursue education just like other children whom he met every morning as they went to school while he did his chores. He was spotted on several occasions at the gates of our school gazing curiously at the activities of our pupils.
It was on one of these occasions that a community health promoter took note of him and decided to inquire more concerning Joshua. He narrated his desire to join school just like his fellow kids but because of poverty and lack of means, he was forced to child labor hence looking after the livestock of his master who lives just adjacent to our center.
The matter was brought to Catherine, the board chair, who was very compassionate of Joshua’s plea and brought the matter to the board for deliberation. The board was very positive and agreed to seek for his scholarship as a day scholar. God opened the door further as his master also agreed to allow him go to school while he resides with him.
Josh represents the many Maasai young boys who, because of poverty, are forced into child labor at the expense of their education. We are glad to welcome Josh back to school in tandem with our objectives (education for all)!
January 2024
Nashipae -- "Happiness"
Shannon joined the Osiligi family in 2018 as a fourth grader. She was born and raised in Ewuaso, the first born in a family of five children. Shannon's parents had been having domestic issues for quite a long time. The disputes were often solved amicably for quite some time, but it bore no fruits. Eventually her mother left the marriage, and her father remarried. After being abused by her stepmother, her case was reported and she was brought to the rescue center.
Just like her Maasai name, "Nashipae," which means happiness, she is a very happy and kind girl, with a popping dimple on her right cheek.
"I am always certain that I will eat, drink and learn when I am here. Back at home, there was no certainty of learning as I was always being sent home for school fees."
Her favorite memory is when she was baptized and confirmed last year in 2023. Since being at the rescue center, she has joined the school football team and enjoys dancing. She aspires to be a journalist in the future!
Please join us in praying for Shannon as she begins high school and works towards accomplishing her goals!
January 2024
A few months ago, we shared about urgent needs that were increasing around the Ewuaso community where the rescue center is. Drought continues to be a pressing issue in the area and with that comes food insecurity.
We shared the need here with you and we saw the Lord's hand provide, through your generous giving! $5,000 in emergency funds were sent to Kenya to purchase food to reach families that are currently struggling with real hunger.
With two days for distribution, your gifts provided for over 500 families. 500 families! We thank God for your generous giving and for every step that ensured that these families would be provided for.
It was truly a team effort to make these distributions happen. Not only was the Kenyan board present, but a member from the American board was as well! The girls, teachers and staff assisted by helping pack the food supplies and preparing them to be distributed.
And of course, none of this would be possible without your generous giving. This is just one way that your gifts make real impact in Kenya!
November 2023
