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.
A Joyful Celebration
On November 17, the Ewuaso Osiligi Center was alive with joy and excitement as students were baptized and confirmed into the Church. The event, marked with pomp and color, brought together students, staff, parents, and community members in a heartfelt celebration of faith and spiritual growth.
The day’s highlights included the baptism of 21 students as well as nine from the surrounding community, sealing their entry into the Christian family of faith. Additionally, as a reaffirmation of their commitment to their spiritual journey, 20 students and four community members received their first communion.
The ceremony was filled with hymns, prayers, and words of encouragement, making it a truly memorable occasion for everyone present. The joy and gratitude were palpable as the students, radiant in their new faith, received blessings and congratulations from family and friends.
We are deeply grateful to God for the success of this event and for the dedication of all who contributed to its planning and execution. The Ewuaso Osiligi Center remains committed to nurturing not only academic growth but also the spiritual and moral development of the young people under its care.
December 2024
Reunion of hope
Tracy’s life took a devastating turn when her mother, the sole provider for their family, was sentenced to three years in prison. Suddenly, Tracy and her two younger siblings, all minors, were left to fend for themselves. With no means of support, life came to a standstill. As is common in African culture, relatives stepped in to care for the children. However, the additional financial burden proved overwhelming, and the children struggled to get even the basic necessities of life.
For Tracy, the hardship was unbearable. She lost hope in the future and gave up on her studies, convinced that her dreams had come to an end. Her resilience seemed to fade, but her story took a remarkable turn when the EOC project stepped in. Through their intervention, Tracy was not only able to return to school but also regained her hope and dignity. The support provided her with a lifeline and gave her the opportunity to start rebuilding her future.
After serving two years of her sentence, Tracy’s mother was released early, much to the joy of the family. Their reunion, which took place during a baptism and confirmation ceremony, was deeply emotional and brought tears to many eyes.
“I lack words to express my gratitude to you people of EOC,” Tracy’s mother said. “May God bless you and your donors for rescuing my girl and giving her hope.”
Tracy’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of kindness and support in transforming lives and rekindling hope even in the darkest moments.
December 2024
Hope against all odds
Irene, the youngest of seven, grew up in a remote Maasai community where girls’ education was often dismissed. Her father’s death left her mother alone to raise the family, a task made harder by deep-seated cultural bias and financial hardship. Though eager to learn, Irene’s chance at education seemed bleak. The nearest public school was 5 kilometers away, a grueling journey for a young girl.
Yet, hope appeared with the construction of the Ewuaso Osiligi Centre nearby. Irene dreamed of joining the school, but the fees were beyond her mother’s means. Unwilling to give up, her mother approached the school’s management, humbly explaining her situation. She offered what she could – the firewood on their land – as payment in exchange for her daughter’s education. Touched by her resilience and commitment, the management saw an opportunity to support their vision of empowering young girls.
They accepted the offer, understanding that it aligned with their mission to rescue and uplift girls from challenging backgrounds. With this arrangement, Irene’s journey to education began. Each day, she walked to the Ewuaso Osiligi Centre, carrying both the weight of her family’s hopes and the promise of a brighter future. Her mother’s determination and the school’s support paved the way for Irene to break free from tradition and pursue her dreams.
November 2024
School Assessments
We are deeply grateful that our rescued girls have reached this pivotal moment in their lives, as they sit for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KEPSEA), a crucial milestone that will open doors for them to join secondary school. This achievement reflects their courage and resilience in the face of immense challenges. Coming from marginalized communities where opportunities for girls are scarce and cultural biases persist, their journey has not been easy. These young women have overcome barriers that sought to limit them—societal pressures, financial constraints, and even personal doubts.
Reflecting on their progress, we see God's hand in each step, guiding and sustaining them through difficult times. These girls are a testament to the power of faith, hope, and determination. As they take their exams, we kindly ask that you remember them in your prayers. May they find peace and confidence as they answer each question, knowing they are supported by a community that believes in them. May their hard work be rewarded, paving the way for brighter futures, and may they continue to shine as lights in their families and communities. We trust that God, who has brought them this far, will carry them through this next chapter.
November 2024
Escape to save destiny
Dorcas, a 15-year-old girl currently in Junior Secondary, found herself in a distressing situation. She overheard her parents' plans to marry her off during the December holiday of 2023.
Her parents had made this decision due to financial struggles that made it difficult to support her education. Following Maasai traditions, they had arranged that Dorcas should undergo the rite of passage that is female genital mutilation (FGM) then be married off with full consent from both sides of the family. However, Dorcas became aware of the decision when information about the planned FGM and marriage was leaked. Realizing her future was in jeopardy, she sought help by reaching out to the children's county officer.
The officer swiftly intervened, preventing the marriage from taking place, and referred Dorcas to Ewuaso Osiligi Center. Ewuaso Osiligi provided her with the necessary support and protection, allowing her to continue her education. With their help, Dorcas was able to avoid an early marriage and regain the opportunity to focus on her studies, securing a brighter future for herself. This intervention was crucial in preserving her right to education and ensuring she could pursue her dreams despite the financial difficulties her family faced.
October 2024
donated security lighting
We are pleased to announce that Signify Lighting Company has successfully delivered the much-needed security solar lighting systems to our campus. This generous donation was made possible through a Trinity Klein Lutheran Church member's recommendation to Signify. The gift was warmly received by both the staff and pupils at the center. The lights will play a crucial role in enhancing the security of our campus, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.
Signify’s thoughtful contribution aligns with our mission to provide a secure and conducive atmosphere for learning and development. The installation of these solar-powered lights will not only boost the overall security, but also reduce our energy consumption, helping us adopt more sustainable practices.
We are deeply grateful for this kind gesture, as it reflects the organization's commitment to supporting education and the well-being of our community. Their donation will have a lasting positive impact on the daily lives of our students and staff, offering a sense of safety, especially during early morning and evening hours. Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Signify for their invaluable support and look forward to further strengthening our partnership in the future.
October 2024
Hope in the midst of despair
Mary is a bright 16-year-old girl with dreams of joining secondary school, but her hopes are dimmed by her family's financial struggles. Hailing from a poor household, her parents work as casual laborers, barely making ends meet. When the time came for her to enroll in secondary school, she faced the harsh reality of being denied admission due to unpaid school fees and other requirements. In her Maasai community, this predicament placed her in a precarious situation—marriage loomed as the only alternative, a fate she desperately wished to avoid.
But just when despair threatened to engulf her, Ewuaso Osiligi Center stepped in as a beacon of hope. This organization recognized her potential and offered the support she needed to pursue her education. With their assistance, Mary is now preparing to enroll in secondary school, her heart filled with renewed hope and determination. She envisions a future where she can break free from the constraints of poverty and cultural expectations. With the chance to learn and grow, Mary is ready to embrace her dreams and aspirations, proving that education can change the course of a life.
September 2024
In August, we organized a dynamic team-building activity that brought together rescued girls, teachers, and board members, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration across the group. The event was filled with vibrant activities that encouraged participation and interaction, including a student-led fashion show, dances, an eating competition, and various other engaging games. These activities were thoughtfully designed to promote teamwork, creativity, and mutual respect among all participants.
The fashion show segment allowed the girls to express their confidence and individuality, while the dance activities created an atmosphere of joy and collective celebration. The eating competition, a lighthearted and spirited event, brought laughter and friendly rivalry, further breaking down barriers between participants.
This event was a refreshing break from the usual routine, providing an opportunity for everyone to relax, unwind, and bond in a supportive environment. The shared experiences helped to build cohesion among the girls, teachers, and board members, fostering stronger relationships and a deeper understanding of one another. Overall, the team-building activity was a resounding success, leaving everyone rejuvenated and more connected, with a renewed sense of community and purpose.
September 2024
Hope in the Midst of Adversity
Joyce, a bright 14-year-old, is the youngest of seven siblings. Living in a remote Maasai village, she has faced challenges many could not imagine. Her father, nearly 100 years old, is a staunch adherent of Maasai culture and traditions. In his eyes, daughters are commodities, exchanged for cattle, the tribe's most treasured asset.
Joyce's mother, an alcoholic, has left Joyce in a precarious position, unable to support her daughter's dreams. Despite her father's plans to subject her to harmful traditions, Joyce's life took a turn for the better through divine providence. The Ewuaso Osiligi Center, dedicated to rescuing girls from FGM and other cultural oppressions, intervened just in time. They saved Joyce from a grim fate and returned her to school, offering her a chance to reclaim her future.
Now in grade six, Joyce cherishes every moment of her education. She thanks God daily for this unexpected opportunity to learn and pursue her dreams. However, holidays bring a shadow of fear. She does not return home, wary of her father's anger and the threat of being mistreated. Yet, Joyce remains resilient and hopeful, determined to break free from the chains of her past and build a brighter future.
August 2024
BUMPER harvest
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Hope at last
Nancy is a seven-year-old girl, the fifth born in a family of six children who have never attended school. This unfortunate circumstance stems from her father's cultural attitude towards education and the rights of the girl child. In their community, it is customary for girls to be married off at a tender age, usually after undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM). Nancy's older siblings suffered this fate, being married off at the age of 14.
The situation worsened in 2014 when Nancy's mother was involved in a tragic accident, leaving her crippled and unable to care for her children. Her father, adhering to his polygamous lifestyle, neglected his responsibilities and chose to wait until Nancy turned 14 to marry her off, thus continuing the cycle of deprivation and injustice.
Amidst this bleak scenario, there was a glimmer of hope. Ewuaso Osiligi Rescue Center, which is dedicated to supporting vulnerable children, intervened after hearing the family's plight. Their timely intervention has transformed Nancy's life. She is now one of the school-going children at the Ewuaso Osiligi Center where she is receiving an education and the chance for a better future.
July 2024
Turbulent Times in Kenya: A Call for Prayer
An appeal from Ewuaso Osiligi Rescue Center and School
Recent events in Kenya have left many of us feeling anxious and uncertain. The young generation, identifying themselves as Gen Z, have taken to the streets in major towns, demonstrating against the proposed finance bill, and demanding accountability and governance reforms. Last Thursday, the situation escalated dramatically as youths stormed parliament buildings shortly after the Members of Parliament passed the finance bill.
The demonstrations erupted into chaos, resulting in 24 young men being shot dead and hundreds injured, many of whom were rushed to hospitals in Nairobi for treatment. The tense atmosphere persists despite the President's efforts to address their demands. The youth continue to insist on tangible changes and have vowed to hold weekly strikes until their concerns are adequately addressed.
This turmoil underscores the deep-seated frustrations and the urgent need for meaningful dialogue and reform in our beloved country. The ongoing unrest highlights the critical issues that need to be addressed to ensure a stable and prosperous future for all Kenyans.
In these challenging times, we earnestly seek your prayers for peace, wisdom, and unity in Kenya. Let us stand together in prayer for the safety and well-being of all those affected and for a swift resolution to the conflicts at hand.
July 2024
Jane
Jane, a 19-year-old girl, had her education interrupted when financial challenges forced her to drop out of secondary school. While at home, she became pregnant and was married off to a man in his mid-30s. They had another child, but the marriage was plagued by abuse and violence, leading Jane to leave with her children.
Determined to provide for her family, Jane took on various manual jobs to sustain them. In this vulnerable state, she was discovered by Ewuaso Osiligi rescue center, who recognized her potential and offered her the chance to return to school. This opportunity was transformative for Jane.
Back in school, she has demonstrated exceptional prowess in mathematics and sciences, quickly becoming one of the top students in her class. Her future now looks bright, filled with possibilities for further education and a stable career. Jane's success is a testament to her resilience and the life-changing impact of your generous support. Thank you for helping her realize her potential and giving her a chance for a better future.
June 2024
Recent Mission trip
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Floods in kenya
In recent months, Kenya has been ravaged by devastating floods, wreaking havoc on infrastructure and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The relentless downpours have inundated homes, roads, and vital infrastructure, displacing thousands of people and disrupting socioeconomic activities across the nation. Ewuaso town where our rescue center is located, was not spared either.
These floods have not only rendered many homeless but have also had a profound impact on the livelihoods of countless individuals and communities. Agriculture, a cornerstone of Kenya's economy, has been particularly hard-hit, with crops destroyed and farmlands submerged under water. This has led to food shortages, loss of income, and increased vulnerability among already marginalized populations.
Moreover, the damage to roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure has hampered transportation and access to essential services, exacerbating the already dire situation. Remote areas have been cut off from aid and emergency services, further compounding the challenges faced by those affected by the floods. This has also forced the Kenya government to close all schools and suspend learning indefinitely.
Please pray for relief from the flooding in Kenya.
May 2024
Euinice
Eunice’s journey with the Ewuaso Osiligi Center since April 2023 has been nothing short of transformative. Hailing from a humble background fraught with diverse challenges, her story encapsulates the profound impact that dedicated organizations can have on individuals striving to break free from the constraints of circumstance. Born into a world where opportunities seemed scarce and dreams felt distant, Eunice faced the harsh reality of limited access to education. Despite her inherent potential and unyielding determination, the financial burden of schooling loomed large, casting a shadow over her aspirations for higher learning. Like many in similar circumstances, the prospect of attending secondary school remained an elusive dream, slipping further from her grasp with each passing year.
However, April 2023 marked a pivotal moment in Eunice’s life as she became a beneficiary of the Ewuaso Osiligi Rescue Center and School. This beacon of hope amidst adversity opened doors that had long been closed to her, offering not just education, but also a pathway to empowerment and self-realization. For Eunice, this opportunity was not merely a chance to acquire knowledge but a lifeline, a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak horizon.
May 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
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
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
