Shilye’s daughters can now attend school. This picture is of Fatuma, when she started attending school. She dreamed of becoming a journalist, to speak out against abusive practices such as FGM (female genital mutilation). In fact, when she graduated, she chose to train in a non-traditional field of work, as a plumber. She can earn a good living, and will surely speak out boldly and have her voice heard in the community!Educating Children

It is very important that children have the opportunity for an education, especially orphaned children, who are often lacking in self esteem.

In school children gain skills and confidence and begin to dream of becoming someone who can make a contribution to the community.

In 2003, the Kenyan government announced free Primary Education. Students flocked to enroll, overwhelming the system, necessitating large classes- up to 70 students in a classroom. To compensate for underfunding, many schools charge unauthorised fees, while children without pencils, notebooks and uniforms are turned away.

SCHOOL COSTS:

This is very challenging for families living in poverty. School supplies and uniform can cost $80 a year per child. Fees are charged for secondary schools, costing from $250 to $400 a year. Your monthly donation will ensure that a child can remain in school: MONTHLY DONATION

Sarah Lutta recieves her education cheque. Cheques are always given publicly for maximum transparency, and are made out directly to the school to avoid any temptation to corruption..Village of Love Keeps Children in School

Through Village of Love micro-loans, many parents are able to provide school supplies to keep their children in Primary School.

In addition, Kijiji Cha Upendo supplements the parents efforts by providing cheques for school fees that enable the children to stay in Secondary School. 

With regular school attendance, the children’s grades have improved across the board. Seven students have scored well enough in their final exams to go on to higher education studies.

IMPACT

11 students are now attending Kolping Vocational School and are very grateful to be acquiring the skills that will enable them to earn a living. Watch the videos, “Giving Youth a Chance” and “Girl Power”

Giving Back to the Community

Tracy Kakhali was one of the first students whose school fees Kijiji Cha Upendo paid.

An “A” student, she worked very hard and dreamed of becoming an accountant.

Tragedy struck, however, in her final year of High School when she was orphaned for a second time. Her adoptive mother died, leaving Tracy to care for her younger siblings and keep the family business going.  The community and Kijiji Cha Upendo volunteers came around her, but burdened by the combination of grief and heavy family responsibilities, Tracy managed to score only a C in her final exams, not the A that she needed to apply for a government scholarship. It did, however, allow her to enter college, and it was her great good fortune, through Kijiji Cha Upendo’s help, to find a sponsor.

Now, as a teacher, she can not only bring the light of hope to children through her caring and diligence in teaching, she also pays school fees for other children!