University Expenses for Former Street Children

Dear Supporters,

We hope that this report finds you well. We are writing to let you know that this micoproject has been upgraded to a new Global Giving project where those of you who wish to continue supporting our university students can donate: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/university-expenses-for-former-streetchildren/. 

We are about half way through the academic year in Kenya. Abel and Jacob, the two young men who are currently supported through this project, are continuing to work hard at university. Jacob in particular managed to complete the first year of a computer forensics course using the limited shared facilities at his university, but now that he is in his second year it is getting more and more difficult to complete the assignments and seminars without his own laptop. We are therefore appealing to our supporters to help us to buy one that he can use for the course. Laptops are generally seen as a requirement for university in general, but especially so given the nature of Jacob's course. Abel in now in his third year and adapting to the increasing course work requirements of studying when you you are getting closer to the finish line. We are very proud of both young men.

Meeting the costs of university attendance is an increasing burden for young people wanting qualifications to compete for positions in today's labour markets. After the first year, they must move out of campus accomodation and find more expensive private lodgings. This means that Abel and Jacob must pay more rent and potentially extra transport costs. In addition, recent lecturer strikes means that the semester has been extended to make up the work missed and their leave time, which they usually spend at home with family, has been shortened - the time they usually spend working at home, to earn money for their expenses is also less.

We are however looking forward to seeing them when they come home for the short respite from classes in August and will update everyone who has donated through the new project (https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/university-expenses-for-former-streetchildren/) on their progress after their visit.

Thank you again for all your support of CRK's work!

Best Wishes,

Links:

• Our new project supporting university students

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for donating to our microproject, and in so doing helping Child Rescue Kenya to support young people who have performed well in their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations and are able to go to university.

It has been a challenging year for Abel and Jacob as they have had to study and stay motivated amidst the distractions of two presidential elections. Both of which meant that the young men had to return home when the universities closed down for the election periods.

Aside from the disruptions to face-to-face classes, spending extra time at home does have its benefits. As they were both in Kitale, rather than Nairobi, they avoided potential conflict related to the disputed election results and had a chance to rest. They were also able to spend time with their families and make the most of the extra time consolidating the subjects they had covered in their lectures. The second election coincided with the maize harvest and there was plenty for them to do to help their families, and also to earn money working on their neighbours' small holdings.

We continue to support Abel and Jacob and will most likely be supporting at least one other undergraduate in addition to them in the new year. We are therefore planning to set up a permanent project on the GlobalGiving platform in January. We will send a link out at that point so that you can stay up to date with their progress and continue your support if you choose to.

I wish you all the best for the rest of 2017 and the new year.

Thank you again,