Community Library: Empowerment. Access. Education.

Dear Friend of COCE, 

This Spring has truly been a season to remember at the Collective for Orphan Care and Education, and it’s all thanks to you. With your partnership, we’ve reached meaningful milestones toward completing and furnishing the community library, and we’re energized by the momentum building around our mission to empower Kenyan youth and communities through education. 

As you may know, COCE Kenya participated in GlobalGiving’s Little by Little campaign from March 17–20. During this four day crowdfunding effort, your generosity helped us achieve: 

• 37 unique donors 

• $2,193 raised in donated funds 

• $790 raised in matching funds 

• $2,983 total raised 

We’re thrilled by this outcome, as every dollar brings us closer to opening the library’s doors. 

But our Spring fundraising didn’t stop there. 

On May 2, COCE Kenya partnered with Blacktip Swim School in Plano to host our first everLapathon. In honor of our shared commitment to education, we swam for a cause and our community showed up in a big way. Thanks to Blacktip, our incredible swimmers, and the donors who sponsored them, we had 27 participants and raised $8,210, far surpassing our initial $5,000 goal. It was a joyful event and a beautiful way to close out this chapter of fundraising. These funds will directly support the final stages of setting up the library. 

This Spring also brought major behind-the-scenes progress on the library itself. The biodigestive system is complete, bathroom fixtures are installed, and window glass is in place. Painting, bookshelves, and tables with chairs are expected this summer, and books will arrive for setup in early fall.  

In addition, we’ve been hard at work identifying new grant opportunities, advancing strategic planning for the library, and reevaluating our sponsorship program to ensure it delivers maximum impact. We continue to mobilize volunteers and donors who share our commitment to expanding educational access for Kenyan youth. 

Thank you for being with us on this journey. We’re looking forward to a summer and fall focused on maximizing impact and strengthening educational opportunities in rural Kenya. Your support makes this possible. 

Thank you!