Don't Just Give Them Food-Teach Them How to Get It

At the Live and Learn in Kenya Education Center in Nakuru, Kenya, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom walls. With the generous support of our donors, we provide children with practical life skills that will benefit them and their families for years to come. One of our most impactful programs involves teaching children about nutrition, gardening, and cooking, which not only enhances their health but also fosters a sense of community and self-reliance.

Learning About Nutrition

Our students at the Live and Learn in Kenya Education Center start their journey into healthy living by learning about the food pyramid. This educational tool helps children understand the different food groups and the importance of a balanced diet. Through interactive lessons and engaging activities, students learn which foods are necessary for a healthy body and mind. They discover the roles of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, and how to incorporate these into their daily meals.

Hands-On Gardening

Understanding the source of their food is crucial for the children, which is why our school garden is an essential part of their education. In the garden, students actively participate in planting, tending, and harvesting a variety of vegetables. This hands-on experience teaches them about sustainable farming practices and the hard work that goes into growing food. The garden is not only an outdoor classroom but also a place where children develop a connection with nature and learn the value of fresh, home-grown produce.

Cooking Classes

After harvesting their crops, the children at our center are taught how to cook the food they have grown. These cooking classes are a favorite among students, as they get to see the fruits of their labor transformed into delicious, nutritious meals. The cooking lessons emphasize healthy recipes and the importance of using fresh ingredients. By learning how to prepare their own meals, students gain a sense of independence and a valuable life skill that they can share with their families.

Empowering Parents through Micro-Credits

Our commitment to community development extends to the parents of our students as well. Thanks to donations, we have established a micro-credit program that empowers parents to start their own small businesses. Currently, 67 micro-credit small businesses are thriving within our community. Most of these businesses involve selling vegetables and eggs from their gardens. This initiative not only provides additional income for families but also encourages sustainable agricultural practices.

Impact of Micro-Credit Businesses

The micro-credit program has had a transformative impact on the lives of many families. Parents who once struggled to make ends meet are now successful "entrepreneurs". The sale of home-grown vegetables and eggs has improved their financial stability and allowed them to provide better nutrition and education for their children. This program is a testament to the power of community support and the lasting change that can be achieved through small but meaningful investments.

All of these incredible achievements at the Live and Learn in Kenya Education Center are made possible by the generosity of our donors. Your support enables us to teach children vital life skills, empower parents through micro-credit programs, and build a stronger, healthier community. Together, we are nurturing the next generation of informed, self-sufficient individuals who are well-equipped to make a positive impact in their world.

Asante sana - thank you for your continued support and belief in our mission. With your help, we can keep growing and enriching lives, one seed at a time.

Being part of a community where doing means leading and empowering for yourself and your children. This is what Live and Learn in Kenya International is all about at the Live and Learn in Kenya Education Center in Nakuru, Kenya. We empower children with the gift of education to make their dreams for the future come to be - with a lot of hard work and determination - and we empower their parents and guardians with the ability to be a part of a strong community where they can raise their heads high and be proud of themselves because they are not begging for alms. They work hard in the fields and the kitchen, knowing that they are doing this for their children and hundreds of other children, too.

Parents come to plow the fields that Live and Learn in Kenya International rents. They plant the seeds, weed the fields, care for the plants, harvest, dry, and mill the maize. Every day, six days a week, groups of mothers come to the Education Center to cook, serve, and clean up after the hundreds of children have had breakfast and lunch. That is what love is all about - not only doing the work but showing your children how important community work is and they can only be proud of themselves if they take part.

Asante sana - thank you parents and guardians - and thank you to everyone who donates toward making it possible for them to have the tools to do so!