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

How do you do it???   That is the question we are constantly asked. How have we been able to build a nearly finished education center with one of the most successful schools in Nakuru, Kenya? How have we been able to send hundreds and hundreds of children to schools, colleges, vocational training, and universities for the past nearly 21 years? How have we been able to provide medical and dental care - feed over 500 children 6 days a week - clothe and provide free time activities, etc., etc., etc.???

The answer is an easy one - and one that has been constant from the very beginning of our work in Kenya! We enlist all parents and guardians of the Live and Learn in Kenya International children to be a part of our community. They are encouraged to do all that they can for the good of their children and for their own lives and futures. It is uplifting for these parents and guardians to know that they are not "begging" for help - they are supporting the community with their hard work - cooking, cleaning, farming, harvesting, drying beans and maize, and grinding the maize. They work hard and are rewarded with smiling, happy, healthy, and well-educated children.

Parents also often receive micro-credits either as foster parents, AIDS patients, or simply through the sponsors of their children. These micro-credits are for small businesses that help them to support themselves and their families. Once an interest-free micro-credit is paid back they either receive a new one to enlarge their business or in the case of sponsorship micro-credits - they receive the funds fully to do as they wish with them.

So - how do we do it? The answer is: TOGETHER - HAND IN HAND - HEART TO HEART!

ASANTE SANA - thank you so much.