Education Kenya Project #19710

Educate & Empower Children from Kibera, Kenya

by Road To Freedom Scholarships

Educate & Empower Children from Kibera, Kenya

Project Report | Sep 15, 2015
The Gift of Opportunity!

By Lynn Younglove | Project Leader

RFS Students

At RFS we are working hard as volunteers, so you know all of the money donated to our project goes directly to helping kids from the slum of Kibera near Nairobi, Kenya!

Together we are literally changing thier worlds by giving them the opportunity to shine. By recieving a Road to Freedom Scholarship these kids are uplifted, empowered, educated, housed, provided 3x meals a day, CLEAN WATER to drink and safety.

"It's much easier to study when you are NOT hungry!" - Yema (RFS student)

The children come from vulnerable homes and this group of kids have become a family... they are "sisters" now, and to see the way they love and support eachother is inspiring.

Initially, the boarding school was hesitent to let them join... worried about the stigma of being from the slum and what that might do to the schools reputation. However, shortly after our kids arrived the headmaster said they would take any of our kids from Kibera as they are smart, eager and curious. They study hard and show up early and are so grateful to learn...they are performing at the top of thier class!

The RFS students are fully aware what an education can do for them and are inspired to know they now have a part in determining thier own futures and destiny. They run up to us, wrap their arms around us and let us know that they will not let us down and intend to make us proud.

And, indeed, they do!

During a recent school break, they kept themselves busy by volunteering to read to children at the Human Needs Project Town Center near where they live. They also learned computer skills by taking specific courses at the center.

Soon we plan to incorporate a self-defense course for the girls to gain self esteem, self confidence, self defense and empower them to be who they are!

Getting ready to go to boarding school!

In class

Kibera children who want to go to school

Links:

Lake Minnetonka Magazine Article

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Jun 9, 2015
Road to Freedom Scholarships has HUGE impact!

By Lynn Younglove | Project Leader

Melissa, from Kibera to the classroom

Thank you to all of our supporters for making a difference in the world - in these children's lives! They are growing and thriving and YOU, THE DONOR, made this happen! Your donations have directly impacted the kids of Kibera.

Since our Global Giving fundraiser in March, one of our students, Yema, has graduated Suma Cum Laude from Dominican University in San Francisco, CA. He was also chosen as the undergraduate commencement speaker - his rousing speech accompanied by the cheers of all his friends and supporters - 'Yema Baby' being called out from all over the crowd. Yema grew up in the slum of Kibera in Kenya, And when RFS met with him it was clear he had great potential. As with most students growing up in slums, RFS has learned that it is hard to study when you are hungry. And it is hard to pick up from a year or two out of school when it is time for your other siblings to be accorded a year of school - with only enough money for some in the family to attend school every year. As a result, Yema had middle to low grades in high school - but his dream of achieving a life of his own choosing through higher education was intact and strong. Once he entered our program and was given an opportunity to learn, he excelled in college and became the first foreign student ambassador at the University, and was elected as the student Vice President.

We are so proud of the young man Yema has become, as he has made the most of this opportunity and not only made his dreams come true by excelling in his education, but also, is an inspiration to the other RFS students and to us all!

"No matter where you are from, your dreams are valid". - Yema

Fifteen RFS students are attending a beautiful boarding school in Kenya where, with your donations, they receive medical care, a bed, three meals a day, clean water, safety from violence and rape, and an education. With your help, we are now about to purchase new uniforms for each of the children.

You can help us to continue our mission to educate and empower children living in extreme poverty by not only continuing to donate to help us continue our progress, but also by spreading the word; please "like" us on facebook, sign up for our newsletter, forward this email to your friends and family to let them know what cause you are supporting.

"Some people look at the slum of Kibera and see a huge, unsolvable problem. We see huge untapped potential!" - Connie Nielsen

Thank you, The Road to Freedom Scholarships Team

Phaustine, an orphan from Kibera, proud to study!

Girls in Kibera just need the opportunity...

Dreaming of the chance... to go to school

8% of girls in Kibera get to go to school

Yema, speaking at commencement ceremony

Links:

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