Educate and Empower Street Children in Kenya

My name is Josphat Ngatia, and my story is a testament to the transformative power of a supportive community. Having lost my parents at a young age, I found a stable foundation at the Karatina Children's Home. However, a pivotal moment in my life came in 2021 when I was transferred to the Children and Youth Empowerment Centre (CYEC) in Nyeri County. This transfer was not just a change of location; it was the beginning of a new chapter dedicated to my educational future and personal growth.

Upon joining CYEC in Form 2 (second year of high school), I was immediately embraced by a structure designed for success. The Centre provided comprehensive support for my secondary education, ensuring that I could focus entirely on my studies without the burden of financial worries. But their support extended far beyond the classroom. Through dedicated mentorship programs, I learned invaluable life skills, gained clarity about my future, and built the resilience needed to navigate the challenges of adolescence. The consistent guidance and unwavering belief from the CYEC staff were instrumental in my academic achievements. Their encouragement fueled my determination to excel in my secondary education, which ultimately laid the groundwork for my greatest achievement to date: earning a place at Moi University, Eldoret. I am now proudly pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Project Planning and Management. This chosen path is a direct result of the lessons in discipline, planning, and vision that I learned during my time at CYEC. The Centre did not just help me pass exams; it helped me build a future. The values of hard work, integrity, and service that were instilled in me at CYEC continue to guide me in my university life.

As I look forward to graduating and becoming a project manager, my goal is to contribute to the development of my community. I hope to one day mentor young people who, like me, need a helping hand to realize their potential. My journey from a total orphan to a university student would not have been possible without the holistic support of the Children and Youth Empowerment Centre. CYEC was more than a shelter; it was the engine of my empowerment, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Every Thursday evening at the CYEC we travel magically through the world and the universe. We encounter people, places, plants, animals, any and everything real and imaginable, known and unknown. Books are the portal that transcends all reality and transports us to these magical spaces.

We gather the youngest children at the CYEC and together we create a space for them to dream, think, read, learn, laugh, play and generally have a lot of fun before retiring to bed. We engage in singing games, read aloud, poetry, acting, crafting etc. as ultimately an adult reads a story and brings it to life for the enjoyment of the children.

This session that is in its second year of running at the Centre is a fun way to help the children love reading and books in general; enhance their critical thinking, numeracy and literacy skills; growing their vocabulary, self-expression and comprehension skills. It is also a great way to encourage cohesion and demonstrating love in action, via teachable moments, well curated stories and sharing.

It has proven to be a most rewarding way for the children to wind down the week, providing a calming environment for them to relax, have fun as they learn and enjoy a warm mug of sweet cocoa/uji (porridge) and a delicious snack before tucking them in for bed.

Books and stories are the cheapest tickets to any place in the world, see you next Thursday on our next odyssey and sweet dreams.

Your support ensures the next generation can learn the love of reading! Please join us for the next GlobalGiving bonus day on Wednesday 16 July starting at 10 am ET/9 am CT through Thursday the 17th at 10ET/9CT when gifts of $100 or more are matched, making your gift go further!