After a very long 12 months of hard work, sacrifice, and long periods of time away from their loved ones, our young ladies graduated at the beginning of this month. There was a great deal of excitement in the week leading up to graduation but on the day of graduation many tears of joy and sadness were shed as we all came to the realization that this brave group of young women who had become part of our family for the past 12 months would be leaving us and venturing into the next exciting stage of their lives. As the certificates were awarded each student made a very moving speech, expressing how much their lives had changed during the time they were with us, how much they have learned and how very grateful they were to be given this life-changing opportunity...More tears...followed by beautiful singing, dancing, and rejoicing.
During the 12 months that the young women are with us, they not only learn every aspect of tailoring, our volunteers also teach beginner computer skills which included working with Word and Excel, preparing their resume, creating their own personal email account and sending an email with an attachment. I know this sounds very mundane to most of us, but our students have not touched a computer when they first arrive. With shaking hands and sweaty palms, the young women are introduced to a whole new and exciting experience that they never dreamed they would be exposed to. This is not only a huge confidence builder for them, but it is also a great help when applying for work at one of the local manufacturing facilities or setting up and running their own business. By the time they graduate, they are quite confident and always eager to take their turn on our computers.
Empowering one young woman not only makes it possible for her to feed, support and educate her family, but the trickle-down effect will also continue for many future generations.
Please help us to continue to empower underprivileged young women by spreading the word about our project and our work. Please share this report on your Facebook, Instagram and other social media pages and encourage your friends to consider becoming one time or monthly donors. We have no office overhead, travel or salary expenses in Australia or the US. 100% of your donation goes directly toward our work in Kenya.
Asante Sana, thank you so very much.
Jennifer Hughes-Bystrom
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At the beginning of the month our tailoring students had a very special experience. We had gone out last month to a primary school in a very poor rural community within Nakuru County. Our girls each selected one young student to measure for a brand-new school uniform. I'm sure that at the time, the young children, who were accustomed to coming to school in torn, ill fitting, threadbare clothes and worn out shoes (if they were fortunate enough to have shoes) weren't quite sure what was going on.
Our students made uniform dresses, blouses, shorts and shirts for the young girls and boys they had each chosen to assist. We returned at the beginning of the month to deliver the new uniforms to some very surprised and delighted young children. The young girls also got an added surprise, some pretty new dresses out students had made for them.
The project was such a positive and uplifting experience for our students. When I suggested that we could do it again they eagerly agreed. Five girls were chosen from the group that will be graduating at the end of this month to go back to the region. This time they took measurements for 30 children. I’m not a dressmaker!!! I wouldn’t know where to begin measuring 30 children for pants, shirts, skirts, dresses, blouses, and shoes. Our young women started working very hard to get the task finished before their graduation from our 12 month course at the end of this month. I’m proud to say that, after working all day Saturday, they have the uniforms ready to take to the children this coming Wednesday. A joy our students didn’t want to miss before returning to their rural communities after graduation.
I learn from these hard working, determined young women every day and every day that I get to spend with them is truly an amazing gift. Watching marginally educated girls, who come from life experiences that are unimaginable to most of us, develop into confident young women during the twelve months they live with us is a great joy and true blessing for me.
I thank you so much for your continued support of this great program. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at jenniferhughes@springsofhopefoundation.org,
Asante Sana,
Jennifer Hughes-Bystrom
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Resilient is the first word that comes to mind when describing the five young women who joined us in January. Despite the unbelievable hardships they have endured during their young lives they are Determined to work hard and make the most of every training opportunity our program offers.
Charity is hearing impaired. She was a healthy child up until age 7, when she developed severe, recurring headaches. She was hospitalised for two months, during which time she lost her hearing completely. Charity is the youngest child of a family of twelve, she has four brothers and seven sisters. Her father works as a casual field labourer, which is seasonal. Charity remembers her family having to survive on one modest meal a day or sometimes having to go without food altogether when no work was available.
For as long as Charity can remember her mother was ill, tragically passing away when she was just thirteen. Charity says, “life has not been easy, but I am coping. Being accepted into this program has been completely life changing. I had no idea I could learn a trade that I enjoy so much and be able to support myself when I graduate.”
Your generous, ongoing support is helping young women like Charity achieve their dream of becoming independent. You are helping provide these young women with the ability to become self-sufficient and provide a better life for themselves and their families. We encourage you to consider starting a monthly recurring donation here. Even a few dollars a month will go a long way. Please also share this with your contacts and invite them to consider supporting this ongoing project.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at jenniferhughes@springsofhopefoundation.org
With great appreciation,
Jennifer Hughes-Bystrom
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It is hard to imagine another year has flown by. My time in Kenya over this year and every year is so productive, which can only happen because of the help of you our supporters.
My special thanks to my husband Bill, whose support is unfailing, and to the incredible work of our hardworking Kenya staff. To our volunteers, how can we all, ever say thank you? You bring us joy and so much laughter. Showing us that we are not forgotten and teach our young mothers that they too through education and being loved can one day be visiting you in your country.
I return next year to meet the new students that we take from their world of going without food and medical help and welcome them into our school to begin their education and a world of possibilities. I am continually grateful that I am not on this gigantic journey alone, we all thank you, for being right there with us.
2019, a year we know, we will continue to face our own challenges with funding and knowing the stories of our young mothers which break our hearts, but we see every single day the differences we are making not only to our girls but to our whole destitute community here, there is a future.
I personally wish you and your family a joyous festive season and a very merry Christmas. I'm so thankful that you are also part of our big family.
Warmly
Jennifer Hughes-Bystrom
Founder/CEO
Springs of Hope Foundation
Finally, the hectic scramble of Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us. Please join us today November 27th for Giving Tuesday as we give thanks, share our many blessings and kick off the sharing, caring and giving season! For the next 24 hours, we have the opportunity to share in a whopping $150,000 in matching funds.
For today only, Giving Tuesday, GlobalGiving will give away extra funds for every donation received. When you give to Springs of Hope Foundation's GlobalGiving project today, November 27th, your donation will help us qualify for a large share of the $150,000 in bonus money. Last year, over 700,000 people worldwide made a gift in honor of the spirit of #GivingTuesday.
We could never have come so far or accomplished so much without your continued support. We hope that this year, through your gifts, you'll join us in continuing to empowering our young women and children to become the leaders of change in their communities.
With Gratitude,
Jennifer Hughes-Bystrom
ON GIVING TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH.
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