By Alison Johnston Mistak | Project Manager
At the end of 2010, AYA was thrilled to have harvested over 200 90kg bags of corn, quadrupling our harvest from 2009. Donations allowed us to purchase a tractor which greatly assisted in our efficiency in preparing the land in time for the rains. However, the good news doesn't stop there. We have been able to purchase an additional 7 acres which will more than double the size of our farm and allow us to feed even more children. None of this would not have been possible without the generosity of our supporters!
To truly understand the impact the farm is making in the lives of desperately needy children, it is helpful to look at Pauline's story. Like so many of the children receiving meals from the AYA farm, the farm's benefits for Pauline extend far beyond providing nutrition. Pauline was born into extreme poverty in the Nairobi slum of Korogocho. Her mother could not afford to take care of her and left her in the care of her grandmother. Her grandmother was HIV-positive and as her health deteriorated, Pauline became her primary caretaker. At nine years old, Pauline fetched water, made breakfast for herself and her grandmother, and administered her grandmother's medication before going to school each morning. When she returned in the evenings she to go to the market and make dinner before doing her homework by light from a lantern. Her grandmother died when Pauline was 10 and her mother passed away not long after. Pauline was taken in by other relatives living in a crowded tin shack in the slum.
Despite her challenges, Pauline remained one of the top-scoring students in her class. However, once she began secondary school she could no longer afford the fees and had to drop out of school. Luckily, Pastor Fred Afwai knew of Pauline's story and potential, and agreed to take her into Hands with Hope Safehouse and set her up with a scholarship to St. Matthew's Secondary School (both, are AYA partners). Pastor Fred was able to help Pauline because receiving corn from the AYA farm has allowed the Hands with Hope Safehouse to have a reliable source of food (corn is the main in ingredient in the Kenyan staple called ugali) and more disposable income. Pauline now has a safe, stable home and the opportunity to finish her education.
Can you help AYA to reach more children like Pauline by making a donation to the AYA farm or helping us spread the word about this very valuable, life-changing project?
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