Improve the education of 2,000 students in Kenya

Dear supporters, donors, and friends,

Brady and I would like to share some important updates from Kenya! We are currently visiting Hopeful Africa’s seven partner schools to hear their academic accomplishments and learn how we can continue to support their education.

Here are some updates we want to share with you:

Even though Ogilgei Primary School had lower national examination test scores, likely due to a country wide teacher strike, all students from the 2015 8th grade class moved on to secondary schools. Additionally, their top achieving student has been accepted into a prestigious national school.

At Ogilgei Secondary School we had the opportunity to meet the 22 students sponsored by Hopeful Africa. We learned that the sponsored students were the highest achieving students, topping each of their classes. We asked the students how the support of Hopeful Africa has affected them and this is what one of them said:

“Support from Hopeful Africa has brought great impact on my performance in class. Since I got support from Hopeful Africa, I have not missed any class, since we are no longer being sent home for fees and I have immensely improved my grade from D+ to B- and with great confidence I know that I will further improve my grade to a grade which will be valid at any institution and enable me to reach my future dreams. Hopeful Africa has been more like our mother, and we highly appreciate support from Hopeful Africa. May God bless Hopeful Africa, May God bless America.” - Caleb

Kirobon Primary School had the best performance in school history. From 1st grade to 8th grade each class was either 1st, 2nd or 3rd in the district rankings of public schools...this is a huge accomplishment. Brady asked the head teacher why district rankings had improved, and she quickly responded that “It is due to the support Hopeful Africa has provided to our school over the years.”

Emarangishu Primary School is undergoing change with a new head teacher. Mr. Towett has a level of dedication that we have never seen before. He has chosen to live on school grounds, has lengthened the school day to improve the performance, and has brought the whole community together to invest in education. We truly saw the meaning of equal partnership after talking to him. Everyone is excited to see how the school’s performance will improve by the end of the year, and they are confident it will be a significant improvement.

At Kondamet Primary School (previously Marishoni). This school was started a few years ago by the parents in the community because students had to walk more than three miles toschool. Hopeful Africa became involved with the school soon after it began. The school had 12 students in the start of 2014, 77 students in 2015, and it now has 184 students! Last year the school only had two teachers, and now the school has four teachers plus one head teacher employed by the government. Hopeful Africa provides support for two of the four teachers.

Our final experience so far was at Ruiyobei Primary School. There we were welcomed by a new headteacher and a larger staff team. The new administration had worked hard to ensure that the school was fully utilizing the resources at their disposal. This was clearly evident after the headteacher shared that there was a 19% increase in the national examination schools placing the school 3rd in the division! He attributed the success to the support Hopeful Africa has provided.

From providing access to secondary education, to achieving high ranks in the district, and increasing enrollment by over 1000%, we have truly seen the impact Hopeful Africa is making in the lives of thousands of students in Kenya. This would not be possible if it weren’t for the support you provide. You truly make a difference in the lives of youth in Kenya.

Unfortunately, the work is not done. Hopeful Africa’s support is needed more than ever to continue its partnership with these schools. While we have seen the impact at each of these schools, we have also experienced and seen needs and challenges faced by the schools. Additional teachers are still needed to reduce the student to teacher ratios and provide quality education. Textbooks and storybooks are required to boost better learning opportunities for students. Future resources will allow for development to continue at these partner schools.

We hope you will join us in this movement. A movement to give every student in these communities an opportunity to succeed. We have a great opportunity for you to take a part in this. On Wednesday, June 15 GlobalGiving will be matching all donations made to Hopeful Africa at 50% until matching funds run out. This opportunity will allow for you to make a greater impact. Please fill out this simple form with your information and we will remind you on the day of to donate. We hope you will consider this request.

Thank you for reading and we look forward to your support in our upcoming Global Giving campaign.

-Moses & Brady