Education Kenya Project #52745

Project Pamoja! Build the school of tomorrow

by Volunteers Foundation

Project Report | Sep 10, 2024
One milestone reached, a new one on the horizon!

By Monica Dan | Founder

You might have followed the news on our social media, but if not...we’re thrilled to officially share some wonderful updates with you! Our newly redeveloped school building is now open, and the impact it’s having on our students is nothing short of inspiring.

This building isn’t just walls and windows—it’s a beacon of hope, guiding our students toward a brighter future. We firmly believe that a well-designed, safe infrastructure is absolutely crucial to fostering academic success and providing students with the quality education they deserve. Every corner has been created with love and care. Each detail reflects our commitment to giving children the best possible environment to learn, grow, and succeed.

Let me share a few success stories that highlight the transformative power of education and community support:

In the past, you heard me speak about Lucy, one of our students. Today, Lucy is a skilled birth nurse. Considering the high maternal mortality rate in Kenya, Lucy’s work is vital. If she assists with the birth of one child every day throughout her projected 40-year career, she will help approximately 13,200 mothers give birth, likely saving many lives in the process.

You might also have heard me speak about Clackson, a child we found in the bushes, literally, who is now studying Music at Kenyatta University. Clackson has already begun to give back to the community by leading our young students to the Kenya Music Festival, demonstrating the transformative power of the arts.

And then there’s Sharon, who recently graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Sharon is set to enter the workforce this September, ready to apply her skills and contribute to the economic development of our community.

These stories are just a few examples of the ripple effect that our program has created. Education not only changes the lives of individual VF students but also uplifts their families and the entire community.

Recently, one teacher shared with us that students are now lingering and never want to leave the school grounds after classes—yes, you read that right! They are choosing to stay, enjoying the comfort and safety of their new surroundings. The enhanced infrastructure is clearly encouraging more engagement and a stronger connection to learning.

With the additional space and resources, we’re excited to announce that next year we’ll be able to welcome even more students. A solid, well-equipped foundation like this ensures more children have the opportunity to receive the education they need to achieve their full potential, setting them up for long-term success.

The joy and enthusiasm among the students are palpable. Their confidence has blossomed, and it shows in everything they do—from their lively class discussions to their eagerness to take on new challenges. This is exactly what we aim for—an environment where every child feels empowered and supported.

And it doesn’t stop there. This new space will also become a key hub for the entire community, offering resources and programs that will benefit everyone. It’s not just a school; it’s a place where dreams take root and grow.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our donors. A heartfelt thank you to all our donors, especially to our amazing VF GlobalGiving supporters. We also want to express our deepest gratitude to Fly&Help, MonteMare, and Ark Construction for coming together to bring this long-standing dream into a reality. Your generosity has made this vision come to life.

Excitingly, phase two of this development will follow, which includes building new sports grounds for our students. More details will come in the next few months! For now, continue to be part of the VF journey—be the light bearer for the new students.

Keep supporting us by donating a desk or sponsoring a child. Together, we can create brighter futures, one child at a time.

Thank you from the VF Team and all the students!

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May 24, 2024
Building Dreams in Kibera!

By Monica Dan | Founder

New School New Energy

Do you remember when you last bought a new outfit for an important event? How did you feel when you wore it? The newness of it and the great look made you feel good and excited about the event. Now think about that feeling for a moment and imagine it multiplied by a hundred. This is what the children will feel when they enter the new school building once it is finalized.

They have witnessed the transformation from the old building to the new one. First the foundation, then the first floor, then the second floor, and soon the roof will be added. Imagine how much they look forward to seeing it all completed and the joy on their faces when they sit in their new classrooms, ready to embark on an educational journey that could change their lives. They are already eager to come to school every day and don’t want to go home at the end of the day. We can only imagine how excited they will be once this new facility is ready.

Back in 2014, VF dreamed of building a haven in Kibera—a school where children could learn and grow, safe from the elements. We knew this journey wouldn’t be easy, but our passion for providing a stable, nurturing environment for these children fueled our determination.

Fast forward to today, and our dream is nearly realized. We’ve overcome numerous obstacles over the years, from securing land to navigating bureaucratic red tape. Now, the school building stands tall, almost ready to receive our students. But we’re facing a final hurdle: the classrooms are still empty.

The rising costs of materials have stretched our budget thin, and we need to furnish the classrooms to transform the building into the educational center we envisioned. With the opening date set for 15 August, we’re pressed for time and need your help more than ever.

We ask for your help once again. Your support can fill these classrooms with desks, chairs, and all the essentials to create a warm, welcoming learning environment. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to opening our doors and offering Kibera’s children a bright, hopeful future. One individual desk and chair cost £20, and to fit a classroom costs £600. We will be very grateful, and to show our appreciation, we'll add your name to the "Thank You" wall.

We’ve come so far together, and with your help, we can cross this final finish line. Join us in making this dream a reality. Let’s ensure that on 15 August, the doors of the Kibera school swing open to a world of possibilities for the VF children and community.

By helping us reach this milestone, you’re not just donating furniture; you’re giving the gift of education and hope. You will give the VF students the daily joy of learning and the pleasure of gaining knowledge.

Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and for believing in the transformative power of education. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

Warmest regards,
The VF Team

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Jan 25, 2024
Building the future, one brick at a time

By Monica Dan | Founder

As the school year began, excitement fills the air as students and educators start a new journey of learning and growth. The positive energy radiates not only from the small and tight classrooms but also from the construction site next door, where a new school building is slowly coming up.

The dual progress of academic year and physical construction are intertwined. The VF students check everyday the progress and are super motivated by the prospect of a new school. They demonstrate a heightened enthusiasm for learning. Teachers, too, embrace the positive atmosphere, utilizing every opportunity to inspire.

We want you too to be part of it. We share here a snippet of a day at VFA. On one side of our space parents meetings and reading sessions took place, one the other side a dream is slowly becoming reality.

The initial stages of the school's construction mark infact a promising start, with foundations nearly all laid and walls soon rising. The vision of a modern yet warm, conducive learning environment will be materializing, thanks to the collective efforts of the sponsors and donors, pro bono consultants and the community as a whole. Each day, the students anticipate the moment they will step into the new facility that will enhance their educational experience.

However, the journey is not without challenges. Rains and delayed delivery of materials played an important part. But progress is steady now. Everyone involved rallies together to finalise the project within the envisaged times. The goal is clear: to provide students with a fully equipped, inspiring space that nurture their academic and personal development.

For all the above reasons, we would like to ask your help. We have not reached the fundraising target for this project. This isn't just a plea for financial assistance; it is an invitation to actively participate in shaping the future of our education program.

We would be happy to get organizing with you events, promoting awareness, and showcasing the importance of investing in quality education infrastructure .

This journey is not about the obstacles that we encounter but about the collaborative spirit that emerges from each of us to overcome them.We play together a vital role in shaping the educational landscape for the better.

Thank you,

Monica on behalf of the VF Team

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