I just returned from my 4th trip to Kenya since joining the board of the Kijabe Children’s Education Fund. Challenges for residents of the slums of greater Nairobi have only intensified in that time. Inflation remains an enormous issue for our families who get by on less than $2 a day, and political turmoil and demonstrations have led to work and pay interruptions for those same families who have no savings to fall back on. Aid cuts are also taking a toll.
In the face of all these challenges, it was wonderful to see the schools we support continuing to make progress. Enrollments are increasing, teachers are being supported and trained, children are being fed nutritious meals and our schools continue to expand the use of KCEF supplied computers in their teaching. In fact, our schools are outpacing their peers in adapting to a very significant curriculum change mandated by the Kenyan government a few years ago.
A highlight of this trip was attending the first graduation ceremony at Blissnet Vocational College, a humble but highly effective training center. Blissnet was the brainchild of a group of pastors we have supported for over a decade in the Kiandutu slum just outside Nairobi in the city of Thika. We initially supported these pastors in feeding the youth of Kiandutu on Saturday mornings. Nearly a thousand children now come to be fed every Saturday, and meals are also provided on Mondays and Wednesdays—often the only three meals these children can count on each week.
In an additional outreach, Margaret and Nicodemus, a married couple among the pastors, felt a calling to help young adults in Kiandutu. There are no jobs available for youth who graduate from secondary school without technical skills and with no hope of affording university. Although Nicodemus ran a successful cyber cafe offering computer training to a small number of these youths, he and Margaret had a wider vision for renting space in a nearby building and expanding beyond computer training to other technical skills.
Margaret and Nicodemus presented their initial plans to us several years ago, and I distinctly remember the excited discussion we had as board members on the van ride back from Thika to Nairobi, as we considered the possibilities. With KCEF support, Blissnet expanded slowly at first, offering driving classes as well as expanded computer classes. Today Blissnet offers courses in computers, driving, plumbing, electrical work, auto repair and cosmetology. Government certification offered in each discipline has enabled over 83% of the nearly 700 graduates to be gainfully employed. KCEF funds the majority of each student’s tuition, but each one is required to pay a portion, which leads to the enrollment of only very committed students.
The Blissnet graduation was a joyous event, as you can see in this brief video.
You simply cannot watch this video without feeling the joy of this occasion. Proud graduates and parents joined with teachers, pastors and KCEF staff and board members to celebrate the success of both students and Blissnet itself. Thanks to your support we are able to offer hope for students and their families for a brighter future. With the hard work of Margaret and Nicodemus, committed instructors and KCEF coming alongside, we are making a big difference in the community and bringing God’s blessing to those in desperate need. We deeply appreciate your partnership with us.
With Gratitude,
Jud Reis
Vice Chair of the KCEF Board
Kijabe Children’s Education Fund
Friends, We are in awe of your generosity. Not only did we meet our $50k matching gift, but we surpassed it with a total of $69, 275. This means that $119,275 can go toward strengthening existing programs and adding a new partner! Every gift matters to the children we serve. Thank you!