Double your impact with our $50K match for vocational training!
Margaret Wangari’s early life was grim, and she could have easily fallen by the wayside. But she survived and vowed to help others like herself. In 2023, KCEF partnered with Margaret to launch a vocational program offering accredited cosmetology, computer, driving, electrical, mechanics and plumbing courses for youth in her hometown slum who are the poorest of the poor. We need your help to secure a permanent location and ensure continued operations for the vocational program, so that more students like Isaac and Edith (featured below) have hope and a future. Your donation will be multiplied by a $50,000 match!
All the best,
Jennifer M. Jukanovich, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Margaret with her family
My name is Margaret Wangari. I was born and raised in the Kiandutu slums outside of Nairobi. I am the third-born in a family of five. Growing up, life was incredibly difficult. My parents made a living by selling illicit brew, and getting a simple meal was often a struggle. When I was in 11th grade, my father tragically committed suicide, leaving my mother devastated. She turned to heavy drinking and was later diagnosed as HIV positive. Despite these challenges, she somehow managed to pay my school fees through my senior year.
I dreamed of attending college, but it seemed impossible.
With my mom’s illness, I had to take on odd jobs to support the family. Just when I was about to give up, I received a training program that restored my hope, gave me a job, and allowed me to return to college. This opportunity also enabled me to relocate my family to a safer area in rural Kenya and introduced me to our friends at the Kijabe Children’s Educational Fund.
The struggles I witnessed in my community, where young girls turn to prostitution, boys fall into drug abuse, and poverty is rampant, inspired me to take action. Many parents in Kiandutu see no value in educating their children, and countless orphans have been left behind due to HIV/AIDS. Motivated by my life’s challenges, and with KCEF’s help, I decided to start a vocational school to offer skills and opportunities to the youth. Thanks to KCEF, my dream of transforming lives is becoming a reality.
In the last three years, because of KCEF’s investment, the vocational program has graduated 700 students in plumbing, cosmetology, mechanics, driving, computers, and electricity programs. Seventy percent of working adults are unemployed in my community, but eighty-three percent of our graduates have found work or are in further studies. We are so proud.
The two stories below highlight the character of our students.
Isaac Mutahi working on a car
Isaac Mutahi is a visionary and determined young man whose journey reflects the power of support, resilience, and hard work.
Isaac was sponsored by KCEF to pursue a course in Motor Vehicle Engineering. His journey, however, began much earlier. As an orphan, Isaac was taken in by the the pastors KCEF partners with when he was in Grade 7. Until he completed high school, the pastors faithfully supported him by paying his school fees and rent and providing food throughout his primary and secondary education.
After finishing high school, Isaac enrolled in a mechanics course, driven by his passion for motor vehicles. Upon completion of the course, he secured a three-month industrial internship in Thika Town.
His commitment, discipline, and skills impressed his supervisors, and he was offered a job at the same garage after his internship ended. Today, Isaac is fully employed and is able to cater for all his basic needs independently. Determined to improve himself further, he has also enrolled in a driving course to become more skilled and competitive in the motor industry.
Beyond personal success, Isaac is committed to giving back to the community. Every Saturday, he volunteers his time to train young boys, mentoring them in life skills and life values so they can grow into responsible and self-reliant men.
Edith with her daughter
Edith was sponsored by KCEF to pursue a course in cosmetology, a passion she nurtured since childhood. As the firstborn in a family of seven, Edith grew up in deep poverty. She was a bright student in high school, but life after school took an unexpected turn. Feeling overwhelmed by the hardships at home, she got married immediately after high school in an attempt to escape her difficult circumstances.
Edith gave birth to a baby, but life remained challenging, especially since her husband works as a casual laborer making only a few dollars a day. Determined to change her situation and provide a better future for her child, Edith made the bold decision to pursue her long-held dream in cosmetology.
Edith enrolled in the vocational program, where she diligently completed her cosmetology course. After graduating, she undertook a three-month industrial internship to perfect her skills and gain practical experience. Her commitment, creativity, and professionalism quickly set her apart.
Today, Edith has started a mobile hairdressing service, allowing her to reach clients directly. Because of the quality of her work, she continues to receive many referrals, steadily growing her customer base. Through her income and the little her husband earns, the family has been able to enroll their child in a better school, a milestone that once felt out of reach.
Edith Wanjiru’s journey shows that with opportunity, determination, and support, young women can rise above difficult circumstances and create lasting change for their families.
Your partnership with KCEF is needed to support more success stories like Esther and Isaac! Donate and have your gift multiplied by our $50,000 match!
You can do so by donating online through this link or via check made payable to Kijabe Children’s Educational Fund and mailed to 6 Maple Street, Essex, MA 01929.