2007 Kenya Children Project Review

Kenya Children Project 2007 Review

In 2007, a partnership between myself (Adam Gould), Life in Abundance International, and the Believers Centre Mathare Church created what is known as the Kenya Children Project. God’s hand in this partnership has been clear from the beginning as he has blessed the project with a great amount of progress in just one year. On top of that, we were $10,000 under our anticipated budget, which is a testament to those on the ground in Kenya using the resources well. I just want to highlight some of progress made in the first year, to keep you up to date…

We started the year with roughly 40 children in the school and ended with about 60. News of the good work spread throughout the community, and we got to a point where we could not take any more children in due to lack of space.

We were able to purchase 6 rooms surrounding the church and turned 4 of those rooms into classrooms, one into a kitchen and one into an office.

We started a feeding program for the children at the school. Each child received a cup of porridge in the morning, and rice, beans and greens at lunch, as well as fruit twice a week. This was provided 5 days a week, and we were able to do this for between roughly $6 per child, per month. The fruits and vegetables used in the lunch were purchased from mothers in our micro loan program.

We were able to purchase tables and benches for each of the classrooms, which were constructed by local carpenters, one of which was a father of one of our children. Desks and chairs were also purchase for each of our teachers. Each child also received a uniform.

We were able to hire 3 teachers who were with us for the whole year. In that time period they all have completed their teaching certification.

We have been able to put in a new toilet for the children to use, as well as. By the grace of God, purchase a water source inside the school.

We started our micro loan program with the children’s parents. The first group that received the initial loan, all paid back their loan in full. There have been stories of great success within the program - see Kevin’s Grandmother.

Out of an allotment for evangelism, a home based care program has emerged. Members of the Believers Centre have taken the initiative to be trained in home based care and have reached out to those suffering in the community, particularly those inflicted with HIV/AIDS.

As I have visited, there is a different feeling among the people in Jangwani – one of hope. The children look much healthier, and are full of energy and excited about their education.
2007 Expenses

Description
Year 1 Expense
1) $18,162 - School Costs (teacher salaries, construction, uniforms, feeding program, materials, tables and benches, water connection)
2) $11,113 - Staff Salaries and Administrative Costs
3) $2,126 - Micro loan Program
4) $946 - Evangelism

Total : $32,347



Micro loan program – Kevin’s Grandmother

Patricia Mwikali is one of the women in the micro loan program. She is 47 years old and has two daughters. Her first born daughter washes clothes which barely covers one meal. She is unable to pay rent or take care of other expenses, therefore her mother is forced to provide for her. Patricia is also taking care of her youngest daughter who is a junior in high school and her grandson, Kelvin, is enrolled in our school. Due to so much strain on Patricia, she enrolled in a merry go round financial program with several other women. They were able to save up a small amount of money, enough for each member to start a small business. Patricia began a small restaurant selling food to people in the Jangwani community. Because of the small amount of capital, the profit was not significant enough to provide for her family.Patricia looked elsewhere for help, and found out about he micro loan program through Kelvin’s school. She joined the program and was given a loan of 2000 Kenya Shillings, or roughly $30. This loan boosted her restaurant and she quickly began paying back the loan. She was given another loan and in August she rented a bigger room to expand the restaurant. Because of her success she was also able to purchase a larger room for her family to live in. Patricia received another loan and has also opened a small store where she sells vegetables. The store has been very successful and she has quickly been paying back her loan.Patricia’s spiritual life has changed as well. Whenever the women in the micro loan program meet, the project manager, Consolata, takes time to pray and share the word with them. In one of the meetings Patricia said, “I come from a community where people believe that when you want to learn a business you have to use witch craft. I didn’t know that God could open a door for me to get money from people who don’t even know me well, without using witchcraft. Now I believe that God is real.” Patricia is looking forward to paying off her most recent loan, and getting another one that will help her to continue expanding her business.

Thank you to those of you supporting the project through prayers as well as those supporting financially. God’s blessing and protection has been upon the KCP, and those of us involved are extremely grateful and in awe of what the Lord continues to do.