Not many of our supporters know that the total cost of supporting a student is approximately double what the sponsor contributes. Sponsors’ contributions cover the education component of a student’s program expenses including tuition, school supplies, uniform and shoes. However, students also receive two meals a day (more if the family is particularly needy), healthcare, caseworker support, access to a computer lab and library, sexual and reproductive health and life skills programming, camp and more. To make all of our supplemental programs possible, additional funds must be raised each year.
In Kenya, secondary school is commonly a boarding format. This may seem odd for those of us in the U.S. who are used to teenagers living at home until they finish high school but for these students and their families it is a huge benefit. At boarding school the students are cared for, fed, have beds of their own and are able to focus on their studies instead of worrying about life in the slums.
In February, sponsors and donors were invited to help raise funds to purchase and fill school trunks for our secondary boarding students. Throughout the year, trunks are filled with things like shoe polish, feminine products, laundry soap, towels, and bedding. With your help, we were able to meet our goal of $10,000 to provide these items to students. Now, they will be able to focus on school knowing that their needs have been met.
Asante Sana!
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