keshokenya.blogspot.com

Kesho Meets President Barak Obama

Kesho Organisation — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 08:27:00 +0000

Kesho Co-Founder, Zena Salim was invited for a Civil Society Conversation with President Barak Obama last week during his visit to Kenya.

Zena, wearing a flamboyant african dress and headscarf in earthy colours of ochre and green, said her heart missed a couple of beats when Barak Obama walked into the room. Her legs went weak and she felt she would faint with the enormity of the moment. Well it's not surprising really is it?

The President, quickly put everyone at their ease, taking off his jacket and giving his genuine and heartfelt praise to the group of civic society representatives on the huge and important contribution they make towards bringing positive change to their communities and country. They talked for two hours on a wide range of topics and Obama listened and commented and encouraged and motivated them all to continue their good work.

Zena (far right), doing her Civic Society work; motivating Kesho Mums in Kilifi.

Barak Obama's visit lifted the whole nation. He is the first American President to visit Kenya and the First American President to be Kenyan. What a wonderful opportunity for Zena and for Kesho to be a part of this historic and momentous occasion.

Evans Odhiambo, Kesho's Executive Director, was also invited to an open session in Nairobi, with the President, as a representative of Kesho. That's two American Presidents he's met in the last year: Clinton in London in December, and Obama in Nairobi in July!

It's been a great year for Kesho and a sign that our good work is beginning to be recognised locally as well as nationally.

Our thanks to Mr. John Smith-Sreen, Democracy, Governance and Conflict Director, USAID for inviting Zena.

The Meeting with Civic Society Representatives took place at the Regional Leadership Center for the Young African Leaders Initiative (Chandaria Innovation and Incubation Centre, Kenyatta University) on July 26th 2015.

Kesho Boy competes in Optimist Dinghy Sailing Kenya Nationals

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 08:14:00 +0000

Rama surprised and delighted us all again this year when he competed in the Optimist Dinghy Sailing Kenya Nationals Competition which was held in Kilifi, Kenya on the 15th and 16th July, 2015.

He completed all races with ease, coping extraordinarily well with both the strong and the lighter winds. Having had a challenging year, his attendance was very intermittent at the fortnightly sailing squad training sessions with 3 Degrees South. Had he trained regularly who knows where he would have been placed. We can only admire his resilience, tenacity and talent. For more photos see our Kesho Facebook Page

The Start Line

Tacking towards the finish line

Rama hiking out and coping well with the strong winds

Rama (far left) in a competitive and tight cluster of boats heading to the
windward buoy while overcoming wind and waves.

Crossing the Start Line. Rama in centre sailing GBR5114

The Kesho Board say thank you to Tahreni Bwanaali 2015

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 17:21:00 +0000

L-R: Santie de Villiers (Secretary), Mary Muthoni (Member), Saida Famau (Member), Sam Kinyanjui (Member), Zena Salim (Chair and Co-Founder), Tahreni Bwanaali (Advisor & Departing Member), Kate Nokes (Co-Founder and Member), Kelly Muraya (Vice Secretary)

The Kesho Board had a very special farewell at the Kilifi Mnarani Club for Tahreni Bwanaali (third from right) who will be leaving the Board after 3 years. We're happy she will remain with Kesho as an Advisor and we will be supporting her in her retirement in building her own education charity in Lamu, following Kesho's model.

Tahreni has considerable experience and expertise in HR, Organisational Structures and Governance and we have all learned a great deal from her during her time with us on the Board. Her wisdom and calm, respectful nature is something we all aspire to.

Thank you Tahreni for your enormous contribution, particularly in helping to prepare, guide and strengthen Kesho through it's successful transition of leadership last year. You've been an amazing role model to us all and we look forward to working with you in the future.

Celebrating Success: A Kesho Students Story

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Tue, 19 May 2015 16:23:00 +0000

Out of the 31 Kesho Students who completed their Form 4 Secondary Education last year, one girl particularly stood out from the rest.

Her name is Mercyline and this is her story.

Mercyline is one of the most determined students Kesho has ever had.

She was brought up by a single mum who worked as a house help in different homes to provide for her four children. Mercyline knew that there was only one way out for her and her family… education.

She was four years late enrolling in secondary school, yet despite being eighteen and among children four years younger than her, she did not waver her focus. She took up leadership positions while at school and pursued her education with tenacity and determination.

Things didn't always go smoothly in spite of her efforts. She was once punished and sent home for about a week for having not reported and because of an indiscipline case which had been committed by other students. As a result she missed an exam and for the first time was ranked last in her class. Kesho encouraged her not to give up. She attended a leadership training at our resource centre and decided there and then to carry on with her leadership duties until she graduated.

Her hard work paid off. She scored the highest grade among the seven girls who sat from their KCSE exams last year.

She says….

“I am so privileged to have received Kesho’s sponsorship; I am very close to realising my dream of being a teacher now that I shall be joining university. I want to be a good role model in my village and prove that determination can take you far”

Kesho KCSE Results 2014 - Our Best Ever!

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 11:48:00 +0000

Kesho Students having every reason to celebrate

All 31 Kesho students who sat their end of secondary national exams (KCSE) in November 2014 gained grades from A - C (see graph below).

That means that every one of them earned government assisted places on university degree or diploma courses. A brilliant achievement.

Kesho will continue to support them as they transition to higher education at the end of 2015.

These were students which had been under the attentive care and supervision of Beatrice Njeri, the Secondary Programme Officer throughout their four years of secondary education. They've attended regular academic appraisals, career days, reproductive and sexual health days, leadership training, IT training and more.

Well done Beatrice for supporting them every step of the way.

Teacher Training on Phonics

Kesho Organisation — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 12:42:00 +0000

News spread fast among the nursery and primary school teachers around Kilifi, that Wendy Buddin had come back to give some follow-up training on how to use phonics to teach literacy in the classroom. Nearly all the teachers from last year came plus six new teachers too.

Supported by her friend Louise Baker and by Kesho's Primary Programme Officer, Charity, they spent a wonderful inspiring afternoon together, learning a lot of new ideas and techniques on modern approaches to teaching literacy.

Kesho's literacy programme was set up in response to the poor literacy rates, particularly on the coast of Kenya where 75% of children can't read a short story by the age of 10 years (Uwezo Report 2013). The obstacles to learning to read are enormous - class sizes are often between 50 and 80, there is a general lack of story books and resources in schools, teacher training courses are out-dated and, significantly, children are learning to read in their 2nd or 2rd language.

We're now seeing the impact our individual reading sessions with children are having on their reading ability. Off the press results show that of the 38 children who read regularly, 40% are reading to within 1 year of their age compared to only 10% of those who do not get the extra individual practice.

Thanks so much Wendy and Louise for your huge contribution and expertise; your belief and commitment means a lot.

Kesho Annual Newsletter 2014

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 21:58:00 +0000

Lots of lovely stories, photos and highlights from the year.

Thanks to all of you who make it happen.

Read on or download from our website

Kesho & Kilifi Gold Triathlon 2014

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 12:24:00 +0000

There were many winners at the Kilifi Gold Triathlon again this year, not least, Kesho who were chosen as the recipient charity! We're planning to spend the proceeds to strengthen our programme of support for our university and college students - who are quickly approaching 100!

It was a brilliant event with around 70 competitors and loads of community support to cheer us all on. The course has to be one of the most beautiful in the country; a 750m swim in Kilifi Creek followed by a 20km cycle and a 5km run around Kilifi Sisal Plantation.

Kesho was out there in full force with 6 secondary students participating in the team event and 2 Kesho Board Members completing the individual event. We also had a Kesho stall with lots of Kesho children volunteering their support and selling snacks. Kesho staff were really busy throughout as they were members of the organising committee and also doubled up as photographers! One of the best moments was the performance by some of the primary children who sang and recited a poem called "Respect".

Evans, our new ED gave a great speech to thank the KGT organising committee for their tremendous work. Already looking forward to next year....

Enjoy the photos...

Kesho kids selling Yummy Snanks/Snacks!

First girls team on the podium with Event Organiser, Warren Wilson (L)
Photo courtesy of Biko Wesa

Kesho Primary Girls singing to the crowd
of supporters before prize giving
Photo courtesy of Biko Wesa

Loads of very welcome community support

Kesho children helping Sandra
(Kesho's Primary Programme Officer) to sell snacks

Kesho Secondary Students celebrating their team effort

Santie and Kate - Kesho's Board Members -
exhausted having completed the individual event!

Evans, Kesho's new Executive Director,
giving a thank you speech before the prize giving
Photo courtesy of Biko Wesa

Leadership Training with One Bead from the USA - Aug 2014

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 14:17:00 +0000

We were tremendously grateful for the voluntary services of One Bead who came all the way from the USA to run a four day leadership training course for Kesho secondary students; numbers were restricted to 50 and all places were filled!

There were games, team building projects and a day of community service at Sarafina Children's Home to help cook, clean and entertain the children; the desire to give back remains extremely strong among our students.

These photos and the VIDEO are best at telling the story. It was just brilliant!

Thanks again to One Bead - do come again!

Kesho Students with One Bead Founder, Sara Wroblewski, celebrating their new found friendships.

Sara and colleague Kristy talking about

A team activity involving constructing sculptures out of sticks and straws.

Kesho Leaders enjoying the opportunity to give back to their
community by working at a local orphanage

Sara Wroblewski, Founder of One Bead, awarding certificates on the last day.

One Bead signatures - a gift to all Kesho participants and staff - a symbol of unity.

Beatrice, Kesho Secondary Programme Officer with Sara
celebrating a wonderful 4 days

Kesho students saying goodbye, inspired and excited
having completed the leadership course.

Welcoming Evans Odhiambo, Kesho's new Executive Director

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 14:08:00 +0000

Celebrating 10 years with Kesho

Kate Nokes welcomes new Executive Director, Evans Odhiambo

Over the past 10 years I’ve had the enormous pleasure of working with you all to build Kesho into the vibrant organisation it is today. We are proud to have developed such a wonderful team and transformed Kesho from being a small sponsorship fund, to one which is now providing holistic educational support to nearly 1,000 children.

To secure Kesho’s long-term growth and sustainability, it needed to move from being a voluntary Co-Founder led organisation to one which is professionally run and staffed.

I have, therefore, decided to step down as Executive Director (ED), a move I am confident is right for Kesho and right for me too.

It is a decision which we have been working towards for quite some time, in open conversation with Kesho's staff and Board, and such transparency has allowed us to plan accordingly to strengthen the organisation to withstand my transition. We have comprehensive policies in place and a new Board comprising new and old members who are completely committed to our 5 year strategic plan and excited about taking Kesho forward.

It is my great pleasure to introduce you to Kesho's next Executive Director, Evans Odhiambo and I invite you all to join me in welcoming him wholeheartedly to our team. He is joining us from the Africa Education Project, Nairobi, where he has been the Country Director for the past 4 years.

Evans, without doubt, has the skills, passion and drive to take Kesho forward. Over the next 10 months I will be to hand to share every part of the ED role with him.

It will be my pleasure to hand over and watch Kesho flourish under his new leadership.

Kesho will remain in very good hands. Co-Founder, Zena Salim, Kesho's "Heart" will continue as Chairperson and remain active in her ambassadorial and community engagement roles. As for myself, I too, will remain on the Board and enjoy the opportunity of overseeing the organisation while having the flexibility to spend a little more time in the UK to meet my children's needs.

It truly has been an incredible decade.

With best wishes to you all,

Kate Nokes
Co-Founder and
Outgoing Executive Director
Kesho

Kesho KCSE Student number 7 in the whole country

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 11:55:00 +0000

Kesho sponsored student from the coast, Calvin Mwandime, ranks number 7 out of 446,696 candidates in the country in his KCSE this year. An incredible and well deserved achievement. Two students from the Coast performed in the top 10 nationally this year demonstrating the academic competitiveness of our region.

Calvin and Amina celebrating with Kesho staff at the office yesterday

After doing so well at primary school Calvin was offered a place at Nairobi School, one of the top schools in the country. His family, from Mtopanga, were supportive of Calvin’s continued education but, as casual workers, the fees were way beyond their ability to pay – equivalent to nearly their year’s salary. Without the support of Kesho, Calvin would have had to go to a local school where it is doubtful he would have achieved the success he has.

Calvin was able to succeed due to his quiet strength determination and through the conducive learning environment at school and the support at Kesho in which we was offered termly academic advice and encouragement; a resource centre, safe and supervised to study in the holidays among friends; access to an active enrichment and training programme which includes IT and Leadership skills plus careers advice and workshops on reproductive and sexual health.

Calvin is an extremely bright, modest and quietly determined young man who has succeeded against the odds, not only becoming the top ranking student in Coast County but also number 7 in the whole country. This is an incredible achievement and he’s looking forward the opportunity of joining JKUAT next year to study Engineering. He says with his big open smile

”I am totally overwhelmed and over joyed. I never expected to be among the top in the country. I’m so grateful to Kesho for paying my fees and giving me the opportunity to study without setbacks”

A total of 20 Kesho students sat their KCSE last year and the three top performing students were Calvin Mwandime (Nairobi School) 84 points, Amina Omar (Moi Girls) 79 points, Laureen Mbuche Karima (Loreta High School) 78 points. All are looking forward to taking up their places at University next year and giving back to Kesho as role models and as volunteer peer educators. They’ve very bright futures ahead and Kesho is cheering them on all the way!

Phonics Teacher Training Course

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 14:53:00 +0000

We all agreed what a wonderful job Wendy Buddin did in introducing some of the nursery and early primary school teachers to the world of "Phonics" in our resource centre during February, 2014. Supported by her friend Louise Baker and by Kesho's Primary Programme Officer, Sandra Liani, they spent two wonderfully inspiring days together, learning a lot of new ideas and techniques on modern approaches to teaching literacy.

Literacy rates in Kenya are poor, and particularly poor on the Coast where we are: 75% of children can't read a short story by the age of 10 years (Uwezo Report 2013). The obstacles to learning to read are enormous - class sizes are often between 50 and 80, there is a general lack of story books and resources in schools, teacher training courses are out-dated and, significantly, children are learning to read in their 2nd or 2rd language.

This is just the beginning for Kesho - Sandra will be following up each week to help give teachers the courage, skills and creativity and enthusiasm to try introducing 10 minutes of phonics to their literacy lessons every day.

Thanks so much Wendy and Louise for your huge contribution and expertise; I can't say how much your belief and commitment means to us.

Wendy teaching Teachers with Support from Louise

Wendy really giving it all

One of the teachers giving her vote of confidence
to the phonics method to the rest of the team by sharing
her personal experience of using it in the classroom

Meet Mbigo

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 09:37:00 +0000

Meet Mbigo - Kesho student since 2008 and our first to pledge financial support of another Kesho student in need.

Kesho's first student to start sponsoring another - the give back cycle has begun!

May I introduce you to Mbigo - a very special Kesho sponsored student and alumni member.

In 2007, just before Mbigo sat his primary school end of year exams both his parents died. Somehow, in spite of such adversity, he managed to score really high marks and earned a place at one of the top secondary schools in the country. It was an opportunity not to be missed but the cost of such a school was prohibitively expensive let alone the fact that it was a day and a half journey away. Kesho clubbed together with two other local benefactors in order to help him accept the place and he was then accompanied to school by a well-wisher.

Things were not plain sailing though, being at school so far away and with no stable home to return to there were still many challenges ahead. While his sister was really doing her best to earn some money it was not enough for them both. After a time it was agreed that in the holidays Mbigo would stay at an orphanage which we knew to be good. Thanks to the owner and his sponsor (two very inspirational people) he was very well nurtured and encouraged and his confidence grew immeasurably.

When he sat is end of secondary school exams, 4 years later, he was one of the top performing students in the county and this earned him a nationally competitive scholarship with Commercial Bank to study for a degree in Informatics at a University in Nairobi.

While he waited to take up his place Mbigo worked for Kesho for a year in our offices and resource centre, giving administrative support as well as being a fantastic peer educator and role model. He always greeted everyone with a huge smile like the one in the photo which was instantly warm and welcoming!

During the holidays, Mbigo now works at Commercial Bank where he is paid a small stipend. The other day, he popped by the office bright eyed and full of inspiration. He pledged he wanted to be a great not only in academics but also as a person. On that day he made his first cash payment towards sponsoring another Kesho student through school.

Mbigo is our first student to sponsor another. We're so humbled and impressed by his commitment and belief in giving back. Mbigo and other members of the Kesho Alumni have to be the future of Kesho - we believe there are very exciting opportunities ahead.

Rising STARS Award Winners 2013

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Mon, 16 Dec 2013 13:22:00 +0000

Kesho wins international award

On Saturday, Kilifi-based Kesho Kenya was awarded winners of the Rising Stars Award by an international foundation at a ceremony at Kensington Palace in London.

Kesho, which advances access to education and employment for vulnerable children in Kenya, received the 2013 Stars Rising Star Award in Africa-Middle East.

In 2013, more than 1300 local organisations from 60 countries applied to the Impact Awards, run by Stars Foundation and underpinned by a rigorous selection process developed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

The following is a press release from STARS Foundation

The Awards recognise and reward effective, well-managed local organisations working to improve child health, education, protection and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) in the countries with the highest rates of under-five mortality.

Kenya has an under-five mortality rate of 85/1000 child deaths each year.

As part of the prize package, Kesho will receive $15,000 of unrestricted funding, $10,000 in tailored consultancy and a package of media support.

Muna Wehbe, Chief Executive of the Stars Foundation said:

“The Impact Awards recognise and reward outstanding local organisations working on the frontline in the fight against poverty and child mortality. We hope other donors will see that flexible funding for effective charities puts decision-making in the hands of the real development experts, unlocking their potential to become stronger, more sustainable and more able to improve the lives of the vulnerable children in their communities.

Stars Founding Chairman Amr A. Al-Dabbagh said:

“Stars Foundation is committed to reaching 20 million children and their communities by 2020. The only way we are going to do that is by supporting ever-larger numbers of local organisations doing incredible work on the ground. The 2013 Impact Award winners are beacons of effective practice, offering inspiration to other charities, and to us all.”

Stars Foundation was established by Al-Dabbagh Group in 2001, and counts President Bill Clinton and Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah as its Founding Patrons.

Family Fun Day 2013

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 11:47:00 +0000

Kesho's 2nd Family Fun Day - what a welcome break from all the demands and challenges at home - a chance to be a child - a chance to be a family - a chance to throw caution to the wind and have some FUN !

Sack races are just impossibly hilarious aren't they?.

We started with a story book read in the shade of the trees followed by mask making and loads of sack and egg and spoon races. Dad's got a chance to show off their football tricks and then played a short match against their sons. Mums raced too (with a difference) and then played bludgers against their daughters. What a lot of hilarity!

Fikiri - Kesho Primary Student and Acrobat! Kesho Kids with Talent!

Fikiri treated us to an acrobatic extravaganza while we awaited our very delicious lunch and Lemic, Kesho Alumni and University student, kicked the football on one foot 107 times - beating the day's record. Well he does also run a youth football club in the holidays - so I guess he's obviously got what it takes.

We ended with prize giving and one of the mums telling a story - simply wonderful.

Thanks once again for all who helped, Upendo Methodist Church for providing the grounds, the VSO Youth Volunteers and the Kesho Volunteers, namely Purity, Lemic and George - you're always there for us!

It's those hula hoops again
transporting to another world!

Family Fun and Family Portraits

The Mum's race - with a difference

Pilau for lunch - well earned nourishment

The Mum's giving their full support as always.

Dad's playing football with their sons with a lot of supporters on the sidelines

Eggs and Spoons abandoned - time to just run for it!

There were well over 100 children and about 40 parents

Mum's cheering and just loving it.

Zena (Kesho's Co-Founder) came 2nd I think...

A sense of achievement during the bludgers match

A mum helping tie on her child's butterfly mask

Nyevu - a deaf student receiving 1st prize

A family fun day for all - Zena's (Kesho's Co-Founder) invited her lovely family too.

Reproductive Health Day 2013

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 14:33:00 +0000

This was a hard act to follow after last year's huge success, but we did it again. Nearly 100 students participated and 7 Kesho School Leavers / Alumni Members volunteered to help. There were discussions, games, role plays and demonstrations on:

Assertiveness
Friendships
Contraception methods
Myths and Truths about sexual health matters
Reproductive Health rights and reporting procedures

The day ended with an open question and answer session which raised a whole host of issues. Lots for us to respond to and follow-up on during next year's event.

The students were so engaged and engaging - laughing, questioning, empowered - it just gets better and better.

Here are some photos from the day to enjoy….

Opening warm-up with Beatrice (Secondary Programme Officer)

Our Alumni School leavers who volunteered to help on the day enjoyed it too!

Analysing a story and discussing the reproductive health rights

The assertiveness session was funny - especially the role plays

"Trust Me" game - you trust your friend to catch you as you fall...

How our students described themselves

Some of the questions and scenarios were quite challenging

I think this was taken during the contraception methods session!

A web of friends and friendships linked and supportive.

Kesho student expressing her views to her group on myths and facts

Presenting the group analysis of their rights.

Leadership Training

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 22:06:00 +0000

This was our first 4 day Leadership Training Course for 20 Secondary students. Many Kesho students are in positions of responsibility at school - prefects, sports captains etc. yet when Beatrice (our Secondary Programme Officer) enquired further she found out they were experiencing many challenges - it's not easy. She listened to them and responded by running this course especially for them. It was a huge success.

Thank you to Zeddy and to Ngala Lemic (Kesho University Student) who volunteered their time to facilitate the course. It was brilliant - the students confidence grew immeasurably and great friendships were formed.

What more can I say…? Fun, Friendship, Confidence, Leadership, Empowerment. We'll be doing that again...

Giggles on the 2nd day session in our resource centre on "the hazards of making assumptions about others!"

Group 1 Competing in The battle of the Bands. Each group had to write and compose a song or rap about leadership. It was hilarious. They got to watch the video's afterwards back at the resource centre…. if only you could have been there to laugh along with us

Group 2 - Competing in the Battle of the Bands

Group 3 in the Battle of the Bands

Zeddy - our wonderful and hugely popular Faciltator who volunteered 4 days of her time and expertise. Thank you on behalf of Kesho and the Student Leaders...

The Banana Game - more hilarity while learning that nothing is impossible.

Hula Hooping Happiness finds it's way to the Secondary students too...

Last words of wisdom from Zeddy and Kesho Student Mzee Lemic before "play time"

Lots to consider and contemplate while gazing out to sea

A game of Rugby - The Kenya 7s are very good these days - here's where it all starts....

Freedom - I love all the modes of transport - how many can you find..?

Child Protection - Isabel Mwangi joins the Kesho Team

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 12:35:00 +0000

Welcome Isabel Mwangi

Kesho’s Child Protection Officer

Isabel, a Family Lawyer, has been volunteering with Kesho for a year

but, happily, this month she officially joined the team.

She's doing an amazing job ensuring children are

safe, happy, healthy and with time to play as well as study.

45% of Kesho’s primary children were found to be frequently left alone at home or having to go to work after school; sadly, a few even defiled.

Most of what we see is due to a lack of awareness of risk and also poverty complicating lives and limiting choices.

Isabel handled 57 cases as well as hosting 8 events this year with parents and children to raise awareness of risks. With 85% of parents engaged she’s certainly having an impact.

She’s also working at county level particularly to improve access and systems for reporting

It's so good to know our children are now protected and learning more about their rights.

Christmas Craft Day 2013

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 09:50:00 +0000

What a Gorgeous Day !

The children (about 50 in total) spent saturday morning making loads of christmas decorations - party hats, windmills, cards, xmas tree decorations, tissue paper flowers and paper chains….

Our resource centre looks stunning and so, I expect, do the children's home's now also decorated with crafts from the day. We'll be posting some to our sponsors too so do look out for them in your letter boxes sometime during December.

August Holidays

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 13:38:00 +0000

With Mac leaving and Kate having had a long and lovely summer break in the UK, Kesho has been in the very capable hands of Zena, Beatrice, Sandra, Isabel and Ted.

We continued to hold loads of educational and enriching events over the holidays for our students and their families including sailing competitions, child protection awareness, secondary subject selection, first aid and lots more... sorry there aren't photos for them all...but here's a summary.

July 17th ad 18th - 3 Kesho students took part in the Kenya National Optimist Championships held in Kilifi. Some are currently training for the All African Championships in Mozambique in 2014.

29^th-31^st July – The value of volunteering (hosted by MTG for 4 Kesho students)

3^rd August - Parents Day – for all parents to discuss child protection and our joint responsibilities.

10^th Aug - Alumni – Kirimo Johnston's Farewell party – he left for Canada to take up his full scholarship place to study Commerce at the University of British Columbia.

26^th Aug – Making subject choices - a seminar for Secondary form 1’s and 2s – Thanks to Mr. Masha for facilitating again this year.

27^th Aug – First Aid Training for secondary students – Thanks to Red Cross.

28^th Aug – Child Protection awareness workshop for 11 to 15 year old Kesho students.

29^th Aug – Sexual awareness sensitization workshop – 12 -18 year age group

31^st Aug – 2 teams took part in the Kilifi Gold Triathlon - well done our lads!

22,27,29 Aug – Team building and letter writing the 12 primary children selected to be Pen Palls with the Harpenden Scouts in UK.

Please accept our apologies for being behind on the Blog but as you can see -

we're still putting our students first - running some fantastic participatory events and supporting Kesho students all the way.

Good Luck MacKinlay

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 12:49:00 +0000

MacKinlay has always been a passionate and talented musician, and while giving his full commitment to Kesho during the day, he could often be found performing in the evenings at various gigs in Kilifi and Mombasa. Indeed, you'll remember, only last year he went on tour to Europe with the Kenyan Musical "Out of Africa".

As Kesho's very first member of staff joining us in 2008, the names Mac and Kesho have almost been synonymous - so you can imagine how sad we were when he left at the end of July. He called just the other day and said he's working all hours creating and performing music for various TV shows...he was buzzing...who knows where his new career will take him....

We, at Kesho, all wish him the very best of luck and we admire his courage - to take that step out and pursue another career - and do what the rest of us only ever dream of!

Mac at Distant Relatives, Kilifi - photo by Romain

4 more Kesho Stars

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Sat, 25 May 2013 10:35:00 +0000

We're proud of all our students achievements - big and small.

The latest Kesho stars deserving a special mention are the 4 school leavers who have recently gained scholarships and internship positions.

Iha, Mary and Janet, chosen for their exceptional talent in the sciences were selected for a 3 month internship at the Kemri Wellcome Trust Research Unit in Kilifi. The internships are very competitive and were set up by Dr. Alun Davies to promote interest in careers in science among young people from Coast Province.

Kirimo Johnston, graduated from the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa last month with an IB Diploma. He has earned a full scholarship to the University of British Colombia in Canada to study Commerce this September.

Congratulations on behalf of all the Kesho Family

- staff and peers

Jonston being awarded his IB Diploma
at the AKA,M Graduation Ceremony 25th May 2013

Income Generation for Kesho Mums

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:34:00 +0000

What a brilliant time the Mum's of Kesho sponsored children have had these past couple of months learning new ways of planting vegetables which improve the soil while economising on space and irrigation. With the coast being very dry for most of the year, a system which relies on minimal water is just what's needed. I was lucky to be there for the "Vegetables in a Sack" session and took these photos.

Scope International provided the agricultural expertise - Zena and Isabel from Kesho, provided the opportunity, and generated the collective spirit and enthusiasm; which was there in abundance!

Preparing the backyard for grow bags

Scope providing expert advice

I couldn't resist this one!

Preparing and improving the soil

Mum's were awarded a certificate at the end of the 5 week programme which they loved and they then, keen to continue, they decided to work collectively and help get one member of the group started on making coconut oil - it's delicious!

What started it? Two things really. One, following our recent engagement with the mum's we realised we had a very captive and enthusiastic group; they started a collective saving scheme on their first day! Two, in some of these families we were already supporting 5 or so of their children through school; we felt it would be better if these Mum's could be helped to generate their own income so they could try and support their future children themselves. Time will tell, but either way, it's been educational and great fun!

Kesho Careers Fair 2013

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 09:24:00 +0000

Another amazing careers day with 175 students and 53 professionals came to talk and learn from each other. This year we invited not only Kesho students but also an additional 50 students from 5 local secondary schools and a girls refuge centre.

The careers represented included vets and doctors, scientific research, journalism, architecture, engineering, banking, business, carpentry, agriculture, marine conservation, charity work, teaching, engineering and, most popular of all a pilot !

Kesho remains the only organisation locally, hosting an annual Careers Fair - it remains our most popular event for students - they love it! It's really their only opportunity to find out what a wide range of career options are available to them and what academic requirements they need to enter the different professions. This knowledge broadens their choices and helps to generate new dreams and goals.

Our Motto - Live life with Play, Passion and Purpose.

Not a chair to spare this easter

Kesho Kenya Organisation — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 18:06:00 +0000

The resource centres have been crowded out this week, with barely a chair to spare (even our poor financial auditor had to stand half the day!). Being the first week of the school holidays, most of the 313 children we now support, have visited to talk to us about their first term at, or back at, school as well as to use our facilities to study, play, read and be among friends.

The younger children are making glittery easter cards and the mums found a small corner on thursday to continue with their "merry-go-round" saving plan before going on a visit to a demonstration garden to learn new, low cost, methods of planting and growing food; the fourth in their five part series of workshops being run through Scope International.

It doesn't stop...saturday morning, the first year secondary students have their induction day and next week there's even more to entice and enrich our students...

Tuesday 23rd April - pre-careers day seminar
Thursday 25th April - last of 5 income generation workshops for mums
Saturday 27th April - Careers Day
Wednesday 1st April - Football match and more hula hooping for the primary children.
Friday 3rd May April - Children's Rights workshop and film about tribalism.
Then back to school.... watch this space - we'll try and cover it all on the blog as well as send you some lovely photos in our newsletter out soon....

Secondary Resource Centre - not a chair to spare!

Primary Resource Centre - relaxing among friends.

Focused on her studies

Making Easter Cards

Mum's found a small corner to gather before their agricultural outing.