Latest News Kenya
Up to date news of events and progress in the project in Eldoret and in Lodwar can be found in the Timeline (14) and in sections on the children (9), the buildings (18) and stories (10). Remarkable progress has been made since the upheaval caused by the terrible violence that disrupted life in the region in January 2008, but inevitably the effects of that catastrophe linger on. Every “wobble” in the progress of national politics causes a catching of the breath in the region – will trouble flare up again? – and the management of a coalition government is in itself difficult, with resources being diverted to that management and away from where the money is needed most. However, the fact that children from Lodwar are again to be brought to Eldoret to school indicates that things are a lot more stable, and safer, than they were, which is a relief and very good news.The drought and famine in Kenya
The country, in common with most of East Africa, is still in the grip of drought and resultant famine. Parts of “our” area, in the Northern desert, are badly affected, and the Pastor, on his latest visit to Lodwar, reports women and children begging water beside totally dry water courses.
In Eldoret, too much rain and flooding prevented the planting of crops at the right time and famine is the result of any interruption of the proper order of things in a country so directly dependent on crops for food. The school grows maize for its own use and there was not a good crop this year, and inevitably in such conditions the price of foodstuffs rises rapidly. Everyone is adversely affected by such a crisis, whether directly or indirectly.
Fund Raising News
The “home team” in Britain and beyond has continued to work hard to raise the money needed to fund the development of the project thus far, and we are indebted to every supporter who has helped us to achieve so much in such a short time. Our core business continues to be the maintenance of the children in Lodwar, and although it now costs a realistic £2.50 a week to keep a child, rather than the original £1, our “£1 a week fund” has continued to be well supported and to have provided the core funding to feed and provide for the children. We have been delighted to have several supporters join us through the web site, and we are grateful for all our supporters promoting the site to others – publicity helps!Beyond the core funding for the Lodwar children, the money to develop the school has been donated and raised in ways too numerous to list. Initially, we were a small group of Trustees and their friends and relations who generously got involved in fund raising events, rolling up sleeves to run jumble sales and charity shops, put on concerts and cake stalls, whatever we could think of to raise funds. That continues to date. Over time, other groups, churches, Guide and Brownie units, a school; and generous individuals having special birthdays and anniversaries, have raised funds for us -–and each donation has matched perfectly a need in the project. It is exciting to watch this very personal way of helping unfold.
For example, a Brownie and Rainbow Guide Unit raised £300 for us. A 95 year old farmer asked for donations to FKC in lieu of birthday presents, and gave us £200. The school needed a cow to provide milk for the children. The cow cost £500.
The school needed £450 for uniforms and essentials for the children coming to board at the school. A school in Cornwall, out of the blue, sent us £440, the result of sponsored tables test, it arrived in the same week as the request from Kenya!
Being a part of this small, effective charity is exciting and humbling = good for anyone!