A Journey of Hope
The sun is just starting to rise as James, a 10-year-old boy from Kagan, slips on his neatly folded school uniform. There’s a long walk ahead of him—nearly 5 kilometres to Shelter of Hope School—but he doesn’t mind. It’s a journey he makes every day with determination. Along the dusty roads, he meets other students, some walking even farther, many from families struggling to make ends meet.
By the time they reach the school gates, their stomachs rumble, and they’re tired, but Shelter of Hope welcomes them with more than just lessons. A fresh, nutritious meal awaits them, typically food like ugali and beans — a meal that gives them the energy to learn, play, and dream. For many of these children, it’s the only meal they’ll have all day. But it’s more than just food; it’s hope served daily, a reminder that they are cared for and supported.
A Lifeline for Underprivileged Children
Shelter of Hope operates schools in Nairobi and Kagan, providing not only education but also a daily meal that gives students the strength to face the day. James and his classmates come from poor families, and they walk many kilometres just to reach the school. Hunger, fatigue, and financial hardship are daily realities, but the school does everything it can to lift these burdens.
This year, the school in Kagan saw its enrollment increase by 35 students, bringing the total to 180. While it’s heartwarming to see more children gaining access to education, it’s also stretching the school’s resources.
Meeting the Growing Needs: Building the Future
One of our most urgent needs is to complete the second floor of the school building in Kagan. This expansion is essential to accommodate the growing number of students.SOH also needs to enhance its infrastructure. These aren’t just “extras”; they’re essential for keeping students safe and healthy, especially when hygiene plays such a crucial role in their well-being.
Key Needs:
- Complete the Second Floor of the School Building in Kagan: The second floor is now fully plastered, and the remaining work includes painting the backside and sides.
- Enhance Infrastructure: Two water tanks are needed for rainwater harvesting. This will reduce reliance on borehole water, which is prone to breakdowns and costly maintenance.
- Improve Sanitation: Two additional pit latrines are urgently needed as the prolonged rainfall has rendered the current facilities unfit for use. These facilities are crucial for maintaining hygiene and keeping students safe and healthy.
- Enhance Digital Literacy Program: Additional computers are required to support and improve the digital literacy curriculum.
Shelter of Hope encourages students to stay motivated not just through academics but by fostering an environment where they are empowered to dream beyond their current circumstances. We strive to break the cycle of poverty by nurturing both minds and spirits.
How You Can Help Us Reach Our Goal
Your donations will allow us to complete the second floor of the school, provide essential school fees, and improve the infrastructure for students like James.
- $50 can provide one month of tuition for one student.
- $100 can ensure 6 children get a fresh, nutritious meal every school day for a month.
- $250 can help fund the construction of new classrooms and improve hygiene facilities, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.
Donate today! (Mention the category on the donation page.)Your support will go directly to making these changes happen, and every contribution—big or small—brings us closer to building a brighter future for these kids.
Let’s reach this goal together! Give a gift today and help Shelter of Hope continue its mission to empower children through education, nutrition, and community support. Every dollar makes a difference.
