Community Library: Empowerment. Access. Education.

Dear Supporters and Friends of COCE, 

We are thrilled to provide you with an update on the progress of our community library project in Sijowa and surrounding villages, Busia County, Kenya. Since our last report in October of 2023, we've accomplished significant milestones and navigated some challenges. 

The completion of the library walls in October marked a major step forward.We're excited to share that in December, we secured a crucial grant from the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and received a generous personal donation from our CEO, Eusebius Small, specifically allocated for the roof. As you can see in the photo, this support has revitalized our construction efforts and showcases the commitment of our leadership. 

We just finalized building the stormwater drainage work to ensure that the library building and surrounding grounds drain properly during the rainy seasons. Recognizing the importance of efficiency and security, our next steps involve simultaneous plumbing and electrical installations alongside the drywall. This approach not only streamlines the construction process but also safeguards against material theft or resale, a challenge faced by many projects in developing economies. 

The biggest hurdle we face is fundraising to finish the building's construction. While the library's impact is widely acknowledged, many private and public funders do not offer grants for construction costs.Your support, through individual donations and participation in events like our annual Little x Little campaign and annual 5k event,has propelled us to this point. We hope you will consider continuing your support of this valuable project in 2024. You can donate to this project on GlobalGiving and on our website www.cocekenya.org. If you prefer to send a check, please mail to to the address on our website. 

For those willing to contribute their time and talents, especially in grant-seeking andwriting or bookkeeping and accounting, your involvement is crucial. Reach out to us at info@cocekenya.org to explore collaboration opportunities. 

Your unwavering support has brought us this far. The COCE community library is not just a structure; it symbolizes hope and community empowerment. With your continued backing, we are confident in overcoming challenges and progressing towards completing this transformative project, one step at a time. To donate now, click here: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/communitylibrary/   

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. 

Warm regards, 

Collective for Orphan Care and Education (COCE) Team