Empower, Engage, Educate in Rural Kenya!

Just imagine every night in your home it's dark at 6:00 p.m.  Your may have homework and reading to do, but there is no electricity.  The only solution is a tin can filled with kerosene which is lit, but it's dirty, smelly, and not the safest.  As mentioned in our last project report, Kenya Connect began a solar light program using SunKing Pico lights.  This "rent-to-own" project provides families the opportunity to purchase a light for $1.00 per month for 8 months so their students can have a light to study and read with in their homestead.  We are thrilled to announce that since July, 900 SunKing Pico lights have been distributed in the community with only a handful of parents missing a payment!  When the students receive their light and instruction on how to use it, they also receive a log sheet so Kenya Connect can monitor how they are using the light-- perhaps it's for a school assignment, or reading, or to do a chore.  We will be analyzing this information in the next couple of months.

Along with the advent of light, Kenya Connect had another successful year of computer classes at the Learning Resource Center with 287 students taking STEAM classes in partnership with Level Up Village including Global Inventors and 3D Printing.  Another 102 student learned basic computer skills including turning on the computer, wordprocessing, and internet searches.  For students who have never seen a computer or used any sort of technology, this is HUGE.

As we are making 21st Century Connections with our computer training, we are also continuing our work to strengthen literacy skills through our library book borrowing program and professional development workshops.  This year 665 books were borrowed from the Learning Resource Center (a new record) and 47 teachers attended professional development workshops and 22 participated in on-line webinar training.  

All of these programs are a direct result of donors like you.  Kenya Connect is able to offer computer classes, book borrowing, and professional development programs because of the many generous people who helped to build and equip the Learning Resource Center, who provide operational support for our ALL KENYAN staff, and who help us to continue to develop innovative ways to break down barriers to education for students in Kenya--- like our SunKing Light program.

We hope you have marked November 29, GivingTuesday on your calendar.  On that day, donations will be matched at 50% for one-time donations and 200% on recurring donations, all until funds last, beginning at midnight thanks to a generous donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Your donation will help us to build on our many successes and assist us in making 2017 even BIGGER AND BOLDER year for Kenya Connect!

Again, our heartfelt thanks for your continued support.

Links:

• ONE Blog on Solar Light Program