Don't Just Give Them Food-Teach Them How to Get It

At the Live and Learn in Kenya Education Center in Nakuru, Kenya it is the parents' responsibility  to work with the Center's staff to help with whatever work can be done by them. Cooking, handing out meals, cleaning the kitchen, dishes, pots and pans, cleaning the dining hall - and last but not least - planting, weeding the field, caring for and harvesting the crops, drying the maize on large cloths in the sun, and grinding them. Parents are happy and proud to be giving back and being a part of the Live and Learn in Kenya International community. They see their children learn, grow, play like children are supposed to and become upstanding citizens in a country where, like many others, corruption is an ongoing challenge. They know that their children are receiving an education that is usually only granted to the rich - that they receive their uniforms and shoes, books, school materials, warm meals, and if they become ill or are physically hurt, they receive not only medical, but also dental care.

Parents are proud of their children's accomplishments because they are a part of it all. They are teaching their children what it means to do their part by being right there with them making sure that all goes well. These are parents to look up to - and not feel sorry for. By empowering the parents we are empowering their children as well.

All of this is possible because of the kind donations that we are given to Live and Learn in Kenya.

Asante sana - thank you so much!

How do you do it???   That is the question we are constantly asked. How have we been able to build a nearly finished education center with one of the most successful schools in Nakuru, Kenya? How have we been able to send hundreds and hundreds of children to schools, colleges, vocational training, and universities for the past nearly 21 years? How have we been able to provide medical and dental care - feed over 500 children 6 days a week - clothe and provide free time activities, etc., etc., etc.???

The answer is an easy one - and one that has been constant from the very beginning of our work in Kenya! We enlist all parents and guardians of the Live and Learn in Kenya International children to be a part of our community. They are encouraged to do all that they can for the good of their children and for their own lives and futures. It is uplifting for these parents and guardians to know that they are not "begging" for help - they are supporting the community with their hard work - cooking, cleaning, farming, harvesting, drying beans and maize, and grinding the maize. They work hard and are rewarded with smiling, happy, healthy, and well-educated children.

Parents also often receive micro-credits either as foster parents, AIDS patients, or simply through the sponsors of their children. These micro-credits are for small businesses that help them to support themselves and their families. Once an interest-free micro-credit is paid back they either receive a new one to enlarge their business or in the case of sponsorship micro-credits - they receive the funds fully to do as they wish with them.

So - how do we do it? The answer is: TOGETHER - HAND IN HAND - HEART TO HEART!

ASANTE SANA - thank you so much.