Educate and Empower Street Children in Kenya

In honor of your support of the Children & Youth Empowerment Centre in Kenya, we’ve composed a special version of The 12 Days of Christmas.  We think even those of you who don’t celebrate Christmas will enjoy! 

“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a second chance for a child living on the streets.”

 In the spring of 2017, the CYEC opened a drop-in center in downtown Nyeri. Since then, more than 30 children have been removed from the streets and placed in schools or homes. These young people now have safe places to live and the opportunity to complete their education.

 “On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me two prefects leading and a second chance for a child living on the streets.”

 Over the past two summers, Kansas State students in the Staley School of Leadership Studies program guided the prefects through workshops to enable them to be effective leaders. Prefects mentor younger children and play a key leadership role in the functioning of the Centre.

 “On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me three acres of vegetables, two prefects leading and a second chance for a child living on the streets.”

 Penn State ag students worked with youth in 2016 and 2018 to improve soil health in the shamba (garden) through mulching, composting and crop rotation.  Youth help grow veggies for the Centre year-round, earning income for themselves and providing healthy food for the children.

 “On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me four outreach programs, three acres of veggies, two prefects leading and a second chance for a child living on the streets.”

 The CYEC is a resource for local low-income families, providing fun days focused on literacy for young children. By supporting local education, they can help more children succeed, beyond those in the Centre, and help ensure fewer children end up on the streets.

 “On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five preschoolers playing & learning, four outreach programs, three acres of veggies, two prefects leading and a second chance for a child living on the streets.”

 The CYEC opened its nursery school program to the local community in 2012. Now these children enter primary school ready to learn.

 “On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six students a-studying, five preschoolers playing & learning, four outreach programs, three acres of veggies, two prefects leading and a second chance for a child living on the streets.”

 Public education in Kenya is free through 8^th grade, but secondary schools charge tuition.  Local and international ZFI sponsors provide scholarships for CYEC youth as they further their education. Our kids regularly rank at the top of their class!

 “On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven children breakfasting, six students a-studying, five preschoolers playing & learning, four outreach programs, three acres of veggies, two prefects leading and a second chance for a child living on the streets.”

 ZFI donors ensure CYEC children have a healthy breakfast before school 3 days a week.  We also provide medical and educational supplies and clothing.

 “On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me 8 youth a-milking, 7 children breakfasting, 6 students a-studying, 5 preschoolers playing & learning, 4 outreach programs, 3 acres of veggies, 2 prefects leading and a second chance for a child living on the streets.”

 In the summer of 2017, Penn State students worked on improving the diet of the cows, planted napier grass, and developed a strategy to ensure forage availability even in years of drought. Last summer they worked with the youth to make silage from this napier grass. The Centre’s two dairy cows provide milk for the children with surplus to sell to neighbors, supporting both nutrition and income!

 “On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 9 youth a-baling, 8 youth a-milking, 7 children breakfasting, 6 students a-studying, 5 preschoolers playing & learning, 4 outreach programs, 3 acres of veggies, 2 prefects leading and a second chance for a child living on the streets.”

 Several years ago, a PSU faculty member helped youth start a hay-baling business. They’ve received grants to provide training to youth in Uganda and other parts of Kenya to expand the program – helping many young people across the region!

 “On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 10 volunteers mentoring, 9 youth a-baling, 8 youth a-milking, 7 children breakfasting, 6 students a-studying, 5 preschoolers playing & learning, 4 outreach programs, 3 acres of veggies, 2 prefects leading and a second chance for a child living on the streets.”

 Friends of the CYEC in Kenya have formed the Zawadi Society, a group of local volunteers who mentor and tutor children at the Centre. It’s so important for the kids to have a special someone who cares about them!

 “On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 11 children playing, 10 volunteers mentoring, 9 youth a-baling, 8 youth a-milking, 7 children breakfasting, 6 students a-studying, 5 preschoolers playing & learning, 4 outreach programs, 3 acres of veggies, 2 prefects leading and a second chance for a child living on the streets.”

 After school activities include sports, reading, arts, music, and an environmental club to help CYEC children and youth develop their self-awareness and have fun!

 “On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 12 youth succeeding, 11 children playing, 10 volunteers mentoring, 9 youth a-baling, 8 youth a-milking, 7 children breakfasting, 6 students a-studying, 5 preschoolers playing & learning, 4 outreach programs, 3 acres of veggies, 2 prefects leading and a second chance for a child living on the streets.”

The CYEC strives to develop the potential of these children & youth so they can lead happy, productive lives. Your support helps us meet this goal!