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 plate of fresh veggies.” 

Youth at the CYEC work in the shamba (garden) to produce fresh fruits and vegetables for the centre’s kitchen.  Since July, they’ve been entirely self-sufficient in greens, a staple of the Kenyan diet and an excellent source of Vitamins A, C and K as well as iron!

 “On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me two children saving and a plate of fresh veggies.”

 Girls who have a savings account before puberty have significantly higher life-time earnings.  With ZFI support, the CYEC has implemented a child social and financial literacy program, Aflatoun (www.aflatoun.org). Researchers from the University of Nairobi and Penn State are assessing the program.

 “On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me three youth coming to the drop-in-center, two children saving and a plate of fresh veggies.”

Students from Kansas State University worked with the CYEC to establish a drop-in-center in Nyeri town to reach more vulnerable young people and connect with the local community. These youth work in the garden and have classes in lifeskills and arts.

“On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me four youth a sewing, three youth coming to the drop-in-center, two children saving and a plate of fresh veggies.”

Girls ready to leave the centre sew shoulder bags to generate income and savings.  Friends across the US help sell the bags.

 “On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five pieces of e-waste art, four youth a sewing, three youth coming to the drop-in-center, two children saving and a plate of fresh veggies.”

Students from Penn State Berks and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology are partnering with the CYEC to design and develop jewelry and art made from electronic waste – benefiting the environment and helping the youth! See http://ewasteatpsu.wordpress.com/

“On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six teens a studying, five pieces of e-waste art, four youth a sewing, three youth coming to the drop-in-center, two children saving and a plate of fresh veggies.”

 Public education in Kenya is free through 8^th grade, but secondary schools charge tuition.  Local and international ZFI sponsors support CYEC youth as they further their education. We expect to have more secondary students this year, thanks to their hard work!

 “On the 7th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 7 children playing, 6 teens a studying, 5 pieces of e-waste art, 4 youth a sewing, 3 youth coming to the drop-in-center, 2 children saving and a plate of fresh veggies.”

 While we’re celebrating the Christmas spirit, the CYEC embraces children from all religions and ethnic groups in Kenya. Sports, art, and an environmental club to help CYEC kids develop their creativity and self-awareness and have fun!

 “On the 8th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 8 young entrepreneurs, 7 children playing, 6 teens a studying, 5 pieces of e-waste art, 4 youth a sewing, 3 youth coming to the drop-in-center, 2 children saving and a plate of fresh veggies.”

Penn State ag and business students partnered with youth in the cooperative to develop record-keeping skills and identify potential for growth in their agricultural production enterprises. They’re now selling their produce to the CYEC and local markets. (see: http://pennstateinkenya2011.weebly.com/index.html)

“On the 9th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 9 children breakfasting, 8 young entrepreneurs, 7 children playing, 6 teens a studying, 5 pieces of e-waste art, 4 youth a sewing, 3 youth coming to the drop-in-center, 2 children saving and a plate of fresh veggies.”

ZFI donors ensure CYEC children have a healthy breakfast before school 2 days a week.  Your support also provides medical and educational supplies and clothing.

 “On the 10th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 10 youth a borrowing, 9 children breakfasting, 8 young entrepreneurs, 7 children playing, 6 teens a studying, 5 pieces of e-waste art, 4 youth a sewing, 3 youth coming to the drop-in-center, 2 children saving and a plate of fresh veggies.”

A ZFI donor has created a micro-finance fund youth in the cooperative can use to finance expansion or creation of a small enterprise.  Youth participated in a financial literacy program sponsored by the Equity Bank Foundation to learn the basics of money management.

“On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 11 goats a frolicking, 10 youth a borrowing, 9 children breakfasting, 8 young entrepreneurs, 7 children playing, 6 teens a studying, 5 pieces of e-waste art, 4 youth a sewing, 3 youth coming to the drop-in-center, 2 children saving and a plate of fresh veggies.”

 Dairy goats produce milk for the young children at the Centre (and occasionally get into the shamba!). Youth are starting to produce hay to feed them in the dry season and sell to neighboring farms.

“On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me 12 youth succeeding, 11 goats a frolicking, 10 youth a borrowing, 9 children breakfasting, 8 young entrepreneurs, 7 children playing, 6 teens a studying, 5 pieces of e-waste art, 4 youth a sewing, 3 youth coming to the drop-in-center, 2 children saving and a plate of fresh veggies.”

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

Happy New Year!