Educate and Empower Street Children in Kenya

We’ve composed a special version of the 12 Days of Christmas in honor of your support of the Children & Youth Empowerment Centre in Kenya.  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 converted electric vehicle.”

The CYEC has converted a matatu (public service passenger van) from diesel to electric, with support from the United Nations Development Program. This will provide youth with training on how to do the conversions and creates a cost-effective way to move between the polytechnic and the main Centre. With time, they hope to create a network of Electric Vans and charging stations for local transportation, creating more jobs and enhancing sustainability. 

 “On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me two students on scholarships and a converted electric matatu.”

Kenyan students take high-stakes exams at the end of 8^th grade to determine their high school placement. Two students who came to the Centre as very young girls earned nationally competitive scholarships for high school. Our kids take full advantage of the opportunities they’re given!

“On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me three barrels of rainwater, two students on scholarships and a converted electric matatu.”

Water is precious, so they’ve installed rainwater harvesting at the polytechnic to help with irrigating the crops. They don’t waste a drop!

“On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me four acres of veggies, three barrels of rainwater, two students on scholarships and a converted electric matatu.”

The CYEC produces a variety of vegetables to ensure a healthy diet for the kids and generate some income. This year Penn State students worked with them on the production of peppers and onions. Another PSU team offered business-development workshops to the polytechnic students. We’re so glad to have students from the US again!

“On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five local friends of the Centre, four acres of veggies, three barrels of rainwater, two students on scholarships and a converted electric matatu.”

Over the past several years, support from the national government has dried up. Fortunately, members of the local community (churches, civic groups and individuals) who appreciate the work the Centre does for vulnerable children have stepped in, providing much needed food and other in-kind support. Together, we make a real difference!

“On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six university students a-studying, five local friends of the Centre, four acres of veggies, three barrels of rainwater, two students on scholarships and a converted electric matatu.”

The number of our students in college/university continues to grow! We’re especially proud that this year, we had the first college graduate from the children who started with us as elementary school students. More are on the way, thanks to the opportunities provided by our supporters!

“On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven children breakfasting, six university students a-studying, five local friends of the Centre, four acres of veggies, three barrels of rainwater, two students on scholarships and a converted electric matatu.”

ZFI donors ensure CYEC children have a healthy breakfast before school at least three days a week.  We also provide medical and educational supplies and clothing – all the basics any child needs and deserves.

“On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me eight youth a-leading, seven children breakfasting, six university students a-studying, five local friends of the Centre, four acres of veggies, three barrels of rainwater, two students on scholarships and a converted electric matatu.”

Students from the Staley School of Leadership at Kansas State also returned this year and worked with the leadership program at both the Centre and the polytechnic. Older students at the Centre mentor and look out for the younger ones, playing a key leadership role. The polytechnic also incorporates leadership in the curriculum for all its students, equipping them to make a difference in their communities.

“On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me nine library books circulating, eight youth a-leading, seven children breakfasting, six university students a-studying, five local friends of the Centre, four acres of veggies, three barrels of rainwater, two students on scholarships and a converted electric matatu.”

The CYEC and polytechnic are resources for local low-income families. The polytechnic has established a community library, with a focus on young children. By supporting literacy, they can help more children succeed (beyond those under their care), and ensure fewer children end up on the streets

“On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ten certified poly grads, nine library books circulating, eight youth a-leading, seven children breakfasting, six university students a-studying, five local friends of the Centre, four acres of veggies, three barrels of rainwater, two students on scholarships and a converted electric matatu.”

Students in technical schools in Kenya take national exams for certification. So far, all of our graduates from the polytechnic (60-some) have taken these tests and all have passed. This speaks to the quality of our programs and instructors as the national pass rate is just over 60 percent!

“On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me eleven macadamia nut trees growing, ten certified poly grads, nine library books circulating, eight youth a-leading, seven children breakfasting, six university students a-studying, five local friends of the Centre, four acres of veggies, three barrels of rainwater, two students on scholarships and a converted electric matatu.”

 A local macadamia nut processor has given the polytechnic 80 macadamia trees. After about four years, they will start producing and generating income – a nice partnership with a local small business!

“On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me twelve youth succeeding, eleven macadamia nut trees growing, ten certified poly grads, nine library books circulating, eight youth a-leading, seven children breakfasting, six university students a-studying, five local friends of the Centre, four acres of veggies, three barrels of rainwater, two students on scholarships and a converted electric matatu.”

With your help, the CYEC strives to develop the potential of these children and youth so they can lead healthy, happy, productive lives. Together we can change lives!

Donate today to make a difference!