Educate and Empower Street Children in Kenya

Once again, a group of Penn State students, graduates and faculty visited the Centre in May to collaborate on projects identified by the staff as priorities. This year, all of our work was at the polytechnic, where we established a demonstration site for conservation agriculture, helped set up a creche (nursery), and led several sessions for strategic planning.

They plan to make the polytechnic a center for education in conservation agriculture (CA). Much of the soil in Kenya (and other parts of Africa) is degraded, reducing crop yields. CA builds soil health through minimal tillage, using cover crops and crop rotation. With staff, our students prepared and planted four plots and developed a plan for rotation throughout the year.

Several of the students and staff at the poly have young children, so they’ve established a creche. This is especially important to ensure that young mothers are able to participate in the educational programs. Our students developed resource materials on early childhood development and nutrition, and while there, helped set up the space. They painted the room, sewed several rattles and tactile toys and had Montessori-type toys built for the children.

Our third team led focus group discussions with staff and students at the poly, as well as with other young people, to help identify strengths and weaknesses, and opportunities for growth for the poly. This will be used to help them map a way forward.

We wrapped up our time with a bonfire and s'mores! We so appreciate the opportunity we have to learn and grow together while having a lot of fun!