Educate HIV Orphans in Kenya

Most of us had the luxury of early education, right? Yes, I do mean luxury. According to recent data from UNESCO, 250 million children worldwide are currently out of school¹. This figure has increased by 6 million since 2021. Globally, 16% of children and youth (covering primary to upper secondary) are not attending school, with 48% of the out-of-school population being girls and young women. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nearly 30% of all out-of-school children globally¹. 
We are encountering more and more children within our surrounding communities and during our food hamper distributions whose parents, usually single mothers, cannot afford to enroll their children in school from kindergarten, or they have been in and out of school for entire semesters and sometimes full years, due to a lack of school fees. We are now supporting more and more children. We're up to fifteen children at the moment, with several more we would love to be able to afford to sponsor. Six currently have monthly sponsors. When we're financially able, we will sponsor additional children. Here are two of the girls we are currently supporting. However, they do not have monthly sponsors. 
 

When we met Mercy and her mother at one of our food hamper distributions at the beginning of October, she had been home from school for the entire term due to a lack of school fees.
Mercy, a promising student in Form 2, has shown remarkable resilience and potential. Despite the many terms she missed growing up, she achieved a commendable C+ grade last term. This is a testament to her determination and the value of investing in her education. Her single-parent mother bravely navigated life's challenges after her husband left a few months earlier when he found out that her mother was pregnant with their fourth child.                                                           
Mercy's family is facing numerous hardships. As the oldest, Mercy has the responsibility of looking after her three younger brothers, including the newest addition to the family, her now six-month-old baby brother. The five of them share a single room, and their mother, the sole breadwinner, works tirelessly, juggling laundry and seasonal farm work to provide for the children. Unfortunately, the father does not contribute to the family's welfare in any way.
When we met her, Mercy's school fees were 5,750/—for this term, plus last term's fees of 4,500/—, which were in arrears. That’s approximately US $70.00, not including uniforms and other school supplies. Your support could significantly impact Mercy's life, ensuring she can continue her education and pursue her dreams.
 I WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR MERCY WITH A RECURRING MONTHLY DONATION OF $25.00

We met Josephine and her mother at one of our food hamper distributions. Her mother is bedridden due to a leg injury that was not treated on time.
Josephine is in Form 3 at Kivumbini Secondary School. Josephine wakes every morning at 5 a.m., cooks for her mother, and then prepares herself to walk to school. After school she takes care of Mom's needs, does all the house chores, and prepares the evening meal for herself and her mother. On weekends and school holidays, she does casual house help jobs to be able to support herself and her mother.

I WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR JOSEPHINE AND HER MOM BY MAKING A MONTHLY RECURRING DONATION OF $25.00

We first met this family at the beginning of last year during a food hamper distribution. Their single Dad was doing all he could to keep the kids housed and fed. Going to school was a faraway dream. 
When I shared their story with a dear friend, she immediately stepped up, offering her support to this little family. Her kindness has made a significant difference in the lives of these children, showing that even a small act of kindness can have a profound impact.
Since enrollment in school last year, their report cards consistently show,

• Mary: Meets and exceeds expectations.
• David: Meets and exceeds expectations.

The youngest child, also called David, was only three when he was enrolled in pre-school, enabling Dad to look for casual handyman work daily without worrying about leaving his children alone; David also met expectations.
These three little ones are on the right path to success because they are armed with access to early, consistent education and nutrition. 

 Jennifer, Imagine the ripple effect of your contribution:  a young girl who defies societal norms to become a doctor, a young boy who lifts his community through innovative solutions, and countless others who are inspired to break free from the cycle of poverty.
Your support isn't just an investment in education; it's an investment in a world where every individual's potential is unleashed, and opportunities are abundant.
Your donation, whether big or small, can create lasting change. Here's how you can get involved:

Become a Monthly Donor: By joining our monthly giving program, you can provide a consistent source of support that enables us to plan for the long-term success of our scholarship program. Become a new monthly donor, and GlobalGiving will match your first donation at 100% after four (4) total payments.

Please donate today and help make dreams come true. Help ensure kids do not drop out of school.I WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR

Make a One-Time Donation: Your support can immediately assist needy students, helping us bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.

I am continually humbled and grateful for your support of the Springs of Hope Foundation's projects as we empower the lives of so many women and children in East Africa. I continue to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in this remarkable journey.

Warmest blessings,

Jennifer Hughes-Bystrom
 

Links:

• FACEBOOK
• WEB PAGE