A quality education for 150 kids in Kibera, Kenya

This desk represents the journey of a young man whose path crossed ours many years ago and whose journey thus far has caused us great joy.

Frank , now 21,came to us as a young boy who could barely read, write and expressing himself was a challenge. He joined Turning Point in Class 4 and first went through our transition class to prepare him for formal schooling as he had missed a few years of schooling. The transition journey was definitely an uphill task but he finally joined primary school. However, due to the poor foundation he had prior to joining our education program, Frank did not perform so well in his final primary exam.

He was determined to not let what would seemingly appear as a major obstacle stop him. He, with Turning Point’s support, began a course in mechanics that took a year. Life would however reveal that his passion did not lie in mechanics and when he stumbled upon carpentry, his passion was ignited.

Frank recently visited Fountain of Hope primary school and he came bearing gifts, a desk and a chair. A very timely gift as we expand to full capacity next year. Full capacity means that we will finally become a full primary school next year and we will have the first class sitting the National Primary exams.

His visit reminded us that the work we do has the ability to change the lives of the children who come our way and when we do all we can do to inspire these children to never give up on themselves, great things can happen.

The children attending our education programmes represent so many stories.  Some stories have the ability to bring tears to your eyes due to the hardships that are experienced by these children. However, as you continue to listen these same stories equally warm your heart as they are punctuated by moments of resilience, courage and hope. The story of Simon wields such power.

We met Simon, now a 15 year old boy in class 6, when he was first admitted to our Wadogo and Wakubwa programme which later became the Kianda transitional Class. He had been rescued from the streets as he was living with his father who was unemployed and could therefore not afford to constantly fend for himself and his son. Simon was later admitted to a government school and when Fountain of Hope was started he became a part of our education programme again.

The education and feeding programme are an important part of Simon’s life. He has managed to stay of the streets because he now attends school and is constantly being exposed to the great possibilities that lie beyond the harsh realities he has had to experience at a young age. The daily breakfast and lunch he receives in School are a great help to Simon’s aunt who is his caregiver after his father sadly passed away.

The life of Simon and many other children in the slum makes them vulnerable to many ills that can easily make them believe that they cannot rise and make something great out of their lives. The opportunity to attend school offers these children exposure to people and programs that gradually change their way of thinking and they begin to see their potential and the great possibility that they can live up to their potential and rewrite their story, their family’s story and that of generations to come.

We celebrate the courage of Simon and, with your support; we continue to work hard towards our vision of seeing these children and their families achieve their God-given potential.