My sister, Sarah and I are on our way.
In 2006 Martin Simiyo responded to the need to care for and educate orphans in rural western Kenya. He moved his family to a small village to build a school and orphanage for children who would otherwise be left to fend for themselves. In 2008 Kisima Academy consisted of there mud classrooms and one simple latrine. The children slept in the classrooms.
Today as a result of tireless efforts of a small group US visitors who were introduced to Martin during a visit to another school in Nairobi, and their expanded circle of friends back home, they stepped up to help Kisima Academy. That's how I became involved. My friend, Denise, from the DC area, approached me on behalf of her friend, Gerda Fink, who made the original trip to Kenya.
The children needed a place to sleep so Denise and Gerda requested a grant from our family foundation. We made the grant with the caveat that they bring other donors to match some of the funds. They did so quickly with donations from Rotary clubs and other sources.
With the help of local villagers, Martin, who is extremely industrious and dedicated, cleared the ground, brought in the clay bricks
and had the buildings complete in a few months.
Boy's and girl's dorms
If the boys are small enough, they sleep two to a mattress.
Since 2008, others have funded classrooms, tilapia ponds, chickens, cows, goats and general support of the children.
They have no electricity and in a conversation over dinner one night, Denise and I thought about small solar garden lights that would be easily portable and would at least light up some areas between the dorms and latrines.
The idea mushroomed and was shared with a gentleman who works at the World Bank and has family ties in Kenya. He took ownership, made phone calls to Nairobi, arranged for an alternative energy company to evaluate the site and make a proposal. As a result of more fund raising in the US from Rotary Clubs and and other sources, commercial panels, batteries and lights are being installed now.
Sarah and I are in route and looking forward to,this experience.
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