Steve Scott hasn't added a story.
I was lucky enough to visit Kenya on safari in early 2014. I met Ben
Gitari (he was my guide) and had the privilege of spending a day with
his wife Beth and the children at his school. I was deeply touched by
the love and commitment that Ben and Beth show towards these children
and am reaching out to my family, friends and colleagues in attempt to
help them.
Ben explains a little more about his work and where they require help below.
The School
Introduction
With over 70% of children missing out on secondary education due
to various reasons in Kenya, St. Benards Academy was inspired by a
dream from a small family in Magumo Village, in South Kinangop
Cental Kenya. With a passion to support the
needy and some orpahned children and with the help of very close
family friends Mr.& Mrs. John Somers (U.S.A.), the dream started
taking shape.
The school idea was inspired by the poor families in the Village,
where most children could not further their education after primary
education to secondary education due to lack of school fees, the
founder Mr. Benard Gitari with the help of his close friends,
decided to start the school project on a small piece of land in his
farm. Everything else from the 11th of January 2008 has been nothing
less of a miracle.
The school opened with only 2 students who were suported by the
founder family, on completion of only one classroom and two
teachers. In March that year, the number had grown to 9, late in
August it was 21. Today the school has grown to over 40 children,
with five teachers and the fourth class room is about to be finished.
Our core Objectives at St. Bernards Academy are as follows:
To provide affordable quality education to the unprivileged
children in the area
To coordinate with parents in creating awareness on values of
educating their children
To provide guidance and hope to the poor children through education
To support poor needy children and orphans and provide access
to sponsored secondary education
To transform the whole community to enhance the importance of
secondary education
School’s Current achievements
On the seventh year since we opened the first classroom, St.
Bernards academy now has four complete classrooms. All of which are
fully furnished, with installed electricity, a bore hole, an energy
efficient eco-kitchen, thirteen teachers and a population of over
ninety students.
The confidence in the community has grown much since the inception
of the school. More growth is expected after the completion of the
on going construction of the boarding facilities for both boys and girls.
How can you help?
I would like to ask you to please help support these children by
donating some money. This can be a small one off payment or a regular
commitment. No amount is too small.
Ben relies on the support of people around the world in order to be
able to continue to run the school. Please help if you can!
http://stbenardsacademy.com/website/
