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/