Our Students Have A Lot To Say...

Our sponsored students have a lot to say and that’s because of you!  8/26/17

Without your support for their education the majority of our kids would not be receiving an education that can help lift them out of the cycle of poverty that is so prevalent in Kenya.

In late June, our students from the various Secondary Schools gathered together at the Olalo of Hope-Kenya office in Oyugis to write letters to their sponsors back here in the States.  Some letters were written to specific sponsors by the student they sponsor, other letters were written to Olalo of Hope from those students who benefit from multiple donations that add together to support their education in general. Essentially, those letters are to you!

Here are just a few excepts from the letters to Olalo (and you!)

“I want to take this opportunity to thank you for having a place in your heart to help me and many other people that you are aiding, and to me I want to thank you for paying my school fee. I am proceeding well with my studies though I am still having some challenges in subjects like chemistry and history.”

“I have a request that when you are praying, you pray for me to be able to pursue my dream of being a lawyer, and our country to have a peaceful election.”

“What I enjoy doing is operating a computer because it enables me to access the internet and learn about so many things that I don’t know and have not seen.” (some schools have computers…most don’t)

“I’m taking these opportunity to thank you for the good job that you are doing towards me. I’m so happy with your work because it’s leading me to a good direction and good future full of education and joy.”

“I want to promise you that I am working smart in school and am only focusing on my books just to ensure that at the end of this year I actually score a good grade that can really make me fit in the current society.”

“Please don’t forget that I am the neatest boy in our school and in that reason am very greatful for books and uniforms you bought for me.  Matters with school fees, I want to tell you that from the very first time I set my foot to Secondary classroom I have never been sent home for fees up to the very moment in speaking to you and for that reason again I appreciate you so much.”

“Saying thank you on this piece of paper comes deep inside my heart and I will always pray to God to give you many years on earth for you to see me prosper for all the sacrifices you made to me.  I know paying for the sacrifice you are offering to me by giving back the fees is hard, but the only thing I can offer to you is my hard work in school which I usually promise to myself will make you proud.”

So much gratitude and appreciation from the kids who now have hope for a better future because people like you stepped up to help with their school fees, uniforms, books and school supplies.

In January, a new school year begins. Already Olalo of Hope-Kenya has a long list of hopeful students wanting to return to school, and many others who are ending their Primary School years and questioning whether they will be able to continue their education past the eighth grade. We would love to put those questions to rest with a rush of support for our education program here at Global Giving. For all you have done already, we thank you.

Thank you for partnering with us here at Olalo to help dreams come true and to offer hope to a generation steeped in poverty. We couldn’t do it without you!

Nyasaye Ogwedhu!

Merry Broughal
Olalo of Hope-Kenya

Passing on their Thanks to You

Visiting with YOUR Students is always a highlight of my trips to Kenya…and this year was no different!
Greeting returning students and meeting new ones that you support…learning about their dreams, aspirations and hopes for their future is so exciting!
It humbles me that you sacrifice to give to Olalo of Hope-Kenya to impact and change these young lives….all 34 of them!
Thank You!
The annual parent/student meeting took place while I was there. Almost all our students came with either a guardian or parent to get an update on the program. It is always a great time to review the Accountability Form all students sign and agree to when they apply for scholarship help for school.
It’s important the parents know what is expected of their child so they can encourage them to strive for the very best in their studies and have the financial support needed to continue in school covered.
Many parents took the meeting as an opportunity to stand and give thanks to YOU….for supporting their child’s education, so I pass their thanks on to you.
Giving to Olalo’s education fund allows for kids in Kenya to have an opportunity to attend school beyond the 8th grade. For that we thank you so very much for caring and for impacting the lives of these kids for a better future!
Thank You!
Merry
Olalo of Hope-Kenya

Medical Moments Making a Difference

As I prepare to head back to Kenya in a few days, I want to take this opportunity to THANK every one of you who has given the gift of life and health through your donations to Olalo of Hope-Kenya’s Urgent Medical Care project.

You have allowed Olalo to step in and assist when medical help was needed. You have enabled Olalo to help people of all ages….babies and adults, young and old; people like these…

An 18-month old in the hospital suffering with meningitis; or a new mother suffering with complications from a c-section.

The number of days combined that they spent in the hospital is 12. Twelve days.

The total bill for both…everything included…$229.01.

Doesn’t take a lot to impact so many lives in need of Urgent Medical Care in Kenya.

It would be nice to say at some point the need to cover medical costs will be gone, eliminated, never needed again…but, even here in the U.S. where we have the best medical care, medical events will always occur, interventions will continue to be needed.

Heading back to Kenya soon will bring new needs to light, many coming to ask for help for themselves or loved ones. It is with your continued support we will be able to meet as many needs as possible.

And for that, we Thank You for allowing us offer hope, health and life through your generous support!

Nyasaye Odwedhu!
Merry Broughal
Project Manager

Thanks to You...He's Getting a Chance

Here is what this 15-year-old had to say….

“I had nobody to pay my school fees because my father abandoned our family and my mother had no job. Fortunately, a well-wisher paid my Term 1 fees and took me to school.

Before the end of Term 1 he got in an accident and he passed on. I was stranded but I did not give up to attend school. I went to the Principal and told him the difficulties I experienced as a student after which he decided to pay my Term 2 fees.

During Term 3 I did not have anybody to pay my school fees and this made me to face severe academic challenges because I could not be in school. In December I was very unfortunate to have my mother admitted in hospital since she was sick of a kidney disease. I remained alone from that time she was admitted and even now she has not recovered and is still in the hospital.

I went to the Principal and requested him to allow me to be in school after which he recognized my interest in education and allowed me in. I still have no one to pay my school fees. I feel sorrow in my heart due to my mother’s sickness. I pray to God to have mercy on her and enable her to recover. She is the only parent I have and in her absence I feel lonely.

I would be happy if I find someone to pay my school fees. This will enable me to focus on my academics. I would like to go to school and have a better life in future.”

What more can be said?

A 15-year-old pouring out his heart with hopes and dreams of a better future. This is what your generous donations to Olalo of Hope-Kenya’s education program funds…hope and dreams.

Thank you for partnering with Olalo to move these hopes and dreams into reality!

Merry Broughal
Project Manager