Thanks to the continued support and generosity of this congregation, KenyaHELP continues to make a truly amazing difference in the lives of young people in the Meru, Kenya area.
Graduates
In December of 2005, the KenyaHELP program had its first five graduates successfully pass their national exams (extensive comprehensive tests in seven different subject areas), qualifying them for their high school diploma.
In December of 2006, six students have taken the national exams and successfully passed, receiving a C+ or higher to qualify them for their diploma and enterance into college:
Harrison Muthuria = A
Anthony Mwiti = B+
Sharon Kaigongi = B
Milkah Miriko = C+.
Johnson Bundi = B+
Salim Mwiti = A-
Joseph Kiriinya = (Awaiting grade report from school)
Thank you for helping to make the dreams of these students and their relatives come true!
2006 Benevolent Giving Clarification
In the Spirit Alive article last month, monetary figures were listed that need to be clarified.
1.) KenyaHELP = $35,703
Thank you so much for your generosity! Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Kenya mission team (brat fries, Art Street, Bayfest, ArtiGras, and Church Street); donations from friends, family, and community members interested in the project; and the members of this congregation who have chosen to give "outside the church budget", the program is running smoothly and all money goes directly to the students' education.
If you are interested in getting involved in additional program needs, please talk to a member of the 2006 mission team or join us at a Friends of KenyaHELP meeting here at church. (Note: these would all be financed through a fund separate from the educational fund currently used.) Our dreams include:
*A co-operative run and employed by KenyaHELP graduates to allow them to earn money
*A part-time counselor for the students
*A small stipend for the Country Representative who coordinates the Kenayn aspects
2.) Kenya Mission Trip = $38,550
The Kenyan mission team for 2006 had 11 participants. (One joined us from a Madison Methodist church, two were from an area Lutheran church, and eight were from our congregation.) Of the 8 FUMC church members, five received scholarship money from the proceeds of the 2006 Mission Auction towards the cost of the trip. The remaining $34,550.00 was raised and paid for by the team members themselves. Thank you for your continued support of the church Mission Auction and the Kenya mission teams!
On behalf of the students and people in Meru, Kenya, "Asante sana"! (Thank you very much!)
Please continue to keep our students and their families in your prayers!