Most mornings, I walk with my son through our neighborhood. The sun is still low, so there is plenty of shade and dew. On our usual route, we turn a corner that opens to a field and I hope to find a deer peacefully eating its breakfast. Every once in a while, my hope is fulfilled.
I bet our students experience a similar feeling on their morning walk, and turn the corner to catch a glimpse of their school. It reminds me that God provides for his creation, and that our deepest hopes will be fulfilled one day.
God is faithfully providing for children longing to break free from the cycle of poverty. Your support is part of that provision—and it will bring real, sustained hope.
Enjoy this month’s Field Report!
Peace in Nairobi
Massive crowds have held protests in downtown Nairobi. This comes after the deaths of multiple people at the hand of Kenya’s police force. The response has been magnified by increased financial stress and lack of political accountability. Many have died and hundreds have been injured in June alone.
Prayer request: For peace in Nairobi, for proper leadership and accountability for immoral leadership. Please pray for the families of those who have passed away, and that actual progress will be made.
The Young Women of eduKenya
In Mathare, young women are often neglected or even exploited. This leads to unhealthy relationships, teen-pregnancy, prostitution, or being trafficked. Because of this, education is impactful for these girls. We have intentionally provided education for both girls and boys, and each represents 50% of our student body.
Prayer request: For protection from exploitation, excellence in the classroom, and a deeper desire to know God and walk in faithfulness to him. For healing of any students or graduates who have been harmed. For hope in seemingly hopeless circumstances.
Hells Gate National Park
Our 11th grade students participated in the latest adventure in eduKenya’s senior leadership program – rock climbing at Hells Gate National Park! Our students conquered the rockwall, and we got to know our students in ways that we would not regularly see in a classroom setup.
Prayer request: For the lessons learned to resonate and become applicable in their studies, homelife, and beyond high school.
Amazing Father’s Day Event
We had an incredible turnout–almost 100 fathers in attendance! The event was rich with inspiration, featuring speakers, food, and a time for fathers to connect with one another. Because of the collective efforts of our male staff, we got to have important conversations we normally wouldn’t have during regular school engagements, especially with parents from our three schools. We are deeply grateful.
Prayer request: For all of our fathers. Please pray that they would accept the honor and responsibility of being a dad, and for the strength to make drastic changes if necessary.
Update on Jonathan*
If you recall from last month’s field report, we have been praying for the return and commitment of Jonathan*, who had nearly abandoned his education. After Njenga met with the father, he reported back to school before the mid-term break. This has brought great joy not just to us, but to his parents as well. This is a major answer to prayer, and we give God all the glory!
Prayer request: Immense thanks to the Lord for his faithfulness and favor with Jonathan. Please continue praying for his heart to be receptive to those around him, and for his growth.
*name changed because of privacy concerns
Youth-led protests erupt again in Kenya over police brutality and poor governance
This article from the Associated Press provides helpful context and visuals to the escalating conflict. “United Nations’ data shows that 70% of sub-Saharan Africa is under the age of 30, with 67% of Kenya’s young people unemployed.”
Skills gap fueling unemployment in Kenya – experts
As the “Silicon Savannah” develops, ICT is one the keys to long term success. This article paints the dire need for technical training, “the world of work is undergoing a seismic shift driven by the growth of the digital economy, automation and artificial intelligence (AI), and Kenya is at the heart of this transformation.”
Housing: Mini-Muthaiga in Mathare
This opinion piece discusses Kenya’s newest housing initiative, an government affordable housing project. It explores the initiative's motivations, contrasting Nairobi’s wealthy suburbs to the living conditions in places like Mathare and Kibera. Time will tell if this strategy proves to be effective.