Nakuru
Center,
Kenya
Our Kenya center, established in the late 1990’s, originated as an attempt to feed and water the nomadic tribes in the area and has since become a central part of the lives of the children of the nomadic tribes in East Pokot. We offer a slew of services for the underserved children and families of the area, including:
- Free dental hygiene lessons and kit distribution
- Nutritious lunch program
- Computer skills lessons
- Clothing & shoe distribution
- Environmental conservation classes
Early Famine Feeds Programs
The story of our Nakuru Center starts with our early famine feeds programs for the outermost Nomadic and Pastural Pokot tribes of East Central Pokot. This eventually led to the opening of a community center. The center addressed the many needs of the people such as nutrition, access to clean water (their biggest problem), education, and medical, as well as the needs of children made orphans from tribal conflicts (for water to survive) and the inherited bride system.
Searching for a Community Center
When the children’s health did not improve, we held a community meeting to discuss possible resolutions. Carol was asked to find land that is farmable with decent schools so the children could become educated and have a strong voice for the tribes survival. Carol and the community members searched all over for land that would be suitable for the children and approved by the community.
Committing
Carol and community members inspected the land and houses. After meeting with President Moi and confirming the land was free hold, along with the agreement of Elders and Chiefs, she decided to negotiate a price and purchase the land to build a center. Carol made a bold, though nervous, move and cashed out her retirement bonds for the land, which ended up being one of her life’s best decisions.
Reonvating & Moving In
Several of the building had burned and adjustments, fundraising, and repairs were necessary. Eventually, though, it became a fully functional children's home— although at first, the children were first afraid when they came to the center! They had never been in a building before and thought the roof would collapse on them.
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