February, 2015

Kiwimbi Global

The Newsletter
 
Logo (w/o website)

Focus on . . .

Peter Elungat
Painting in progress that Peter is donating to Kiwimbi

Kiwimbi and the children around Amagoro (as well as in Nairobi where he also has a studio) are blessed with the concern of one of their own, Peter Elungat.  He grew up in the area and has since established himself as an African artist of repute (see Gallery of African Art). His advice and support are invaluable!

We see a world where all people are empowered through education to enrich their lives and reach their fullest potential. 

 

To achieve our vision, we partner with underserved communities world wide to create educational opportunities through locally run learning centers.

~~~~~


 

Kiwimbi is in the process of establishing its initial such Learning Center in the small town of Amagoro, Kenya, where we have created the first public library in Busia County and are beginning other programs to bring our vision to life.

~~~~~

 Kiwimbi Global is comprised currently of two entities:  Kiwimbi International, a US organization registered as a charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and Kiwimbi Kenya, a Community Based Organization established in the Teso North District in Kenya.  


 

Ultimately, our goal is to replicate best practices from Kiwimbi Kenya elsewhere, creating more organizations under the Kiwimbi Global umbrella.

Join Our Mailing List

Like us on Facebook

Support us through
We do hope you will support out efforts by contributing through PayPal!  Don't have PayPal? Not a problem - you can use your credit card of choice!

undefined



Donations can be made through our website
 

or just press one of the orange buttons in this email.  
 
Kenya
 
Cultural and Volunteer Service Trip to Kiwimbi Kenya in August, 2015
Plans are moving forward with the 2015 Cultural and Volunteer Service Trip to Kiwimbi Kenya.  Co-founders Lynne Rathgeber, board chair, and Olubayi Olubayi, executive director, will welcome you on a two-week tour of Nairobi, Kisumu and Amagoro, Kenya. While there, you will explore the beautiful countryside, become acquainted with Kenyan customs and culture, get to know the teachers and staff of Kiwimbi Kenya, and interact with Kiwimbi students.

The trip to Amagoro begins August 2nd, departing form the U.S. and arriving in Nairobi on August 3rd. Visitors leave Nairobi and return to the U.S. on August 16th.  An optional trip to Kenya's Masai Mara departs from the U.S. on July 30th.  Click here to see a detailed itinerary.  Time is of the essence for booking this trip - if you are interested or have decided to join us, please contact us immediately!

Kiwimbi Sewing Program is Launched!

Thanks to a generous donor, The Kiwimbi Sewing Program has been launched with great success.  Kiwimbi Kenya has been meticulous in planning to assure that the effort develops organically and can sustain itself long term. Teaching self-sufficiency is a primary goal of Kiwimbi.

 

  • Three additional machines have been ordered.
  • The primary teacher has a degree in fashion design.
  • The program will include making school bags, repairing clothes at minimal charge and making crafts.
  • Once Kiwimbi has at least five well trained teachers, they plan to seek contracts for the making of school uniforms.
  • 12 students were carefully vetted and selected for the start up.  One student named Jacklin who, in her words, is "abled differently", has asked that she be allowed to come in later since she needs to walk a long way on crutches.  She wants no other accommodation.

    


Jacklin enjoying the Kiwimbi Sewing Program
320 Chapter Books Read in 2014!
Derrick Simiyu Ibalai read 320 chapter books in our library in 2014! Derrick happens to have read the most books under our book reading challenge AND received the highest score of all the Grade 8 students in the National Exam,  earning an A, which means he qualifies for admission to a top high school.

The photo shows Derrick in Peter Elungat's studio next to a painting in progress.  The students in Amagoro are benefiting from the well-rounded approach to education that is Kiwimbi's focus.
 

Two New Schools Added to the Kiwimbi Program!
Kiwimbi has added not one, but two new schools to its Grade 8 Program!  Thanks to the inspired support of two new donors this year, Kiwimbi is now able to replicate the very successful Amagoro Primary School Grade 8 Program at Okuleu Primary and their sister school, Agonet Primary.  A total of 234 people (including Kiwimbi volunteers) receive lunch each month thanks to Kiwimbi and the generous support of its donors!

Volunteerism 
Over 5000 volunteer hours were logged for the month of January - from our 13 regular volunteers and 50 others. Impressive indeed! These dedicated individuals were from among university students, high school students and volunteers from the Elders Council. Kiwimbi Kenya thanks all of its volunteers who continue to make a difference in Amagoro.

We are particularly proud of numbers such as these since they demonstrate how important the community finds our support.  They give what they can while financial supporters do the same from as far away as New Jersey and Venice, Italy!
 
USA

Bright Heart Yoga Event
Change of Date!
Due to inclement weather, there's been a change of date for the yoga event.  Please see the new date and time below.

Check out the Special Events page of Bright Heart Yoga to learn about a special benefit class for Kiwimbi.  

Where:   Bright Heart Yoga

              1225 Sussex Tpke

               Randolph, NJ  07869

               973-715-6529

 

Date:   Saturday, March 21st

 

Time:  12:00 - 2:00 PM

 

Cost:   Let's all offer what we can share 
 

100% of the proceeds of this event will go directly to Kiwimbi. 

 

All levels are welcome for this special event.

 

~~~~~

Kessiah is offering not only the benefit yoga class, but also a world premier of the film about Kiwimbi created by local filmmaker Nick Patrick!


 

"Come see what life is like for our neighbors in Amagoro, Kenya.  You'll quickly recognize how joyful and resourceful this community is and paradoxically how very few resources are available in this area."

 

  
 

Kiwimbi International is a public charity under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  We welcome contributions, which are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.    

To make a secure donation through PayPal, please click on the button.Donate

 

 

For more information about Kiwimbi or details about other ways to help, please contact us at info@KiwimbiGlobal.org.