Kiwimbi Messenger
March 10, 2016

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Opportunity through Education

The Potter Gard Okiyo with one of his creations

The Potter, Part One

Gard Okiyo has had a hard life.  His mother, unmarried and only 18 years old at the time of his birth, died a month later.  Since his father was unknown, Gard was taken in by an aunt. The word "Okiyo" means "tears," and Gard was so named due to the circumstances of his birth.

While living with his aunt, resources made it difficult for him to attend school consistently, but he finally graduated from Grade 8 at the age of 17.  However his adopted family offered him a something else that was very special: he was exposed to art and artists while growing up. This enabled him to develop his own keen interest in pottery.  He started selling his pots in the area, strapping them onto his uncle's bicycle to sell in the villages.  Even though the bicycle was only available to him twice a week, he was able to expand his business to include a vast array of clay pottery.

The next Kiwimbi Messenger will continue with Gard Okiyo's heartwarming story. Stay tuned for The Potter, Part Two!
 
A statue created by Gard Okiyo of a woman kneading clay in order to remove rocks and other impurities

For first-hand accounts of life in rural Kenya from the children's perspectives, check out our KAP collection.  Proceeds from the sale of these books support our efforts to bring educational opportunity to the community.

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