Successes
Seven of our sponsored children completed secondary school last December and their final results were the best ever. This means that they all qualify to apply for higher education courses if they wish.
A few who want to try and aim for university will apply for government grants and loans and we will support them by paying their start-up costs. Three students who want to become teachers, will be sponsored by us with a continuing contribution from their existing sponsors, for whose support we are very grateful. They will all start college at the end of August, Esau and Jessica to train as primary school teachers and Nelly to train as a secondary school teacher. This is one area where they should have no problem finding jobs as increasing numbers of children in Kenya are going to school and demand for teachers is high.
Testimonial
From Peter Lokiru who was sponsored through secondary school and teacher training:
“It's my pleasure to inform you that I was able to access a loan from a bank and I built a two-bedroom house for my Mum and have been able to pay the first year of school fees for my little brother Ezekiel and he is now heading to form two. I am also aspiring to further my education God willing soon if all goes well. I am a living testimony of Loiyangalani Trust Fund beneficiary, and I won't take it for granted. Once again thank you.”
(Peter is on the right of this photo in the yellow t-shirt.)
Major change to the school system.
Previously children attended primary school for 8 years (no fees, just a requirement to have a uniform), and 4 years at secondary school (fees payable, hence our need for sponsors). Now Loiyangalani Primary School is changing into Loiyangalani Comprehensive School and will incorporate the first year of ‘junior high school’. The result is that the school is expanding - though of course as often happens in Kenya, the provision of teachers and equipment, books etc lags behind.
Funding of sports equipment
One of our Trustees, Andy Sherlock, gave a presentation at St Andrew’s Church in Burgess Hill a few months ago and raised enough funds to provide sports kit for all the school’s sports teams. Here is the response from Jacob, the headmaster:
“This was one of the most successful Terms we have had in games for Loiyangalani Primary and Junior school because for the first time our Junior school Boys Volleyball team managed to qualify for Kenya National schools ball games which are currently being held at Kakamega. This is the first time for any school team from Loiyangalani Sub County to participate at National level where all finalists from different parts of Kenya compete. We have got enough sports jerseys, shoes and many other games items for these games through the support from Andy’s church. Thanks so much Andy and Carl for their support.”
From Dust to Trust - book
Another interesting piece of news is that Anthony Mitchell, our Founder, has written a book about how his journeys led him to founding the Loiyangalani Trust. Called From Dust to Trust, the book is being published by Christian book publisher Onwards and Upwards and copies can be obtained from Anthony.
Fundraising
Our next fundraising events will be our popular annual Quiz Night on Saturday 16th November in Burgess Hill, and a Christmas Appeal which we plan to focus on raising funds for additional teachers for Loiyangalani School.
Further details to follow soon.
Visit to Loiyangalani by Andy and Carl
Andy Sherlock (Trustee) and Carl Smith (Rector of West Weald) visited Loiyangalani in June. Their purpose was to connect with the local community, understand their needs, and offer support. As they arrived, they were greeted with open arms by the primary school headmaster, Jacob Naikele. The children, full of joy and excitement, put on a vibrant display of traditional dancing and singing. Andy and Carl felt deeply moved by the warmth of this welcome, knowing that they were stepping into a place where the Trust’s presence mattered.
While Carl immersed himself in the classrooms, witnessing the teaching methods in Kenya and sharing uplifting Bible verses with the students, Andy had a different focus. He inspected the water supply system-a critical lifeline for the school. Additionally, Andy visited Nyiro Boys and Nyiro Girls schools, where all the sponsored children were interviewed. His report highlighted essential needs that were identified and promptly addressed.
I would like to close by thanking ALL of you for your continuing support. Without you we would not be able to do any of this. And please do spread the word if you know of others that you think might like to become supporters.
Registered Charity No 1148989.
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