A Child Care Centre In Need

Africa is a continent of contrasts. It is a place of endless beauty and paradise that can be profoundly uplifting, but the struggles of its poorest residents are deeply troubling. In late 2014 and early 2015, I spent five months backpacking through Africa; I climbed Mt. Kilamanjaro, hiked through Ethiopia, visited UNESCO world heritage sites and saw wildlife of every kind. But, it was time I spent with thses children that will change me forever.



I started my Africa trip in Kenya and spent nine weeks as a volunteer. I chose to work in child care, and my placement was at Progressive Focus Centre. It is both an orphanage and a school. I experienced first-hand the endless struggles Progressive orphanage faces daily. Food is a constant battle; hygiene is poor; medical supplies and treatment are insufficient. Half the classes at progressive school unfortunately have no teachers due to the lack of funds. The result is torn, out-dated textbooks and no teachers to teach, leaving the students to teach themselves. I have no formal training, but took on the roll as a teacher to assist, and taught up to two classes at a time. I learned that these kids all have multiple talents and ambitions, but lack the basic resources to reach their potential. For these kids, education is the only hope of progress in life. Over 20 million people in Kenya live on less than a dollar a day, if these kids do not have sufficient education, the overwhelming poverty is almost certain to consume their future.

Our fundamental focus is to improve access to education by advocating a sufficient amount of teachers and education resources. We aim to provide consistent medical care, a constant food supply, safe drinking water, one set of books and 2 sets of uniform for each student every year. In order to make this possible we must produce long term self-sustaining activities such as purchasing another cow, utilizing acquired land to grow cops and a poultry farm. Essentially our goal is to develop a sustainable source of income that will generate financial growth to support the needs of Progressive Focus Centre and foster a brighter future for these vulnerable children.

“Feed a man a fish and he will eat that night, teach a man how to fish and he will never go hungry again”

Please find attached PDF for a more in depth overview of the campaign.