Program Updates

Nairobi Board Member Coordinates ACOHF Educational Programs

Charles Mwiti, an experienced business executive and ACOHF board member is coordinating our Education Program in Kenya. He has created a more detailed record system to ensure continuing accountability and appropriate use of funds. This system documents the progress of each individual student. Mr. Mwiti is also communicating with a social worker from Good Samaritan, who is monitoring the students and making regular school visits. Mwiti has done an outstanding job with his caring and commitment in keeping our educational program effective and accountable to students and donors.

In November 2010 Dr. Felkins joined Mwiti in a visit to Gathiga Secondary Boarding School, where ACOHF sponsors 15 students. This is one of five different schools where we support students. Our board members met with the Principal and toured the school buildings and grounds. Mwiti made a brief presentation to the students encouraging them to study and make the most of their education. He and Felkins congratulated the students on their academic accomplishments. The Principal indicated that some of these Mathare students were among the best in the entire school. One of the Good Samaritan boys was recognized for his outstanding leadership and service. Students have classes six days a week. Three of the students are completing Form 4 and will be graduating soon. The ACOHF board plans to increase the total number of students in our Orphans Education program next year.

Community Technology Center Established in Rural Tanzania

The new Maua Community Technology Center is the only one of its kind in this rugged area on the slopes on Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The facility will be managed by the Franciscan Sisters Capuchin to serve area schools and surrounding communities. The CTC is located in a building just inside their front gate. Benjamin Makai, East Africa Programme Officer for Computer Aid International, helped to set up the equipment and train the staff, which will be coordinating the use of the CTC and facilitating learning sessions. The CTC has an N-computing system with eight work stations. The facility is funded by a grant, which covers equipment, training and technical consultation for the first year.

View photos of the installation and dedication of the CTC in Tanzania.

Chicago Fair Trade Bazaar Creates Sales for Kenyan Women’s Entrepreneurship

Colorful rugs, unique tie-dyed fabrics, tablecloths and aprons, multicolored wool baskets and jewelry with distinctive African design—these are some of the products made by women’s entrepreneurship groups in Nairobi and Meru, Kenya. The Annual Fair Trade Bazaar the first weekend in December at the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago provides an opportunity for ACOHF to market these materials and share the story of these creative and industrious women struggling with poverty. All the proceeds from sales go directly to the women to support their small business initiatives and the families of the workers.

This additional income helps these women in rural areas or urban slums to feed their children and pay school fees. It also brings some small joy. As one of the women said, “This year we will have a Christmas.” The previous year had not been a good one for these women. Their sales were limited and they were not able to pay any salary to the members who worked every day weaving and sewing.

Africa Circle of Hope Foundation continues to collaborate with these women to help them market their unique artistic products. Thanks to ACOHF Board Member Clarisse Croteau-Chonka and friends of ACOHF for their assistance with this successful event.

Feeding Hungry Kids

Young students need adequate nutrition in order to learn effectively. Raymond Mosha, ACOHF Board Member from Tanzania, facilitated the construction of a small kitchen building for the Kyou Primary School in Kilema near Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Africa Circle of Hope Foundation helped to fund this project, which will allow the cook to efficiently prepare lunch for the 500 children in this school. This may be the only meal some of these children have each day.

The kitchen building provides a clean space where meals can be cooked and kitchen materials and food supplies safely stored. Dr. Mosha worked with teachers and school and community leaders to coordinate this project. The next improvement needed is a more efficient brick stove.

Watch for more Updates in coming months about ACOHF programs and activities.