Relief Efforts
In response to the devastating famine and discord, Kenya Keys asked supporters to be a lifeline for our students. And help they did! In just under a month, donors contributed thousands of dollars to help with relief efforts.
The Devastating Famine
Kenya Keys operates in a rural area where subsistence farming and the herding of cattle are the main sources of food and money. The lack of rain made it impossible to grow crops, while cattle fell over dead from thirst and starvation.
Much later than expected, the rains arrived in mid-December. And while rain brings hope, it does not bring food.
Directing Funds
Shaped by our guiding beliefs that local leadership should make all essential decisions in Kenya, Joseph Mwengea, Kenya executive director and his team prioritized funding use. They are acutely aware of the community's needs and started by prioritizing who would receive relief.
Kenya Keys Sponsored students, alumni, and their families. Students are relieved to know their families are not starving while they are away at school.
High-performing secondary and college students not sponsored by Kenya Keys, but need help to keep on track for graduation.
Community members
Seeds to Plant
Joseph explained that some families ate the seed they would have planted, to keep from starvation. In late December at a conference with all secondary students and their parents, staff distributed 360 bags of maize seed for families to take home. Each bag contains enough seed to plant nearly a half-acre. Food for tomorrow.
Food Funds for College Students
We know that calorie intake must be sufficient for students to concentrate and thrive. And college students who are living independently are at the greatest risk of food scarcity. Kenya Keys sponsors about 170 college students who received funds to buy meals on campus, which costs about fifty cents (USD). Feed students now.
Flour for Meals
Feed families now. Second to seeds comes flour. Each family - about 200 of them - received about thirty pounds of flour. This will help them through to the harvest of the seeds they are planting.
Emergency Food
When your food supply is gone and the cattle have died, getting a meal on the table can be impossible. Staff will work with individual families to help bring emergency food to their homes.
Vital Supports
Given the overwhelming pressures of accelerated school schedules, the pandemic, and the food crisis, protests by students across Kenya include the burning of classrooms and dorms, resulting in the loss of belongings and school supplies. Relief funds provide clothing and supplies for those in need.
Schools assessed fees on all students to cover the costs of the fires. If unpaid, students go home. Relief funds help keep kids in school because families cannot afford to pay the assessments. Staff extended supports like these to non-Kenya Keys students, understanding the importance of keeping high-performing students on track for graduation.
