Why We Go
The October 2023 team: Micah Stolowitz, Clare & Dave Petersen, Mark Friess, China Ageros, Heather Cooke, Marilyn & George Lewis
In October, our Executive Director Mark Friess led a team of U.S. Kenya Keys sponsors to Kenya. One of the highlights of a Kenya Keys visit is the student interviews. When Mark sat down with Kenya Keys high school student Mwaka Sombo, he could not have anticipated the series of events her words would put into motion.
The visiting U.S. Team with Joseph Mwengea (Executive Director in Kenya) and Michael Nyanje (Chairman of the Board in Kenya)
Mwaka didn’t want to bring it up, because she had already received glasses, but she still couldn’t see the chalkboard, and headaches came daily. As did toothaches, unfortunately. The throbbing in her jaw was relentless and distracting in class. And not that she was complaining, because she was grateful to be in school, but it was concerning that she and her classmates at the boarding school were losing weight; the meals were getting smaller, and so were they.
Heather Cooke interviews a student
This is why Kenya Keys can’t just pay tuition for students and walk away. First, because we care so much about these students, and if they need new glasses or a tooth pulled, or if something really concerning is happening at their school, we want to hear them and help them find solutions. Second, because paying tuition and walking away wouldn’t work - perhaps some would be lucky enough to avoid a thousand pitfalls, but many would stall in their education when they didn’t have money for transportation to school, or they couldn’t untangle the error in the college’s electronic payment system, or when the government entirely changed the tuition payment protocol, or the online application was baffling and crashed repeatedly - all of which happened this year. In Kenya, as everywhere, young people succeed best when they can walk a brave, new path in the company of an experienced guide.
Kenya Keys staffer Clemence and student Mwaka Sombo traveled 6 hours to get Mwaka new glasses
This is why we hire compassionate, committed, and capable local employees in Kenya who understand the obstacles these students face because they overcame them. And this is why we take teams of volunteers from the US to listen to these students and hear their stories, one-on-one, because when we unite our hearts, we end up in a better place.
Back to Mwaka, who made a 6-hour round trip to Mombasa in the company of Kenya Keys staffer Clemence to get new glasses. It was a process, but just look at Mwaka’s smile! A tooth was pulled, which was a relief. You can read here about 30 days of food being delivered to 600 students in 4 boarding schools and an orphanage.
US Team visits a boys dorm where many sleep directly on the metal frame
Mark Friess and his fellow team members from the US visited a dorm and saw student beds without mattresses. Imagine sleeping on just the metal grid of the top bunk! Dozens of mattresses were purchased for students. Team members delivered 85 sanitary kits so girls could stay in school during their periods. It’s a huge need, and they brought as many as they could stuff in their bags. They brought 81 letters from you, the sponsors, to share the bright hope of your kindness with your students who love you fervently for what your are giving them.
Mattresses purchased by the visiting team being delivered
Team members Marilyn and George Lewis also brought the books and games you donated to the library - 244 books and 16 games. By the way, in the last two years, you and the Lewis Family Foundation have provided our system of libraries with 1,400 books from the US, plus funds for 2,740 books purchased in Kenya, for a total of 4,140 books. They will be well-used in the new Community Education Center library.
On this trip, Dave and Clare Petersen represented Dave’s mother Jeana Petersen, long-time supporter of Kenya Keys. Jeana, her family, and her friends have sponsored 27 students over the years. Many of those past and present students showed up to meet the Petersens in person and signed a book containing their photos and short biographies. It was a beautiful and touching moment to see the good that has spread from one generous soul.
Kenyan Executive Directors Joseph Mwengea (far left) and Mark Friess (far right), met with Dennis Mukasa, who coordinates humanitarian efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Central Africa
More good things are on the way. This trip, Mark Friess met with the Africa Central Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to explore a collaboration and was invited to submit a proposal for a building project to be funded by the Church and overseen by Kenya Keys - hopefully the first of many collaborations.
None of this could happen without the support of Kenya Keys’ friends and donors, like you. It is an honor to be your partner to bring relief to students, unlocking their potential. Thank you for joining us, and for making all the difference.