Makuyu Education Initiative Inc.

This fundraiser supports the Makuyu Education Initiative (MEI), a non-profit organization working to improve access to education for vulnerable children in Makuyu, Kenya. Funds raised will be used to purchase school supplies, clothing, shoes, and gumboots — essentials that help children attend school prepared and protected. Many families struggle to afford these basic items, and something as simple as a sturdy pair of shoes or a new notebook can make a real difference in a child’s daily life. By donating, you are helping provide the tools children need to learn safely and confidently, and reminding them that their futures are worth investing in.

Natalia is a 4 year old girl living in Makuyu, Kenya. She has two sisters and lives with her parents who are farm hands/farmers. She goes to a pre-school, the Makuyu Education Initiative, for underprivileged children.

Unfortunately, Natalia cannot hear due to a condition she was born with. Because she cannot hear her own voice, she also does not talk.

Natalia puts on a brave face every day. She joins kids in play time and does her lessons, but a world without sound, without music, without being able to speak is a difficult world to live in.

However, there is a solution: the cochlear implant. However, her parents cannot afford the cost and the surgery is costly. The hospital estimates $35,000 for both implants.

We believe no one, let alone a 4 year old girl, should live a life without sound or speaking if it can be fixed. Please help us raise enough funds to literally change her life for the better.

If we can raise the amount, we hope to film her hearing for the first time and share the experiences with you. Please join us on this remarkable journey of hope.

Update: A hospital in Nairobi has offered subsidize the surgery for a fraction of the cost. While we've heard of instances of these things falling through before, we are cautiously optimistic. Natalia has done all her testing (MRI, CT) and vaccines. We are now just waiting for the hospital to call to schedule the date of the operation. Here she is at the hospital for a CT scan:

For more info on Natalia and her condition, check her page here!

Note: In the event we are unable to raise enough funds or we raise more funds than we need, we will use the remaining funds Natalia's annual cochlear maintenance or for the benefit of the other children in our organization.