<a href="http://nambalemagnetschool.org" target="_blank">The Nambale Magnet School </a>in Busia County, Kenya has a remarkable mission and, in its only seven years of operation, has done exceptionally well in allowing students to outperform their circumstances. In addition to being a private, tuition-collecting school, it also provides full scholarships to house, feed, clothe and educate many students orphaned or made vulnerable by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The school, like all primary (1st-8th grade) schools in Kenya, has an overarching objective of preparing students for the KCPE exam at the end of 8th grade which determines the list of high schools they qualify to attend, and the school has done exceptionally well in reaching this goal. Yet director and founder Evalyn Wakhusama has broader ambitions as well. Acknowledging the inability of one exam to evaluate a child’s intelligence and potential, she is constantly looking for ways to introduce the students to different, equally valuable skills and ideas to truly prepare them for life beyond primary school. A Graduate of Yale Divinity School, she has an open mind regarding the operation of the rural Kenyan school and it shows in the school’s uniqueness and excellent reputation in the county. The school similarly strives for financial and environmental sustainability. The school already has in place a rainwater catchment system, Solar LED lights, and a Biodigester to allow for responsible on-site sewage disposal and produce both methane for fuel and nutrient rich fertilizer for the farm. The school’s farm is also home to pigs, cows, rabbits, and chickens, as well as many vegetables including kale and spinach, and the produce and the livestock live in sustainable harmony as the livestock graze the land and provide manure from their waste, and food waste from the cafeteria in turn helps feed the animals. Similarly, the school is working towards financial self-sustainability and building its endowment, and projects to generate income have been established with more on the way. As funding permits, the school will continue to think long term and invest in sustainable projects, both economic and environmental. We are hoping to raise $5,000 by the time we leave in early March so that this school can continue to grow and realize its many ambitions. The money will benefit the Nambale Magnet School through Cornerstone Project, Inc. ( <a href="http://cornerstoneproject.org/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://cornerstoneproject.org/</a> ). Donations will contribute to scholarships for kids otherwise mired in a cycle of poverty, new technologies to incorporate in the curriculum, books, soccer balls, instruments, projects to generate income, and many other things the school is working towards.  For many of us, 100 dollars is what we might spend on a pair of pants, or a dinner out with the family. But for this school, that amount of money can have a lasting impact on these students’ ability to succeed on their exams and as people. I often think about how I might not even notice that amount of money missing from my bank account, and yet I can assure you that these children will notice the impact of your gift and be immensely grateful for it. Here at the Nambale Magnet school, the money is used so well to achieve the school’s mission of providing a quality education for these kids; every penny goes towards the greater good of these children and it only costs $1200 per year to feed, clothe, house, and educate one of these kids who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford such a quality education or stable and secure life. Speaking as people who have spent three weeks here, we can promise you that this is a very special place. The teachers are enthusiastic and kind, and the staff work tirelessly to make the best learning environment they can, with clean facilities, delicious and hearty food, and a robust playground. But most inspiring are the students themselves. The kids here wake up at 5am every morning to begin studying, and their last class ends at 8 pm, with only a few breaks throughout the day. In the dormitories, it’s just the kids, and day or night if one of the younger learners gets upset or needs something, it is often an older student wiping their tears and helping them up. In the lessons Timmy and I have taught, the students were engaged and eager to learn a new skill or about a new idea. The students are joyous and lively, and also determined to seize this opportunity and get the best education they can get. We hope you are willing to make a small sacrifice to support this school and help these exceptional kids get the life they deserve. To learn more about the organization Cornerstone Project, check out their website at cornerstone project.org If you want to learn more about the school and it’s need for your support, read about the circumstances here: <a href="http://cornerstoneproject.org/nambale-magnet-school-needs/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://cornerstoneproject.org/nambale-magnet-school-needs/</a> . If you want to donate a large amount and want to avoid the 7.9% service fee charged by gofundme, feel free to send a check to Cornerstone Project, 100 Cove Road, Stonington, CT 06378, and just include in the memo "Timmy and Tule's support Nambale Fundraiser".  Lastly, please feel free to share this page generously with friends and family. Every contribution counts!

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