Library at Don Bosco School for Disabled
Donation protected
A couple weeks ago I returned from an incredible trip to Kenya. As part of a development education project, our group of 17 credit union employees from the US, along with Kenya credit unions provided resources to help make change possible for children at the Don Bosco School for the Disabled in Lukiyani, Kenya. The school has 120 students with 60 of them living at the school full time.
Living in the US, it is easy to become accustomed to what is considered "normal" for our schools. Let me share some of the challenges these kids face as part of their daily life. Two years ago, the classrooms for the school were not much more than tiny metal shacks, children that were immobile had no wheelchairs, clean water is available but requires manual pumping & transporting, most children have never had new clothing or shoes, so tears and holes are the norm. Food is simple and served from a pot. The beds are divided into boys’ and girls’ dorms. The walls and floors are constantly covered in red earth. The mattresses are stained and smell of urine. Pillows are a luxury not afforded. There are no computers, no tablets, no toys, and most notably - no books. As harsh as it may sound, the most heart wrenching absence is lack of human touch for many of the children that are institutionalized in this environment. I was washing the hand of one child and when I finished and let him know we were done, he simply said "no, more." For many of these children, in a country where unemployment is high and opportunity low, resources for the disabled are very limited.
The good news is the school has been getting some support from the ACCOSCA (Africa Confederate of Co-operatives Savings & Credit Association) Foundation, the Credit Union Foundation, CUDE project teams from Kenya and the US, the American Friends of Kenya, Mount Saint Mary's school, and donations from several credit unions. Together we have accomplished some pretty amazing things! In 2017 and 2018, 3 new classrooms were built and new wheelchairs were provided to the school. In 2019, a new library building was completed. Lots of fresh paint was added in the boys’ and girls’ dorms, the cafeteria, the new classrooms, the library, and some outside buildings. In addition, many books were transported and categorized to start the library, shelving was built, a new water pump was installed, and on-site donations provided each child with a new mattress, sheets and pillows! Desert Financial CU gifted new uniforms to all children.
How can you help? The impact that we have made in these children's lives is amazing but there can be no greater, long- lasting gift than education. Much work has been started on creating a library for the children and community, but it needs be sustainable. A gift of $6000 would provide supplies, a full-time librarian, part-time support person, and one year of internet service to the school. Even small donations can make a big difference. On the day we were leaving Don Bosco, one of my colleagues was talking to a child and I hear the child say "I'm so happy today!" I don't think you can ever receive a better thank you. Please join me in making a difference!
Living in the US, it is easy to become accustomed to what is considered "normal" for our schools. Let me share some of the challenges these kids face as part of their daily life. Two years ago, the classrooms for the school were not much more than tiny metal shacks, children that were immobile had no wheelchairs, clean water is available but requires manual pumping & transporting, most children have never had new clothing or shoes, so tears and holes are the norm. Food is simple and served from a pot. The beds are divided into boys’ and girls’ dorms. The walls and floors are constantly covered in red earth. The mattresses are stained and smell of urine. Pillows are a luxury not afforded. There are no computers, no tablets, no toys, and most notably - no books. As harsh as it may sound, the most heart wrenching absence is lack of human touch for many of the children that are institutionalized in this environment. I was washing the hand of one child and when I finished and let him know we were done, he simply said "no, more." For many of these children, in a country where unemployment is high and opportunity low, resources for the disabled are very limited.
The good news is the school has been getting some support from the ACCOSCA (Africa Confederate of Co-operatives Savings & Credit Association) Foundation, the Credit Union Foundation, CUDE project teams from Kenya and the US, the American Friends of Kenya, Mount Saint Mary's school, and donations from several credit unions. Together we have accomplished some pretty amazing things! In 2017 and 2018, 3 new classrooms were built and new wheelchairs were provided to the school. In 2019, a new library building was completed. Lots of fresh paint was added in the boys’ and girls’ dorms, the cafeteria, the new classrooms, the library, and some outside buildings. In addition, many books were transported and categorized to start the library, shelving was built, a new water pump was installed, and on-site donations provided each child with a new mattress, sheets and pillows! Desert Financial CU gifted new uniforms to all children.
How can you help? The impact that we have made in these children's lives is amazing but there can be no greater, long- lasting gift than education. Much work has been started on creating a library for the children and community, but it needs be sustainable. A gift of $6000 would provide supplies, a full-time librarian, part-time support person, and one year of internet service to the school. Even small donations can make a big difference. On the day we were leaving Don Bosco, one of my colleagues was talking to a child and I hear the child say "I'm so happy today!" I don't think you can ever receive a better thank you. Please join me in making a difference!
Organizer
Caroline Redmann
Organizer
Sun Prairie, WI
