History:
On safari in July 1999, two of the founders of Hope for Kenya's Kids met the people of a Samburu village near their lodge. The warm welcome they received made it possible to truly connect with the villagers and to get a glimpse of their lifestyle. Most touching was the care and love lavished on the children. The residents had constructed a small school within the village compound so that the children who were too young to attend public school could begin their education early.

During the visit, they learned about two young girls who were currently in boarding school but would be returning home because the village lacked funds to pay their expenses for the next term. Since the girls were 12 and 13 years of age, their return would almost certainly result in immediate marriage and a life dedicated to child rearing. Because female circumcision is part of the culture of the Samburu people, this prospect was particularly horrifying to our founders who made an immediate decision to donate the necessary tuition funds.

By taking this step to break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy, Hope was born. Since that time, many more girls and boys have been given the chance to get a quality education and build dreams for their futures.

What Makes Hope for Kenya's Kids Special

• We are a volunteer organization:
  All staff at Hope for Kenya's Kids are volunteers and most of our supplies and equipment are donated. That means that at least 98% of all contributions go toward the educational expenses of needy children.
  
  
• We work with community leaders:
  Most of the work of Hope for Kenya's Kids takes place at the local level. Educators and leaders in the Kenyan communities where we work are involved in selecting students for our program who have the most urgent need. Through these local relationships we are able to ensure that donated funds are being used exclusively for student tuition and school supplies and that the progress of the students is closely monitored.
  
  
• Our relationships are personal:
  We encourage a personal relationship between our donors and the children they assist. This connection across cultural boundaries allows the children and their sponsors to experience a very special bond through their combined efforts to make a difference. Communication via letters and the exchange of photographs will be happily arranged by the staff at Hope for Kenya's Kids.
  
  Travel to Kenya can also be arranged for donors who wish to visit their sponsored students and the schools they attend. These tours are offered at a very reasonable cost and will be personally escorted by a member of the Board of Directors of Hope for Kenya's Kids. Contact us for more information.