Jambo!
May 2020
United By Love

We face an uncertain future. 
But we face it together.

For the first time ever, we all face the same demon that threatens our physical and mental health - Covid-19. Life's regular routines, whether in Kenya or anywhere else in the world, are completely disrupted. Things we take for granted are now lost. 

But this virus unites us in our new-found appreciation for life. For stability. And for the ability to plan and dream for a future once the quarantine has ended.

Covid, Chaos, & Concern
Stephen Kabani, Kenya Keys staff member, describes the fear and challenges the students face with the closure of schools.

Kabani explains Coronavirus needs
Kabani explains Coronavirus needs

Heeding The Call
Dismay met with action at a time of great need!
Panic spread across Kenya as the virus hit, much as it has everywhere. And like other places, schools were closed and students were sent home. Since there is no safety net in Kenya, we felt compelled to launch a campaign with a goal of raising $5,000 to help with needs we were certain were impacting the students well-being.
Thanks to our loyal, caring supporters, $6,468 was raised to make it possible for Director Joseph Mwengea and the Kenya Keys staff to make home visits - over the course of many days - to more than 250 students
and their families. They delivered soap, masks, and sanitizer, while evaluating which students needed emergency food. Some students were stranded and needed emergency housing. 
We are so grateful for the donations and for the tireless efforts of Joseph and the Kenya-based staff!
Continue to help with critical student needs related to Covid-19!


Letter Time

Sponsors - your letters will mean more than ever to your students this year because of Covid-19. They want to know you are okay and they need the morale boost! Watch for the sponsor email that's coming with more details.
You can email it to  linda@kenyakeys.org  or mail it to:

Kenya Keys
5314 Tualata Court
Lake Oswego, OR. 97035


 
Teams Grounded
Coronavirus Halts Team Visits
Four days before departure, the March trip was cancelled. Almost overnight, Covid-19 became a fierce and grim reality. 

Disappointment barely begins to describe the feelings for all involved.  After months of planning and preparation...Three hundred and fifty pounds of supplies all packed...The highly anticipated celebration of the 15th Anniversary of Kenya Keys all set...Kenya Keys graduates coming from all over the country. Full stop.

Disbelief hit on both sides of the world. Initial concerns were of the possibility of taking the virus to Kenya, but Kenya reported its first case of Covid-19 just days later. All foreigners would be quarantined. 
What a hardship it would have been for the team! Since the virus still rages, the June trip has been cancelled as well. 

We want to extend  thanks to the leaders of the June team - Carolyn Jenkins and Missy McConkie, for all their hours of preparing a strong team and agenda. They'll be back next year!


 
A New Perspective
Kenyan Joins US Board
Judith Wasonga says the mission of Kenya Keys is what attracted her to serve on the board. "I do believe in them," she says, "the work they do to unlock the potential of young people who are financially unstable through education."

She has met some of the students who have benefited and been transformed through this great service. "In addition to that, I was born and raised in a small [Kenyan] village where I have seen and experienced what 'being poor' means and what education can do in someone's life. Therefore, I believe education is the best key you could offer to those in need."

Her experience working with different teams of people in Kenya since 2009 under Harambee Centre, led her to an understanding of servant leadership. Judith's determination and hard work at school helped her build relationships, which in turn, helped her to get a full scholarship at George Fox University.

Most  poignantly , Judith says, "Being on Kenya Keys board is a great opportunity for me to fully represent and empower young people on how powerful education is, and to learn more about servant leadership."
 
US Board Expansion
Kenya Keys welcomes additional US board members.

Gail Zimmerman received a hearty "welcome back" after a two year leave-of-absence from the Board. Gail's lifelong experience in the non-profit sector lends wisdom, insight and perspective. She's an invaluable part of the team.

Bill Allen bringing 40 years of corporate leadership with him. His financial experience adds depth to the board that is rare for a small nonprofit. Bill was part of the last team to visit Kenya in October 2019.

Maureen Halverson brings her lifelong passion for education and organization to the Board of Kenya Keys. She's been a committed sponsor and volunteer for years. Maureen will oversee outreach and events as a Board member.

Youngest Sponsors Ever
Kenya Keys was thrilled when the Enzler family came on as sponsors in February. Parents Kyle and Jade wanted each of their children to have a student of their own to sponsor. They even wanted a student for the son they were expecting!


The three girls, Tayler, Ryenn and Madynn loved choosing their students, as well as the one for their baby brother. They could not wait to write letters to the students to tell them about their lives and what it means to them to be sponsors.

What could be more rewarding? Four students whose lives are changed, and a family who gets to share their love across the world!

The Power Of Education
Noah Majele recently graduated valedictorian of his university class! A first for our Kenya Keys students! And because of his outstanding performance (straight A's), Kibabii University offered him a full-tuition scholarship to pursue a Masters in Swahili.

The son of a widowed mother with 13 children, Noah was naturally gifted with intelligence. Given the family's exceptional financial needs, and Noah's determination, Kenya Keys was eager to assist Noah.

Jeff and Catherine Wagner from California have sponsored him since 2012. With their financial assistance, and the ever-present support from Kenya Keys staff, Noah can pursue his dream.
 
Would you like to help change the course of a child's life? 

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