Celebrating 10 Years!

This year marks a significant milestone for CLCL as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, CLCL has been dedicated to transforming the lives of children in Kenya, providing them with essential resources such as food and education. In honor of this special occasion, the organization is excited to announce a series of events featuring our Kenyan Executive Director, Wyclif Gitonga. From March 25 to April 7, Wyclif will embark on a tour through various cities in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, aiming to raise $10,000 to support the initiatives that help feed and educate children in Kenya.

Wyclif Gitonga has been a pivotal figure in the organization, directly impacting the lives of countless children and families over the years. His leadership and commitment have not only helped raise awareness about the challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Kenya but have also galvanized support from donors and volunteers across the globe. This anniversary celebration is a chance to reflect on the past and look forward, unite for a cause, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it the most

Upcoming Events

Fundraising is at the heart of this celebration, as CLCL aims to raise $10,000 during Wyclif's tour. This amount will go towards providing children with school lunches and educational resources, ensuring they have access to the basic necessities required for a bright future. Every dollar raised will support programs that directly impact the community and contribute to the broader mission of CLCL, which is to foster sustainable change through education and nutrition. The funds will allow the organization to maintain its commitments and continue expanding its reach to help even more needy children.

During Wyclif's visit, there will be five exciting fundraising events, which will take place in the following locations:

·       Murphy, TX, on March 26 at the home of Pam and Michael McGraw

·       Southlake, TX, on March 27 at Capital Grille

·       Arlington, TX, on March 28 at the home of Jan Gerro

·       Santa Fe, NM, on April 1 at the home of J.D. and Jennifer Wynne

·       Longmont, CO, on April 5 at the home of Cork Rowley

These events present an opportunity to learn more about the incredible work CLCL is doing on the ground in Kenya. Attendees will have the chance to meet Wyclif in person, hear his inspiring stories, and understand the profound impact their donations will have on the children’s lives. One of the highlights of Wyclif’s journey will be his speaking engagements at two notable churches. On March 30, he will give a talk at the United Church of Santa Fe in Santa Fe, NM. On April 6, he will speak at Westview Presbyterian Church in Longmont, CO. Both events promise to be insightful and engaging, offering attendees a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs CLCL faces in its mission to uplift children and communities. These speaking events will highlight the organization’s achievements and share the pressing needs that still exist and how individuals can get involved.

We hope you can attend one of these events!

Make an Impact

In this era of uncertainty, it’s easy to forget the power of giving and the profound difference that even a small contribution can make. The story of CLCL is a testament to this; over the past ten years, they’ve grown from a small initiative to a thriving organization that has significantly impacted the lives of hundreds of children and families. We shape a brighter future for the next generation with every meal we provide and every child we educate.

For those who cannot attend any of the events in person, there are still numerous ways to get involved and support CLCL's mission. Donations can be made online for those who wish to contribute financially, and spreading the word about CLCL’s initiatives to friends and family members can help increase awareness and support.

Wyclif Gitonga’s visit serves as a call to action for everyone to rally together and contribute towards a meaningful cause. By participating in the upcoming events, you’ll join a legacy of compassion and change-making that has defined CLCL over the last ten years.

Let’s unite to make this 10th anniversary one that genuinely honors the commitment to feeding and educating children. Join us in this celebration of hope and let your support be a beacon of light for those who need it most. Together, we can ensure that many more children eat nutritious meals and receive a quality education, paving the way for a brighter future.

Prepared by: Wyclif Gitonga

The untold power of a bed!

A bed, a fairly simple piece of furniture, is something many people take for granted in various parts of the world. However, for families living in abject poverty, especially those accustomed to sleeping on the floor, a bed signifies much more than just a place to sleep. It symbolizes comfort, dignity, and better health, a luxury that can greatly impact their quality of life. For a long time, this has been a story for two families of our sponsored children. Due to poverty, the parents of these children were unable to provide all basic necessities. As a result, these children and their siblings had been sleeping on cold, damp floors.

Both families shared their struggles with sleeping on the floor, particularly during this rainy season when the damp and flooded conditions heightened the risk for colds, pneumonia, and skin infections. A simple bed helps reduce the risk of these diseases. Especially for these children whose immune systems are frequently weaker, due to the lack of a balanced diet to boost their immunity.

During CLCL's delivery of a bunk bed and bedding to each family, the joy on their faces was unmistakable. For the first time in their lives, these children will now have a comfortable bed with warm bedding to sleep on, protected from damp floors and the diseases that often come with them. The children were excited at the thought of restful nights on these beds, which helps restore their sense of dignity and gives hope. They are also convinced that sleeping on a bed will boost their academic performance now that they have a better chance of a good night sleep and less health issues.

The parents, overwhelmed with gratitude, shared how the beds restored their hope and sense of community belonging. They talked about the embarrassment they had experienced when neighbors learned about their difficulties and saw their kids sleeping on the floor. Now, the gift of a bed has replaced that shame with pride and relief.

These children's sponsorship is alleviating far more than just their immediate hardship. An apparently basic item—a bed—has changed their lives and provided them with unimaginable comfort, acting as a lifeline for the kids and their families.

Prepared by: Fridah Makandi

Sharon's life is characterized by resilience and hope. She is the first-born daughter of two children, raised by her widowed grandmother and single father. Her parents divorced when she was a few years old and unfortunately, her father became addicted to alcohol. The family struggled with basic needs such as school fees and food. Sharon and her brother frequently had to leave school because they lacked the funds to pay their fees. Despite her old age, Sharon's grandmother worked tirelessly on their small farm to provide for the family, demonstrating her unwavering love and commitment, even though her efforts yielded minimal results.

In 2015, Sharon's life improved when her family connected with the Changing Lenses, Changing Lives (CLCL) organization. CLCL sponsored her and provided essential support, including food, school uniforms, and school fees, which became a vital lifeline. With this assistance, Sharon's grandmother could finally relax, confident that her grandchildren had access to uninterrupted education. Over the past ten years, CLCL's unwavering support has strengthened Sharon and her family. Sharon completed both her primary and secondary education because of their help. Now, she is preparing for her final exams in a General Agriculture certificate course at one of Kenya's top technical schools, ready to achieve a significant milestone.

Sharon’s transformation from a life of uncertainty to one of academic success and hope demonstrates her unwavering determination and the invaluable support she received from CLCL. Her achievements serve as an inspirational symbol for many girls in her community. Sharon’s focus on agricultural education represents more than just a personal milestone; it represents the potential for a brighter future for her entire community. She envisions applying her knowledge to enhance farming practices, promote food security, and improve livelihoods for generations to come.

The deep gratitude felt by Sharon and her family is difficult to put into words. Your commitment and kindness have changed the trajectory of one young girl’s life and brought hope and strength to her entire family. Sharon’s success highlights the transformative power of support and generosity in shaping lives and fostering resilience. Thank you to CLCL and her sponsors for recognizing Sharon's potential and offering her the needed support. Your generosity has planted the seeds of a brighter future, for which she remains profoundly grateful.

Prepared by:

Fridah Makandi

Brian Elvis Gatobu, an 8-year-old from Gitugu village in Ntakira Circuit, is the youngest of six children. A bright and determined student, he has a deep love for learning, with mathematics as his favorite subject. As the top pupil in his class, Brian aspires to become a medical doctor. However, his passion for education is constantly threatened by financial hardship.

Brian’s family struggles to make ends meet, relying solely on his father’s modest income as a night guard. With two older brothers recently joining university and high school, the financial burden has become overwhelming. As a result, Brian and his younger siblings often miss school due to unpaid fees. At home, food is scarce, and their only reliable meals come from school. Worn-out clothes serve as daily reminders of their difficult circumstances.

His eldest and only sister once dreamed of becoming a nurse. However, due to financial constraints, she had to settle for a certificate in beauty and hairdressing instead of pursuing a university degree. Without land to cultivate, the family must purchase food—an expense often beyond their reach.



Despite these challenges, Brian and his siblings remain committed to their education, consistently ranking among the top students in their classes. Education is their key to a brighter future, but they cannot achieve this goal alone. By sponsoring Brian and his family, you can provide them with access to education, food, and other essential needs. Your support will help lift them out of hardship and give them the opportunity to reach their full potential. Join us in changing lives—one child at a time.

Reminder, CLCL Now Accepts Zelle! 

 

CLCL is excited to announce that you may now send your donations to us via Zelle! Simply instruct Zelle to direct your payment to: info@changinglenseschanginglives.org.  

As with your checks, CLCL does not incur a fee when you send us money via Zelle. If you want your donation to benefit a specific program, please send us an email telling us where to direct your gift, and we’ll do it! 

Of course, we still accept your cash and PayPal donations!