Kids Need Education In Africa

We also support micro business initiatives and job training opportunities.

We are very excited to continue with our assistance for the little African school in Garissa, Kenya, that we first encountered in 2007.

Our Return Visit

During our return trip to Garissa in December of 2008, Jim and I were excited to bring the funds raised at our first Garden Party Fundraiser that previous summer.

Micro Business

We met one of our specific fundraising goals of being able to purchase a sewing machine for the school that would enable them to sew their own uniforms and to start a sewing business.

Jill presenting the sewing machine to Rukia, the headmistress at the African school.

A close up of the sewing machine presented to the African school.

We know that almost all of the schools in Africa require the children to wear uniforms.

We also know that most families don't have the resources to purchase the uniforms, shoes, books and other supplies needed.

This means that many children simply don't go to school. That's a problem! Kids need education in Africa, or in any country, and shouldn't be denied that basic opportunity.

Being able to sew uniforms for themselves, as well as for others in their area, helps solve one of their many problems and also generates some much needed income towards running the school.

It was a proud moment for us to present the sewing machine we purchased in Nairobi to my good friend, Rukia, the schools founder and headmistress.

This particular sewing machine is electric and converts quite easily to a manual treadle operation when no hydro is available.

Our First Building Project

Rukia surprised us by asking if we would consider not spending the rest of our money as intended on school supplies and the feeding program. She explained that her greater desire was for an additional classroom that would give her the much needed room to accommodate more students.

These were the grade 4 students that I had taught on our previous trip, who were interrupted in their education due to lack of space and resources.

While the government school was available, these children's parents and caregivers just didn't have the resources for the necessary uniforms, shoes, books, and food they would need to attend.

Rukia explained that they usually showed up at her school because they missed their teachers and school friends, but mostly to get in on the feeding program which would provide their only meal of the day.

Watch our classroom building project video.
The Julia Project helps where kids need education in Africa.