2014-07-30 8:07 PM
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Community!Education!Services!(CES)!Canada! Annual!Report!2013! “Year&of&Open&Doors”! !
! ! ! Dedicated!to!Sharyn!Poole!,!CES!Volunteer!
Introduction: Sharyn Poole was a volunteer with CES Canada. Her work to establish the CES Parry Sound/Muskoka Chapter created the basis for her extraordinary humanitarian work. Sharyn’s association with the Rosseau Anglican Church of the Redeemer brought about a unique partnership with CES Canada that began with the construction of a well at Eshitari SS that continues with the provision for student scholarships.
Sharyn travelled to Kenya on five occasions where she became loved by orphaned youth in CES schools. She had a special devotion to the children at the Divine Providence Orphanage, a place of refuge where she spent days caring for these abandoned children. Sadly, Sharyn passed away June 26, 2013 while in Kenya. Her legacy is one filled with love and care for the orphaned children of Kakamega. Sharyn had a wonderful way of sharing her vision of helping needy children. A dedicated CES volunteer, Sharyn often referred to Kenya as “home”.
Home Live in the moment Hope without expectation How do I understand – what compares? Kenyan man sings his national anthem Shakes his head at the disunity. I ask, “do you like living here?” Hesitant answer, “yes” Then a deep look into my eyes “I have no choice” I ask, “where is home” Eyes light up, smile begins and face softens I hear of home Here the work is, there the heart Rural Kenya A hard life of poverty, death, fear Happiness, joy, hope, family
Home I visit Kenyan homes…pride, happy laughter, hospitality I begin to understand I am at home, accepted Humbled, I too will return For there I will be home.
Rosseau, Ontario
Sharyn Poole
July 2010
2013 – Year of Open Doors
CES Canada has been changing lives since 2004. In 2013 a number of extraordinary events and initiatives took place. Some of the highlights are as follows: •
CES Canada supports 205 Kenyan youth in their education
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CES Kenya Family adopts 26 schools in Kakamega District, Kenya
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Kenya Peace Run/Rally with 26 elite Kenyan athletes running 140 km for PEACE
•
Official opening of new CES Musaga SS
•
St Agnes Catholic Church team (Thunder Bay) builds Girls’ Dormitory at St Mary Goretti SS at Shikoti
•
Raising Resilience Arts Project (RRAP) at Divine Providence Orphanage
•
IT Computer Education Program at four CES schools
•
Oasis of Learning Library established at Bishop Sulumeti Girls HS
•
Two wells planned for St Caroli Lwanga Lutaso SS and Ematiha SS
•
PAD Feminine Hygiene training and resources to 100 Girls
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26 Canadian volunteers to CES Kenya Schools
•
3rd annual CES Canada Day Run in Kakamega, Kenya
•
6th annual Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Fundraiser
•
CES De-worming treatments to 50,000 Navakholo area children
•
CES partners with EAAPP in unique Agri-farming Dairy Project
•
Canada - Kenya Pen Pal Projects linking two Canadian and Kenyan schools
•
CES Canada receives Consultative Status with UN (UNESCO)
•
CES Canada partners with UNICEF in Wash in Schools (WinS) Global Outreach
•
2013 - 10th year of CES Canada and CES Kenya
CES Canada in Kenya CES Canada was established in 2004 by a group of friends who wanted to do something to alleviate acute poverty and mitigate the impact of HIV/Aids in Western Kenya. Partnering with CES Kenya, Project PREPARE began in the Kakamega District in two schools sponsoring four students. Building on the foundations of Education, Health, Water and Nutrition, CES has broadened its base from providing secondary school scholarships to orphaned youth. Professional and Student Support Services and Infrastructure Projects have added value and dimension to its work in Kenya.
In 2013, CES Canada sponsored 205 youth in 26 schools throughout six provinces. A commitment to gender equity dictates that a minimum of 50% of sponsored students are
female. The base of operations remains in Kakamega where 26 schools make up the CES Family of Schools. Ten CES grads are provided a small stipend to train as mentors and teacher assistants. Seventeen CES grads have been supported at the college/university level with two graduating in the areas of education and nursing science. Both are employed in these fields.
Partnerships have been critical to the outreach of CES in Kenya. CES Canada will continue to strengthen relationships with the following: •
Community Education Services Kenya
•
World Without Worms Canada
•
Dufferin-Peel District Catholic School Board
•
Toronto District School Board
•
Ottawa Carleton District School Board
•
Rotary Clubs of Ontario (Agincourt/Barrie)
•
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
•
East Africa Agricultural Production Project (EAAPP)
Key to the success of CES in Kenya has been the creation of CES chapters in Parry Sound/Muskoka, Ottawa and Thunder Bay. Additional chapters may emerge as interest grows and more friends of CES become involved in their local areas. It is particularly heartening to see the number of youth in schools who have responded to the needs presented to them. “Kids helping Kids” is a welcomed and growing movement for change.
The challenges are great and the needs are overwhelming. Funding for more students and the strengthening of schools comes primarily from individual donors. The operations and overall supervision of Project PREPARE in Kenya is limited to the volunteer services provided by CES Kenya and its Board of Directors. To date this dedicated group has accomplished much. Their commitment to the cause of providing access to education in their community is nothing short of outstanding.
CES Canada asks the question, “After it leaves and operations cease, what will be left that is lasting, sustainable and relevant to the people of Kenya?” To that end and in the spirit of hope, CES Canada designates 2013 as the Year of Open Doors.
Infrastructure Initiatives Healthy learners are better learners. In a focused attempt to ensure clean water, adequate nutrition for students, and a higher quality learning environment, CES has since 2006 created the following initiatives:
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Eshitari (Sharyn’s Well)
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Khachonge PS (Soo’s Well)
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Kimugui PS (Fani’s Well) Water Projects
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Musaga SS (Sheila’s Well)
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Navakholo SS (Leonard’s Well)
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Namundera SS (Maria’s Well)
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Eshitari SS Kitchen/Dining Facility
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Shikoti Girls SS Chicken/Farm Project
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Ematiha SS Well
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Musaga SS School Building Project (2011, and ongoing)
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Family of Schools Tree Planting Project
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Ibinzo SS Science Lab
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Navakholo SS Computer Lab
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Navakholo SS Agri/Farm Project
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Bishop Sulumeti SS AgriFarm Project
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Bishop Sulumeti SS Library Project
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EAAPP Dairy Farm Project
In 2013 the following projects were officially opened:
•
Shikoti Girls SS Dormitory
•
Musaga SS School Building Project
•
Navakholo SS Science Lab
2013 has been a Year of Open Doors. Growth and new opportunities to serve call for extra effort. As the vision for CES expands, it is clear that all activities must support the original mandate: “To fight poverty and HIV/Aids through an educational model that supports orphaned youth and promotes the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for them to create a better future.”
Community Education Services (CES) Canada The Challenge The HIV/Aids pandemic has created a disaster of huge proportions. The Kenya Ministry of Health in 2001 indicated then that approximately 2.5 million people had died of AIDS, of whom 600,000 are children. “Five hundred Kenyans die daily of AIDS. HIV/Aids has killed 45,000 Kenyan children under the age of five years, as compared to 10,000 by malaria in the same age group. The statistics were even worse for 2008. According to UNAIDS the prevalence rate for adults 15 to 49 years is 6.3%. There are 180,000 children under the age of 14 living with HIV. The number of orphans under the age of 17 years due to AIDS is a catastrophic 1.2 million children. This has left an entire generation of young children and youth to fend for themselves. Somehow they survive in the midst of this unspeakable tragedy.
Transforming an Unacceptable Reality
Community Education Services (CES) Canada was founded in 2004. It was established in partnership with CES Kenya, a not for profit NGO dedicated to reducing poverty in rural Kenya (est. 2003). It provides scholarships for high school aged youth who have been
marginalized by the ravages of the HIV/Aids pandemic. As of December 31, 2013 there were 205 students being supported in 30 secondary schools in the Kakamega region, Lurambi District of Western Province, Kenya. In addition, 11 students in eight schools are part of the CES school expansion program.
MISSION STATEMENT
Community Education Services (CES) Canada is a non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to providing access to education for orphans and other AIDS-affected children in Kenya.
Project PREPARE “Program to Reduce Poverty and Provide Access to Rural Education” Project PREPARE provides access to secondary school for Kenyan youth who have been orphaned or adversely affected by the HIV/Aids pandemic. The project seeks to build capacity and strengthen public secondary schools within the Lurambi Constituency in the Kakamega Central District of Western Province. This is achieved through a focused scholarship program, and the development and availability of cross-curricular teaching
strategies in the area of HIV/Aids Awareness and Healthy Living. The project intends to strengthen infrastructure of schools to improve the quality of education and standards of teaching.
FOUNDATIONS: Project PREPARE is based on four key foundation points: EDUCATION, WATER, HEALTHCARE, NUTRITION
CORE VALUES: •
All members of the human family are created inherently equal
•
All people deserve to live free from fear, repression, poverty and disease
•
All people deserve respect and personal dignity
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All children are entitled to fundamental freedoms and rights
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All children must be protected from abuse of any kind
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All children have a right to grow and learn to their potential
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All children have a right to a basic education
GUIDING PRINCIPLES: Gender Equality CES Canada advocates equal opportunity to female and male students Building Capacity CES Canada assists indigenous education initiatives to become self-sustaining Collaboration CES Canada works in partnership, by invitation and agreement Building Community CES Canada seeks to strengthen the social fabric of the local community by helping Kenyan youth to realize their potential through education
CES Canada-KENYA Graduates - 2013 The following students began their studies under the CES scholarship program in January 2009. Graduating in 2013, the results of their dedication to learning are seen through the KCSE national examination results. CES Canada congratulates this very strong list of student learners.
2013 CES KENYA GRADUATES NAME OF SCHOOL
NAME OF STUDENT
KCSE RESULTS.
ST LWANGA LUTASO SECONDARY SCHOOL
Laytoney Namachi
B
Krence Mavere
B-
Joseph O Mukoya
B
Benson Maina
C+
Eglay Imboyoka
C
Lilian Shanzira
B+
Phyllice Amonywa
B
Sheilla Shanzira
C+
Hellen Shikuku
C
Benjamine Omukuti
C
Joshua Masinde
C-
Felix Lumiti
B+
Kevin Munanga
B
Keith M Ngaira
B
Wycliffe Mahagwa
C
Samuel Juma
B-
Jemima Isaiah
C
FRIENDS SCHOOL SIDIKHO
Jacklyne Wandera
C+
FRIENDS SCHOOL NAVAKHOLO
Nicholas Mirimo
B
Maximillan Makokha
C-
Elbashir Welendo
C-
Wilbur Wanyama
B-
Melzedeck Mukoyi
B
Dolphine Nahaka
C
ST. PATRICK IKONYERO SEC SCHOOL.
IBINZO GIRLS SECONDARY SCHOOL
EMATIHA SECONDARY SCHOOL
SHIEYWE SECONDARY SCHOOL
FRIENDS SCHOOL SAMITSI
FRIENDS SCHOOL MAKHUKHUMIRI BISHOP SULUMETI GIRLS SECONDARY SCHOOL.
Sheila Isendi
B
FRIENDS SCHOOL SIVILIE
Silas Masanja
B
NAMUDERA SECONDARY SCHOOL
Charles Masinde
B+
Elicana Wandera
B+
Linet Wawire
B-
ESHITARI SECONDARY SCHOOL KAKAMEGA MUSLIM SEC. SCHOOL
Alice Shisoka
B
Ibrahim Mabwa
C+
Ibrahim Nyanre
C+
Mwanarabu Otswang
C+
FRIENDS SCHOOL MUSAGA
Sheila Khakuma
B-
ST. PATRICKS, BUKHUKANGA
Ivan Ingatia Wasike
B
Victor Waswa Wasitia
B-
Peris Saleh Angulu
C
Sharon Mmbasu Shibule
C+
Irene Wesonga Wanga
B
Brenda Oudino
C+
Lydia Omondi
B+
FRIENDS SCHOOL NAMIRAMA ST. MARY GORETTI GIRLS SCHOOL LIONS HIGH SCHOOL, KISUMU
SUMMARY B+
5 students
B
10 Students
B-
6 students
C+
7 Students
C
7 students
C-
3 students
CES Canada/CES Kenya Extended Secondary School Program: CES Canada has extended its support for needy Kenyan youth beyond the 26 secondary schools in the Kakamega area family of schools. CES is reaching out to school communities across Kenya. Criteria for support for 11 students in eight schools remain unchanged; namely, demonstrated above average learning ability, inability to pay school fees and orphaned due to HIV Aids or dealing with a major life challenge. The following schools were part of the 2013 Extended School Program:
MOI GIRLS NANGILI, ELDORET LIONS HIGH SCHOOL, KISUMU MARYHILL GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL, THIKA NKUBU HIGH SCHOOL, MERU MAKUENI BOYS HS, MAKUENI/Machakos ST. MARY’S SCHOOL, YALA (Nyanza) SHEIKH ALI SS, Manderra (NEP) THIKA SCHOOL for the BLIND (THIKA)
History of CES Canada in Kenya Beginnings In the fall of 2004 CES Canada was established as a not for profit NGO, partnering with CES Kenya to select and support bright Kenyan students who had been orphaned by the HIV/Aids pandemic. Its goal was to provide education scholarships and other support services for youth living in the rural area surrounding Kakamega Western Province. By January, 2006 CES Canada had received status as a Canadian Charity.
The first CES Canada fundraiser was a true Kenyan “Harambee”. Funds were raised to allow 12 needy students in 12 high schools to begin their secondary school studies. By 2006 CES was sponsoring 24 students in the same twelve schools. 2007 saw the numbers grow to 36 and in 2008 the number of scholarships increased by 14 and one more school was added. In 2011 CES supported 120 students in a Family of 17 schools. 2012, Year of Transformation, 161 students in 26 secondary schools throughout six provinces were sponsored.
2013 is the Year of Open Doors where 205 students in 30 school communities achieved their dream of attending school.
Sponsorships To date CES has provided over 1000 scholarships, with 225 students graduating with the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. CES Canada’s first graduate, Benjamin Wafula has completed his teacher training at Tambach Teachers College. 39 graduates now participate in studies at the post secondary level through partial scholarships provided by CES Canada.
Personal Growth Learning Providing access to education is our most important work. CES also provides professional development for teachers and school administrators in the area of Healthy Living. Students are also invited to participate in a personal growth learning experience. In the fall of 2007, nearly 200 delegates, students, school staff, government officials and community leaders discovered new insights into the reality of HIV/Aids in the community. The topic in 2008 was Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse; and, in 2009 delegates came together to learn about Careers, Job Employment and Education Planning. In 2010 the theme was Hygiene: Handwashing with Soap and in September 2011 the theme of the conference was “Environmental Education Awareness.” The planned 2012 Peace in Education Conference was reworked in lieu of the now nationally recognized 2013 Kenya Peace Run.
Volunteers The CES Volunteer program began in 2007 with two university grads working in CES schools. Jennifer Castiglione and Julia DiPoce combined their unique contributions in the area of teaching and in athletics and the arts. Special Project Volunteer Tania Zulkoskey traveled to Kenya in April 2008. Tania is a social worker living in Vancouver who
specializes in crisis and trauma counseling. Using photography as a social work tool, Tania’s work unfolded as she helped the “Orphan Kids of Kakamega” tell their story.
Nicole Nuk and Sarah Michalowicz experienced a three month teacher mentor assignment in the fall of 2009. Their contributions brought their love for drama and visual art to the students they met. There was a specific emphasis on gender issues and the needs of female students. A significant body of research through interaction with CES sponsored students indicated the need for female hygiene and health care resources. As a result in 2011 the CES PAD project has begun to educate, equip and support female youth in CES sponsored schools. CES Canada believes that this kind of cross-cultural experience promotes a spirit of friendship and cooperation between two nations and two communities.
May through July 2011 saw Thunder Bay volunteers interact with students in the Healthy Minds:Healthy Bodies Learning Program. Sandy and John Guthrie and Karen and Vaughn Dahl coordinated the Canada Day Run for Charity on July 1, 2011. In the fall of 2011 volunteers Sharyn Poole and Shelia Smith of Rosseau Ontario opened two wells and visited several schools whose students are sponsored by donors in Parry Sound Muskoka.
In 2012 Sharyn Poole, Tom Conant and Alecia Chen visited Kenya to make their unique contributions.
2013 was an incredible celebration of volunteer commitment.
CES Canada 2013 Volunteers to KENYA
September 2012 – February 2013 CES Kenya Peace Run Tom Conant - Burlington
May - July, 2013 CES De-Worming Project Tom Conant - Burlington ON Jeff White - Barrie ON Abby Emdin – Wellington ON
May - August, 2013
St Mary Goretti Shikoti HS Building Project Bishop Sulumeti HS Celebration of Faith Sandy Guthrie – Thunder Bay, ON
June 20 – July 10, 2013 Divine Providence Orphanage Eshitari SS Project CES Post-Secondary Scholarship Project Sharyn Poole – Rosseau ON
June 20 – July 12, 2013 Musaga SS Dedication and Official Opening School Visitations and Canada Day Run
Karen Dahl – Thunder Bay Tanya Pountney – St Thomas ON Lynn Zolinski – Thunder Bay Paula Paleczny – Thunder Bay
Gina Rosa – Ottawa ON
June 24-July 16, 2013 St Mary Goretti Shikoti HS Building Project Bishop Sulumeti HS Celebration of Faith
St Agnes Catholic Community – Thunder Bay – ON John Guthrie Daniel McGoey Dennis Koivuranta Father James Panikulam Frank Beck Genessa Bates Mike Lamers Nancy Lang Paul Jusiura
November – December, 2013
ICT Computer Education and Student Mentor Program Lili Ye, Toronto ON
Volunteers were involved in a variety of program events besides those listed above. These were determined during consultations with CES Kenya.
Special Projects: CES Kenya Peace Run – February 10 CES Canada partnered with CES Kenya in a Peace Run to create national awareness of the need for peace and reconciliation in the upcoming 2013 Kenyan elections. This event made a clear statement that peaceful elections are essential for the nation’s continued health and forward growth.
CES Canada is confident that the Peace Run was timely and very important in the life of Kenya. During the last election in 2007, violence tore the nation apart, leaving 1,000 dead and 300,000 people displaced from their homes. The cry of “never again” was a desperate plea for peace and unity on March 4, 2013 when Kenyans again went to the polls.
The CES Kenya Peace Run took place on February 10, 2013. Twenty-six world-class Kenyan athletes participated. Each runner covered a portion of the overall distance of 138 km, equal to approximately three marathons. There were water points and baton handoff locations set up along the ten (10) leg run.
The run started at Kipsigis County Council offices, along the Kericho/Kisumu Hwy, continuing past Kericho and around Kisumu, up the Nandi Hills Escarpment and ending at Muliro Gardens in Kakamega where CES Kenya held a Peace Rally attended by several thousand people.
The CES Kenya Peace Run covered territory that was hardest hit by the violence. It spoke to the fact that respect for human life and freedom is paramount in a democratic society. The Peace Run brought communities and people together, reminding them that peace is the only way to growth and prosperity.
The CES De-Worming Project is a partnership that includes World Without Worms, CES Kenya, MMUST, and a number of Kenya based organizations including Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) and the Ministries of Health and Education. Abby Emdin represented
World Without Worms. Her grass roots organization has raised awareness and funding at Canadian secondary schools and universities for de-worming projects. Tom Conant coordinated this extensive project. It had a huge impact, reaching out to 50,000 children in 132 primary school communities in Kakamega and Navakholo Districts.
The new Musaga SS began in 2011 with one classroom that also doubled as a Staff Meeting Room. By July 2013 five classrooms had been built and the core of Musaga SS was established. On July 6, 2013 Musaga SS was dedicated in memory of Deanna O’Neill.
The St Mary Goretti SS building project infrastructure was completed in July 2013. The new St Agnes Dormitory will be dedicated in 2014 when all the electrical and plumbing aspects are completed.
The link to Divine Providence Orphanage Kakamega began with Sandy Guthrie and later with Sharyn Poole. Through CES Kenya, Sharyn has helped to form a partnership and protocol with a number of CES associated schools that now have registered secondary school aged students from the orphanage. These schools include Bishop Sulumeti Girls HS, St Mary Goretti Girls HS and St Ceciilia Misikhu Girls HS.
In addition, two Canadian volunteers (Joe Lasko and Troy Sexton) shared their expertise and passion for literacy and music. The CES “Raising Resilience Arts Project” was a major success at a number of schools, including the Divine Providence Orphanage.
Lili Ye travelled to Kenya in November-December 2013 in order to provide mentoring for students and consultation with CES Kenya for IT needs in the CES Computer Education IT Program.
Volunteers all had opportunity to visit schools, to address students, teach and to interact with CES students.
Special CES Envoys: CES Envoys Professor Florence Namulundah (NYC) and Gilbert Kiptoo (Eldoret/Thunder Bay) were in KENYA to assist and take part in a number of events. Dr Ruby Sokwala (Kisumu) was involved in consultations and Billy O’Wabuchelli (Butere) also provided insight into education for physically challenged youth.
Events: February 10, 2013 – CES Kenya Peace Run and RALLY FOR PEACE June 29 - Canada Day Run at MMUST – Kakamega July 6 - Musaga SS Dedication July 7 – Celebration of Faith at Bishop Sulumeti Girls HS - Kakamega School Communities: Bishop Sulumeti Girls HS, St Jude Napara HS, St Cecilia Misikhu HS, St Patrick’s Bukhakunga SS, St Patrick’s Ikonyero HS, St Mary Goretti Girls HS Shikoti, St Caroli Lwanga Lutaso SS November 21 - 2nd Annual Virtual Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in WASH in Schools (WinS) Conference in NYC represented by Alecia Chen, CES Director December 10-12 – CES at UNICEF (NYC) WinS Wash in Schools Conference represented by Lili Ye, CES ICT Specialist
Partnerships In July 2013 CES Canada received Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Development Branch of the UN. This allows CES to partner and consult with other UN associated agencies and to attend at UN conferences and seminars to learn and to provide special input. Much of the work done by the UN in the area of post Millennium
Development Goals are also closely tied with the mission of CES Canada in Kenya. This has raised the CES profile, particularly in the Wash in Schools (WinS) global outreach where CES partners with 40 other organizations that have interest in clean water, personal hygiene and sanitation facilities for schools worldwide.
Fundraising: STWM 2008 brought 15,000 athletes from 30 countries gathered at Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto. The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Challenge for Charity was an exciting event, supercharged with emotion, with runners who were intent on competing and achieving their personal best. Team CES Canada was among these athletes, running for marginalized Kenyan youth. Some ran a half marathon while others walked or ran 5 km. All were sponsored and the target goal of raising $12,000 to support students for an entire year was realized. Fifty runners from the GTA and Thunder Bay, Ontario created quite a stir as Team CES Canada raised $25,000 at the 2009 STWM. CES welcomed 10 Kenyan marathon athletes at a post event barbecue. CES continued this tradition in 20102013. During the past five years this event has raised $120,000 for CES programs in Kenya.
In 2008 summer school students from the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board raised funds and wrote 200 messages of love and encouragement dedicated to our students. Each message was personally delivered to our students in Kenya. A gift of $6000 ensured the ongoing education of 30 students for an entire year. In 2009-2013 similar initiatives made it possible for 50 students each year to receive an education previously denied to them. The catalyst for this extraordinary initiative is Ann McGee, Principal of Continuing Education. CES Canada extended its thanks to her as well as the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board for such a wonderful and spirited gesture of humanitarian aid.
During the 2008 Christmas season there was a special appeal to buy anti-malaria mosquito nets. Many of our students live at one of five residential boarding schools. Few have any protection for sleeping at night. Most of our 120 students require their own net. CES Kenya ensured that the nets were purchased in Kakamega so as to stimulate the local economy. The 2009 and 2010 Christmas appeals provided school backpacks and basic resources such as pencils, rulers and workbooks to our students. In 2011 the Shine a Light at Christmas project provided funds for CES students to have their own lamp. In 2012 the special Christmas appeal was for new beds (mattress, pillow, blanket, mosquito
net) at Shikoti Girls HS. The 2013 Christmas Project included Solar Lamps as well as funding for Hydro at the newly built Musaga SS.
In May 2009 CES Canada had the unique opportunity to engage in a Canada-Kenya partnership that included a Canadian based organization. Mojazima Inc. is located in Ottawa. Its main objective is to support development in Africa. Mojazima re-directs a portion of its profits into humanitarian and education projects. Linking with CES Canada, Mojazima provided CES with 200 soccer balls. 120 balls were for CES schools while the rest were designated to the Mumias Youth Empowerment Initiative, a local youth football outreach program. As a result, CES Canada has become known throughout the region. In 2013 Mojazima provided resources for the Canada Day Run.
Schools in Ontario are partnering with Kenyan schools to exchange ideas and communicate by letter and e-mail. During the opening of the 2009 school year, Woodcrest PS in Thunder Bay raised funds to sponsor two students at their “Canada Dress Day”. A number of creative fundraisers such as carwashes, bake and yard sales have brought people together to create awareness of the issues surrounding HIV/Aids in Kenya. In addition, AY Jackson SS and Longfields Davidson SS in Ottawa have been involved in
special projects to create scholarships, pen pal programs and create a new science lab at Ibinzo SS for Girls. Led by Victoria Butler, Barrie North SS was involved in a special pen pal project with girls at St Mary Goretti Shikoti SS. CES Canada Sports Ambassador Gilbert Kiptoo visits Thunder Bay annually to run in the Fireman’s 10Km race. He meets students, visits schools and provides clinics and training for young students who wish to run competitively. Since 2010 Gilbert has been a “star attraction” in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Manon Richer is a teacher at Ecole Franco Superior in Thunder Bay. Throughout the past two years she and the entire school have been involved in fundraising for the new CES school at Musaga. One student in particular saved has saved $300 each year for student scholarships. Special Projects: The Anglican Church of the Redeemer (Rosseau, Ontario) had a vision to dig a well and provide a source of clean drinking water in a rural Kenyan community. Partnering with CES Canada, the Eshitari Project began in September, 2009. The opening ceremony of the new well for Eshitari SS was celebrated on March 6, 2010. Since then the Parry Sound Muskoka Chapter of CES Canada has begun a second project to strengthen this needy school. By the end of 2014, a new kitchen facility will feed the entire school community.
In July 2010 CES Canada had the privilege of officially opening a second clean water well project at Navakholo SS. This source of water will serve the neighbouring primary school and the surrounding village community. In addition, irrigation for the Navakholo Farm Project will provide added supplies of food and nutrition. In February 2011 CES Canada partnered with CES Kenya, the Toronto District School Board, the Kenya High Commission and the Rotary Club of Scarborough Agincourt. The twinning of two schools, Tam O’Shanter PS (Toronto) and Kachonge PS (Kakamega) brought resources together to fund a new source of clean drinking water. This well project has brought much joy to a rural community desperate for water. Wells have also been created at Kimugui SS, Namundera SS, and Ematiha SS. In 2013 new plans to create a well at St Caroli Lwanga Lutaso SS was initiated.
The first CES Canada 2011 Essay Competition involved over 100 students in 16 CES schools. The top three from each school was submitted to an independent assessment team of educators. Authors of the best five of these 48 essays received prizes and all who participated were given certificates of commendation and merit. This project was enthusiastically endorsed by all schools. Essays on topics affecting students such as gender issues, HIV/Aids education, poverty, and access to education have been sent to
Canada for inclusion on the CES Canada website. Again in 2012 there were 47 submissions with five students receiving prizes for their outstanding essays and poetry. The program has changed and now in 2013 Sheilah Nasindu, CES graduate at Musaga SS has become a valued writer, providing CES readers to a number of poems and short accounts of life in rural Kenya.
April 2, 2011 was the date of a unique event where participants in the Harry’s Fun Run in High Park Toronto donated their new and gently used athletic footwear to CES Canada. The May 1 Sporting Life 10K run became a second opportunity to collect running shoes. These were used at the 2011 Canada Day Run in Kakamega where youth from 17 CES Schools ran on July 1 for charity. Sponsored by Canadians these runners made it possible for others to attend school. The Canada Running Series that also coordinates the STWM marathon created this opportunity. To date, over 1000 pairs of running shoes have been shipped to Kenya so that runners who train can do so with decent footwear.
On December 10, 2012 CES Canada honoured the Canada Running Series with a plaque award for their commitment to international running and support to CES Canada’s “Miles into Smiles” shoes for Africa project. Students from A.Y. Jackson SS in Ottawa organized a
charity run in June 2011. The results were 3 new scholarships and a new science lab for Ibinzo SS for girls. CES continues to send shoes to Kenya. These have been donated by the Canada Running Series, New Balance of Thunder Bay and the Coastbusters Running Group.
On August 15, 2011 CES Canada partnered with the Ontario Principals’ Council (OPC) to welcome 25 secondary school principals from Kenya. These delegates to the ICP Conference in Toronto had opportunity to meet with TDSB school officials and a number of cooperative partnerships were discussed. Out of these friendships has emerged a network of 10 CES schools throughout Kenya and scholarships to deserving students in those schools.
Key to the success of CES in Kenya has been the creation of CES chapters in Parry Sound/Muskoka, Ottawa and Thunder Bay. Additional chapters could emerge as interest grows and more friends of CES become involved in their local areas. It is particularly heartening to see the number of youth in schools who have responded to the needs presented to them. “Kids helping Kids” is a welcomed and growing movement for change.
The history of CES Canada is brief. What started as a dream has evolved into a source of hope for a Kenyan community covering 30 secondary schools and impacting on some 10,000 students. Since 2004 – 1000 CES Canada scholarships has seen 225 students graduate with the KCSE diploma. Fourteen students have been supported at the postsecondary school level in areas of education and health sciences. 32 students have returned to their former schools to assist as volunteers in teaching and mentoring new students. Three CES Canada chapters have now been established and in 2013 were actively involved in fundraising and awareness efforts. These include Ottawa, Parry Sound/Muskoka and Thunder Bay.
To serve in Kenya has been a privilege for CES Canada. The needs are great and so too are the opportunities. Together we continue to fight the ravages of HIV/Aids and provide hope through education.
Community Education Services (CES) Canada 2013 Board of Directors
Ron WARD, Patron Alecia CHEN Dennis FREEMAN Susan FREEMAN Michael FREDERIKSEN Ken FROESE Ray GALLANT Art KHAEMBA Diana KUZMANOVIC Charles MAYENGA Leonard WANDILI
CES Kenya Members of the Board:
Malik KHAEMBA, Hsc – Patron Retired from Kenyan Diplomatic Service Ben UDOTO, Chairman Rajab MWENJE, Vice-Chairman Hillary LUKHAFWA, Secretary Chrispus KHAMALA, Treasurer Nelson OTIDO Dr Livingstone NYANJE Rhamadan BARASA Zedekiah MWANGALA Ibrahim EFUMBI Florence LIHANDA Hellen KULUNDU
CES Canada 2013 Budget:
The 2013 Budget was approved by the CES Board of Directors on February 4, 2013. It should be noted that for the year 2013 all remittances for 205 scholarships have been made in December 2012 through CES Kenya to Headmasters of 30 secondary schools. Each school submitted a statement of fees paid in full for each student at their school. This was provided to the Treasurer of CES Kenya for accounting purposes.
In 2013, CES Canada supported 205 students in 30 secondary schools. Funds to cover fees for the 2013 school year are normally raised by year-end 2012. The principle of 90% Canada 10% Kenya applies overall. Costs for events and visits to the field will be included in the books/audit but will not be applied to the budget. Any special assignments and projects will be at zero cost to the budget.
Budget History: 2006
$7,200
2007
$15,500
2008
$20,600
2009
$36,020
2010
$45,000
2011
$74,685
2012
$115,880
2013
$219,885
An#audited#financial#statement#for#the#year#ending#December#31,#2013#has#been#approved# through#the#accounting#services#of#Glen#Davison,#CPA,CA,LPA,CFP.##It#was#approved#at#the# regular#CES#Canada#Board#Mtg.#June#24,#2014#in#Toronto,#Ontario.#
