Creation of Hope

The rainy season has continued through November and with the rain has come renewed planting and hope for the future.  When it rains here – and I find myself ‘grumbling’ about it  - I try to remember how welcomed the rains are in a drought stricken country.  With water there is life.

This time of year also marks the end of the school year.  While this is significant for all students it is particularly important for those in Grade 8.  They have been completing the most important exams of their lives.  The results of these exams determine if they are allowed to attend high school and the type of high school they can attend.  The higher the marks the higher level of school.  We have guaranteed our children that if they qualify for a higher level – a more expensive level – that we will fund their education.  The results will not be known until January and then assignments are made.  Between our existing high school students and those attempting to enter we could be supporting 18 high school students this coming school year.  We are estimating a cost of between$4000 and $5000 to pay for their tuition.

Our new building – the new Rolling Hills Residence – continues to go up.  The two lower levels which house the youngest boys on the first level and the oldest on the second, have been completed and are in use.  The kitchen is now in use and the dining hall – The Whitehorse Room – is having its finishing touches put in place.  The final story, the residence for the girls and the offices for the outreach program has had its external shell completed; walls, windows and roof; and hopefully will be fully functional within the next two months.  In the interim, the girls continue to reside in the existing residence, although with twice the space now, as the older girls stay in the previous boys’ room.  I look forward to showing you pictures in the December update and then finished pictures in the new year.

Fundraising

November has brought about some amazing fundraising efforts

Kettle Lakes P.S.

Hi Eric, Anita, Ruth and Kay,

I wanted to let you know that a cheque for $2300 made out to Creation of Hope has been written and will be coming your way shortly.  This was the total amount raised by Kettle Lakes P.S. through our “Chores for Chickens” campaign, as well as through events during Halloween.  As per your suggestions, below is a breakdown of how our Character Council would like to spend the funds:

$1970 – raised from “Chores for Chickens” to purchase as many chickens as needed (as well as other items as required)
$250 – to purchase school uniforms for children
$80 -  to purchase 2 goats

Please let us know if this is alright.  Our students are looking forward to celebrating the success of our fundraiser at our school-wide assembly in about a week.  At that time, Michael (our principal) will be dressing up in a chicken costume – as he promised he’d do if the students raised more than 225 chickens!  It would be wonderful if we could have some pictures of the kids in Kikima with some chickens to show our students at the assembly too… do you think that would be possible???

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Farhana Panju

Farhana Panju
Kettle Lakes P.S.

The schools efforts were noted in the community newspaper and on local cable.

Below is the link forwarded by Farhana.  Please have a look at the link to the cable segment and celebrate the achievements of the staff and students of Kettle Lakes.

Hi Everyone,

I’m excited to share with you a link to the TV segment that was aired this past week on our local television station about Chores for Chickens at Kettle Lakes.  The link was just made available online today, and will apparently be available for about a year:  http://www.rogerstv.com/page.aspx?lid=237&rid=17&sid=4002&gid=88225

Ruth/Kay, I really hope you are able to view the clip (about 3 mins long), and perhaps even show the kids in Kikima how other kids across the world are caring for them!

Enjoy!

Farhana

Glendale Public School

Ryan Rumsby is a long term supporter and a personal sponsor of our program.  He has transferred schools this year but continued to provide his “new” students with the opportunity to get involved and has involved two more classes – Mrs. Perry’s and Mr. Newman’s classes.  Not only have they assisted their students to understand the importance of helping, but as with Kettle Lakes, the children are doing the work to raise the money.  That is so important.

As well Mr. Rumsby has again asked us for a ‘grocery’ list of possible ways the funds raised will be spent and he allows his students to make the decisions.  Those decisions will be shared in the update in the coming months.

Dear Eric and Anita,

We are Alana Franco and Emily-Ann Kyle from Mr. Rumsby’s grade 5/6 class at Glendale Public School. We decided along with Mrs. Perry’s 4/5 class and Mr. Neuman’s grade 7/8 class that we we’re going to rake leaves for the Creation of Hope, your charity. We raked leaves because we think it’s a nice thing to do for the homeowners who may not be able to rake their own leaves. All the homeowners we’re very generous to give such great and thoughtful donations. Everyone worked extremely hard. There was even one group that worked through our lunch break. We raked from 9:00 in the morning to 12:50 in the afternoon. There was one thing that we all knew, we were helping the homeowners and the people in Kikima, Kenya. That’s an amazing thing that we are helping with. We’re helping two communities. (Killing two birds with one stone.)

Right now, we are deciding what to put the $700 towards. It is very hard because every little thing counts. You gave us so many amazing options. We really hope to do a lot more work. We thank you for all of these wonderful options to put the money towards.

Sincerely,

Alana and Emily-Ann

 

Jack Hulland School

Jack Hulland is one of our two amazing Whitehorse schools that continue to raise money for our program.  The dining hall in the new building is called The Whitehorse Room in honor of their ongoing efforts and the final touches of the dining hall will be finished in the coming weeks, complete with pictures of the students and a Whitehorse flag.

Here are their latest efforts.

Dear Eric and Anita,

Please find enclosed a cheque for $1000.00 from Jack Hulland School for the Creation of Hope.

These funds were raised by my grade seven class by running a canteen at our yearly craft fair as well as at a volleyball tournament.  I am proud of these students and their efforts to be active citizens in our world.

All the best,

 Sara Tillett

Grade 7 Teacher

Jack Hulland School

Lasalle Public School

Lasalle, under the leadership of Martha Martin, has been an amazing supporter of the program over the years.  This year they asked me to come to their school to present as a writer.  The fee that they paid me was given directly to the program and provided the money to pay for the food for Exodus Children’s Home for the months of November and December.

Exodus children

Sharon Jennings was there for the ceremony

Sharon was in Kenya as part of a program to help promote writing in different African countries.  She has been a supporter of our program – having given her time in two different literacy days – and we offered her the opportunity to go up to our program.  She spent three days in Kikima, living on the grounds of the orphanage in Ruth and Henry’s home, visiting the community and meeting the children and donated $350 for one week of the orphanage’s operation.

Spruce Ridge Community school students donated $16.00 – reaching into their pockets at the end of my presentation.

Andy Dilla spent two months in the program early this year prior to entering medical school.  He was a valued member of the community and decided once he returned to fund a special present for the school, Kyangoma, where he taught.

Kate Dawber, one of our other wonderful volunteers who spent two months teaching at Kyangoma held a ‘movie night’ with Nicole, Lisa, Ashley, and Adam and showed ‘A Small Act’ and raised $65.00 to be put toward drought relief.  Kate has inspired her sister Emily, who raised money at Queens, and her father, Fred, to continue to make donations.  Fred has become one of our most generous, caring supporters of the program.

Steve Pitt – our original ‘goat guy’ – made a donation of $200.00

John Wilson – another great Canadian writer – made a donation of $100.00 to the program.

Peggy Thomas has made a generous donation of $200.00 to be used to support the program.

Glenn Bonsall made a donation of $50.00 for his sister-in-law Mary Ann Watson-Bonsall.

Koko Saar, who with her family sponsors Koki, has made a $270.00 Christmas donation in honor of the Godparents of her children.  She has asked that this money be used for a water project.  Our next project will be initiated in the coming months.

Often I am given presents from schools.  We try to bring these over to Kenya where they will be used and appreciated by the children.

Mutunga is sponsored by Maple Grove

Kettle Lakes book bag

Wanza with a Goodwood book bag

Support the Orphanage for a Day Program

We have launched a program where individuals and schools can support the entire Rolling Hills Residence.  $50.00 provided one day of support – this funds the food for 31 children, their medical care and treatment, school uniforms and supplies, electricity and sanitation for the building, and the salaries of the matron, tutor and night watchman.  Here are our first supporters.

Other Updates

From Sharon Jennings:

“On February 14, I was invited to do some literature-based volunteer work in Kenya. I immediately let Eric Walters know and by the end of that day, I received an email from Ruth Kyatha confirming my stay at the Hope Development Centre – my tour all arranged by the tireless Eric! And so on November 3^rd, work finished, I drove along one of the worst roads in the world to one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Up at 5:00 a.m. with the rooster (whom I secretly nicknamed Eric), I walked around the grounds with tea mug in hand and stared off into the distant highlands where I could just make out Mt. Kilimanjaro. I watched the cows being milked and the goats being tethered (they take the place of lawn mowers) and ate bananas off the tree. Kay collected our banana peels and when I asked about composting, she smiled and led me to the compost – the six cows who love banana peels! Later, I was taken on a tour of the new bio-fuel tank. Cattle dung is collected and through a feat of engineering is turned into methane gas. Tubes lead the gas into the kitchen, and that is how I boiled the harvested rainwater for my tea.

To me, The Hope Development Centre is an Eden; but to over 30 children, this place is home. And so I marvelled at the work being done to make the centre sustainable and I was moved by the imagination and inventiveness of those making it all work. Do not think for one moment that even a penny of your donation is being wasted. (By the way, I was not a guest at donor expense: I paid to stay and I paid for the gas to drive me around.)

I spent three very busy days in the surrounding countryside, visiting those schools and children who receive sponsorship from so many generous Canadians. I was warned by Eric that I would be an oddity, and after much staring and giggling (at my pasty white skin – and one little scallywag had to lick me) we posed for lots of photos and speeches and running of hands through my hair. I was often asked to give impromptu pep talks along the route. At Kyangoma Primary School, for example, I was invited to pray for those children about to write their grade eight standard exams. These exams are nerve-wracking! How well the students do determines whether or not they get into the better high schools; and if they don’t, well…the writing is on the wall for their futures. I prayed my hardest!

If you have been thinking about going to Kikima, stop thinking and sign up – your life will be changed. But if you can’t go to Kikima, rest assured that your donation is changing the lives of others. I know some of you have expressed trepidation about making such a long journey. Honestly, the only thing you will find difficult is having to leave and come back home.”

Sponsorship

We have added four new sponsors this month – two Canadian sponsors and two Kenyan sponsors and now have 111 sponsors who provide support for over 400 orphans in the Mbooni District.

All in all it’s been quite the month for Creation of Hope and Rolling Hills.  Thank you to all our supporters for your generous contributions.

Creation of Hope Visit to Kettle Lakes P.S.

From the newsletter of Kettle Lakes

On October 7, Kettle Lakes P.S. received a visit from Anita Walters, wife of renowned Canadian author Eric Walters, who spoke about Creation of Hope. This charity, created and run by the Walters’ family, provides outreach support to over 400 children who live in the rural village of Kikima, Kenya. Mrs.

Walters explained how small amounts of money can go a long way in providing school supplies, blankets and clothing to children and livestock for families who are in desperate need. Every cent goes towards the children, as there are no overhead costs incurred. The staff and students of Kettle Lakes are looking forward to partnering with Creation of Hope as the focus of their fundraising efforts this year.

And here are the results of this visit!

It’s with a lot of excitement that I send you this e-mail as an update on the recent fundraising efforts we’ve involved in at Kettle Lakes for the Creation of Hope.   After hearing your presentation, we felt that at least for our first fundraiser of the year, it would be best to focus on something tangible that our students could easily relate to.  Therefore, last week our school launched a “Chores for Chickens” campaign where students are asking their parents to sponsor them the price of a chicken ($8, as stated on your website) for doing simple chores around the house.  Our students have been washing dishes, vacuuming floors, raking leaves, setting tables, etc., and donating the $8 that they earn to help purchase chickens for the families in Kikima!

To launch this campaign, our team of Character Council student leaders were trained to teach a short lesson to each class in the school. Their lesson focused on the idea of empathy and how we can help others.  They discussed why it’s important for us to help the kids in Kikima, explained the fundraising campaign, and even sang a “Chores for Chickens” song (attached!) to get classes excited!  Each student was provided a paper print-out of a chicken to colour and return to school with their name and the chore that they did to earn the $8.  These chicken print-outs are proudly displayed in our front foyer for all to see and celebrate!

I am very pleased to inform you that in less than a week, our Kettle Lakes has raised nearly $900 (equivalent to 112 chickens) for Creation of Hope!!!  It’s been wonderful to see the enthusiasm that our students have shown so far.  Some staff members have even encouraged their own personal children to participate!  With another week and a half left in our “Chores for Chickens” campaign, we’re looking forward to seeing how much more we can raise for this wonderful cause!

We look forward to keeping in touch with you, and will keep you posted on “Chores for Chickens” at Kettle Lakes!

Glen Park

Hello Chantal,

I trust you are well? We have just finished distributing wishlist items to 10 kids, four of them the ones that your school provided for. I have attached pictures of the kids with some of their wishlist items.

 

Kay

 

Hello Melanie,

 I trust you are well? We have just finished distributing wishlist items to 9 kids, 6 of them the ones that you provided for. I have attached pictures of the kids with some of their wishlist items. They were measured for uniforms and will collect those on 29th of this month, together with their new clothes, shoes, beds and textbooks for those who asked for them.

  I have also thrown in a picture of dad’s pickup as taken by mom…that’s how I came down from the market…no wonder I got all those stares:),

 I looked like I had wiped out a shop or two! You should have seen how packed the back was and in the passenger seat!

 Thanks again for everything you do for these kids!

 - Kay

 

Kenyan Donations

Our program is a true partnership between Kenya and Canada.  It involves not only the decisions being made and the actions taking place but the actual funding – many of our sponsors, and a percentage of our funding coming from Kenyan sources.  We are also highly supported by the local church community.  Three times per year the 109 churches in the Mbooni District take a special collection for The Creation of Hope.   Below is a letter from Ruth outlining this last offering for our organization.

The regional churches made their regular contribution this October and raised Ksh. 160,047 that was used to buy the iron sheets and nails. The roofing will begin within two days.

It is great to see the community support. This year alone, the regional churches have contributed a total of Ksh. 473,307 (contributions were held in February, June and October) which has all gone into the building. It is such a blessing to have such service in the midst of drought – as this whole year was dry with little income for most.

Please keep praying that this support spreads further and the rains continue to fall, as that is one way of increasing the contributions.

Ruth

To convert those numbers to Canadian figures – they raised almost $1700.00 this collection for a total of almost $5000.00!  In the midst of an incredible drought, when individuals are suffering themselves, they still reached into their pockets and donated to help those are even less fortunate.  People who have so little but still give are such an inspiration.

Christmas Donations

We want to thank all of our sponsors who have generously made donations for their child to have something special as a present for Christmas by sending an additional $30.00.  We suggested that sponsors limited their donations as we would not spend more than that amount of their sponsored child.  Some sponsors donated more with the understanding that the additional funds would go to another child in the community who was in need.

Longtime supporters

Amongst our first donations we received funding from Channel.  She, and her mother, Sophia Attema, just made another donation in honor of Sophia’s birthday.  They provided $115.00 to go toward ongoing support of growing crops for the children at the Rolling Hills Residence.

High School Tuition

While grades 1 – 8 are government-subsidized to make it easier to send children to school in Kenya, there are tuition costs for high school.  Last year (January – December 2010) we had 3 students in high school. At the beginning of 2011, 9 students joined high school but one dropped out. Next year, January-December 2012, we expect all the 7 students writing their exams this year to join high school depending on their exam results.  This is a total of 18 students including children who are not presently sponsored but have been offered support due to their dire circumstances and their great potential.

 

Our predicted cost of high school fees for the coming school year for these 18 students is approximately $4,500 (about Ksh. 393,000).  We expect to provide this amount from both a dedicated scholarship – The Andrew Curling Scholarship – as well as funds from our regular sources.   The fees vary according to the level of school that they attend. District and Provincial schools are much less expensive than national, but in general all are less than $500 per year.

For the second year in a row, Kelly and Chris Betts have hosted a Halloween Party to raise funds to be donated to the Andrew Curling Scholarship.  This year they raised over $800.00!

In addition some of our sponsors have decided to make contributions to pay for either part or the entire high school tuition for their child.

Food Distribution

As always, over 200 orphans and their extended family members attended a food distribution at The Rolling Hills Residence.  This includes not just the sponsored children who continue to reside with their extended families but the extended family members of children who reside in the children’s residence.  This is always a day of celebration and those families – some of whom have a round trip of up to 30 kilometers – are given transportation, food, wish lists are distributed, as well as goats and tools and beds given out.

Construction

The new Rolling Hills Residence continues to rise.  As the top floor – the new girls’ residence – is being completed the lower levels are already in use with the boys living on the two lower levels and the kitchen and dining all being used.  Here are the latest pictures. Our hope is that it will be completed in the first two months of the new year when additional funding is raised.

 

 

 

This has been a good month for the program despite the drought which continues to affect East Africa.  Let me start with an explanation of how that drought is affecting our program.

The cost of any product is based on the supply and demand for that product.  When production goes up or supply goes down, the cost goes up.  With the drought – which must be noted is hitting the North-East part of Kenya far harder than it is our area around Kikima– people are less able to grow food.  This means that they must purchase more food, while less is generally available because others cannot grow it either.  This causes a general increase in the price of food which ripples throughout the country and the entire region.

Our orphans and their extended families have been able to grow less of their own food, which has made them even more dependent on the monthly food distribution to survive.  However we now have to pay much more for the food that we distribute – in some cases staples such as corn meal have more than doubled in price – from 35 to 85shillings per kilogram.  We have made a commitment not to change the amount of food that we have distributed.  While this has cost more money, we feel that at times like these, the orphans and their families need our help even more.

In doing this we have had to redirect money from ongoing projects.  For example, two water projects that we had hoped to finish have been delayed.  This is a rather cruel irony that lack of water has stopped us from doing projects that would make people less dependent on rain.

The new building, which will feature an area named Diana’s Wing, will be rededicated as The Rolling Hills Residence in honor of our most generous school supporters.  We had hoped that the entire building would be finished by now.  Instead it will take until the end of January at the earliest to fully finish the building.

One of our sponsors, Stephanie, is going to take on the responsibility of drafting a ‘Corporate’ letter.  We have never sought outside support beyond our sponsors and schools but are making an overture asking for support to help defray the food distribution over costs, finish the building and undertake the two water projects that we’ve planned.

Despite the delays there has been progress with the building.  In September the boys moved into the completed two lower floors of the building!  This allowed the girls to ‘expand’ to take over the entire older building.  The dining room is now finished and the children use it for meals and for the study area.  Ultimately this whole floor will be available to be ‘rented’ out to community meetings and the revenue will help support the orphanage.  The top floor, the girls’ residence (Diana’s Wing) is now taking shape.  This building is the keystone of the entire project – not just the children’s residence, but the offices which will house the outreach and community programs, and will host the local and regional conferences to generate income.

This picture is taken from the side, at the top of the hill.  The white, plastered layer is the kitchen/dining area/study area which will also double as a conference area.  The bricks being completed on the top layer and are locally made, are going to be the girls’ residence – Diana’s Wing – as well as offices for the entire program.

This is a side view that shows the main door (in red).

This shot shows how the building flows down the slope.  The green door on the far left is the side entrance to the boys’ residence which is subdivided – little boys on the lowest level and older boys on the next level.

This is an interior shot of the wing which houses the littlest boys in our program.  The enclosure on the far left is the house father’s room – you’ll notice it has walls (and a door) but no roof so that he can ‘listen’ in and make sure the boys are cared for even in the middle of the night

This next picture shows the electrical line leading down to the pump house (the biogas pit in the foreground) which draws water up from our well.

You’ll note in the picture lots of ‘reds’ and ‘browns’. If the water situation was normal these would be green with growing crops.

One of our newest sponsors, Melanie, made an incredible gift this month.  She went to the ‘Needing to be Sponsored’ section of the website and noticed that the children all had wish lists needing to be filled.  She sponsored six wish lists!  Thank you so much for your generosity Melanie.  Six children will have their lives changed, and of course, you will receive pictures of each child and each item.

Kate Stadium was made in honor of Kate Dawber who had a two month placement in Kikima working at the school and helping at the residence.  Kate and her family are amongst our most generous supporters and part of that support has been to provide the school with sports equipment, uniforms and facilities.  Her father, Fred, has decided that they might need some new equipment and provided a further donation as part of Kate’s birthday gift, to fund this.

Once again we asked our sponsors if they wished to get involved in providing a donation for Christmas.  We asked that people provide NO MORE than $30.00 for their child.  Some sponsors have not only made a donation for their child but have also made a donation for other orphans in the family or for other people in the community.  The generosity of our sponsors continues to inspire me.

New Sponsors

We have four new sponsors this month – one from British Columbia.

 

Nicole and Trevor Brodie sponsoring Mwendwa Mutheu

Michelle Hall sponsoring Kalekye Ndolo

Dale Clark sponsoring Michael Mbaluka

Janis Hetu and Maple Grove students sponsoring Mutunga Mativo

 

Four more children, and their extended families including other orphans, have had their lives changed because of these generous sponsors.

Halloween – The Andrew Curling Scholarship

Our sponsors Chris and Kelly love Halloween.  Last year they combined their love of Halloween with a desire to help the program.  They held a party with donations going toward the children in our program.  The location was at Lou Dawgs in Toronto. Two weeks after the party there was a tragedy when one of the D.J.’s at the gathering, Andrew Curling, suddenly passed on.  Subsequently the money raised by the gathering was placed in a fund, named after Andrew, to support high school fees for orphans.  Last year 15 children attended high school with the money raised through this program.

Once again Kelly and Chris are holding their party.  This money will again be put to use, honoring Andrew, and helping to pay for 22 children to attend high school.  Their school year begins in January.  It is estimated that we  will need  a total  of approximately $4500.00 to fund their year of education collectively.  We won’t know the exact numbers of students until they write their exams in November. Unknown also is the total cost because their scores on these tests determine what level of school they can attend.  Better marks open up better and more expensive schools and we have made a commitment that if they score the marks, we can find the money!

James M. James P.S.

Last month I noted the fund raising efforts of John M. James P.S. in Bowmanville but failed to put in this wonderful picture – I guess this just gives me a second chance to note their efforts and extend our thanks!  Thank you Sarah for giving me a gentle reminder that I had neglected to put in the picture.

Funds Raised

September is the time that schools across the country start fund raising again for our program.  We will, as always, make sure that 100% of funds donated from schools and students go directly to service, and then through the website, show exactly how we used the money.

Our first school to donate funds is Glen Park Public School, which donated $492.00.

Below is a letter from two students explaining their fund raising efforts.  Their principal Susan Hearn, took on a great leadership role and we’re very grateful for all of her help.

These funds will be used to grant wish lists of children needing to be sponsored, as requested, and the specific children will be shown when those lists are granted.

Happy Birthday

Last month I noted that we held a birthday party for 97 children in our program.  Many of the children do not know their birthdates – in some instances they are not even sure of the year.   Along with the help of  Rolling Hills, we decided to honor them with a birthday party – to let them know that the day of their birth is indeed a day worth celebrating!  As well, now that the children have a birthday they also can get a birth certificate.  It’s important for the children to eac  be officially documented and registered with the government.  Kay orchestrated this birthday party and if you want a guaranteed smile go to;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86lu8SoHULA

And just a couple of other clips you might want to see;

Wayua and Wanza singing, supplied by Kate; http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=VK8100O2Y5Y

A thank you from Exodus for LaSalle School; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IPwU3CKtMY

 

We look forward to new and exciting progress in the 2011/12 school year.  Thank you for your ongoing attention, support and care!

This summer has been remarkable in so many ways.  Accompanying me on my trip to Kenya this year were many sponsors from the program; Emily, Michelle, Jordan, Bilaal, Nick, Jack and April.  In each case they had the chance to meet with their sponsored child, meet the extended family and in most cases travel to the homestead where the child either lives or lived before coming into either Exodus or Rolling Hills Residence.

Michelle with her sponsored child, Faith, Faith’s grandfather at their homestead

Emily with Muinde in front of the Christena Gay Community Library

Mutuku and Jordan at Mutuku’s school – he placed 17^th in the school this semester

Nick, Jack and Anne – capturing the moment when she found out they were sponsoring her!

There are now 97 sponsored children.  Of these 29 reside at Rolling Hills Residence, 5 at Exodus (along with other children in Elijah’s children’s residence), and 63 in the homes of extended family members – usually grandparents.  Yet, that’s just the start of the story and only a small number of the children being cared for – let me explain.

Benjamin is sponsored by Zoe, Michelle and Paul. 

Benjamin with Julia and Megan – who sponsor his cousin Baraka who lives at Exodus

He comes every month for the food distribution and brings that food package back to his extended family.  In his family, along with his grandmother are five other children – two are his siblings and three are cousins.

The food he brings is shared with his entire family.  Each of these five children has been given a goat, blanket, mattress, school uniform and their school fees are paid.  The family has also been given cooking pots and tools to work their land.  We have also committed to Benjamin that we will fund his high school education next year.  While only one child is sponsored, this sponsorship has resulted in five children and their grandmother having a substantially better life.

Ruth and Kay examined each child in the program to see the impact their sponsorship is having on other children – other orphans – at their homestead.  They were able to identify over 400 orphans who are now being provided services by the program.

Food Distribution

Food distribution remains a major monthly activity.  Upwards of 200 people attend – the sponsored children accompanied by siblings, grandparents or guardians.  The food distribution days are a wonder to behold.  The first people start to arrive at Rolling Hills as early as 9:00 in the morning.  Transportation has been arranged for those who are travelling far or are old or very young or infirm and they arrive on a ‘matatu’ a bus with 70 seats and 140 or so people.

These days are a shared celebration in which children in the residence visit with extended family members, speeches are given and everybody shares in a meal.  Imagine hosting a meal for that many people!  Along with the food they are also given items from wish lists that were granted, beds, uniforms, school supplies, lamps, mattresses, tools and goats – all of which go back on the top of the matatu!

Food packages

Gathering for the distribution

You have all probably heard a great deal in the news about the drought in Eastern Africa.  While this is centered more in Somalia, Ethiopia and north-east Kenya it has had a significant impact on all of Kenya including our project.  There is always a ripple effect.  A simple example is the cost of maize flour.  One year ago we could purchase 1 kg for 35 Kenyan Shillings.  The cost now for 1 kg is 80 Kenyan Shillings.  There has been a change in the exchange rate – a Canadian dollar is now worth more Kenyan Shillings – but this had not come close to compensating for the increase.  We have made a commitment to you and to the sponsored child and their family to keep the food distribution quantities the same.  At a time when they are able to grow less of their own food they are even more dependent upon the food distribution.  To do this we have diverted money from other sources that would have normally gone for the completion of the building or for water projects in the community.  It strikes me as a particularly painful irony that the lack of water to grow food has resulted in us having to suspend projects that would have provided water to grow food.  We will, hopefully, get back on track with these projects – delayed but not abandoned.

Wish lists

Ray Lewis P. S. granted two wish lists for Muthina Wolile and Mativo Mutunga

Marina Cohen granted Mutua Mutheu’s wishl ist

William Dunbar students granted two wish lists for Michael Mbaluka and Angeline Mutie.

Angeline – One of the wish lists granted by funds raised by William Dunbar P.S.

A wish list granted by funds raised by Glenforest for Mutiwa

Muinde’s brother Mutisya – his wish list was funded by Emily Mednis

 

Tools provided because of Amanda and Stephany.   In addition these two wonderful young ladies paid for school fees for three children!

Below is a letter from Kay explaining how the donation from Rhonda and Tim was given out at a food distribution.

Hello Rhonda and Tim,

I trust you have been keeping well? I have attached a group picture of the 23 kids who got blankets and the 29 girls who got shoes! This was taken yesterday during our monthly food distribution and the recipients could not believe the generosity of someone to buy so much for them all at once! So out of wanting to help one boy with a bicycle, came a blessing to 52 kids! Thank you for your generosity towards them.

 Kind regards,

 Kay

While more than a dozen goats have been given out over the past months (and pictures sent to each of the sponsors) I wanted to note one presentation.  One of our most faithful supporters is Barb Kettle.  She requested that two goats be given out as a wedding present for Stephanie and Thomas.

Weddings are particularly ‘close’ to my heart as I walked my daughter Christina down the aisle on August 13^th.  I wanted to note that she and her husband (I’ve never written that before!) made a generous donation to Creation of Hope as part of their wedding celebrations.

Birthday celebration

Many of the children in our program do not have official birthdates.  In some cases it is not only an unknown specific day but the month or even the year.  We decided that they all deserved both a birthday and a celebration to mark that wonderful occasion.  On the last food distribution day we held a birthday party for 97 children!

Hello Abbie,

 10 birthday cakes, 20 kilos of pilau rice (thanks to mom!),10 kilos of beef,  97 fudge chocolate bars, 97 mint chocolate bars, 50 balloons (and I think I should have invested in an inflator:), 9 1/2 crates of soda, 97 lollipops, 97 suckers, 97 packets of eclairs, 97 packets of biscuits and 97 birthday hats later PLUS the normal food package, everyone was pleasantly full and VERY happy!!!! The day started at 10am and ended at 5pm and no one complained (except for dad because candy wrappers were left all over our compound:). We estimated that including the 97 kids, there were about 160 people in attendance!

Thank your students, first of all for their patience as we waited for the opportune time to hold the birthday and secondly, for thinking to do this for the kids. They had so much fun! I could see the excitement on their faces as they eagerly opened up the treat packs to see what they held! As for the cake, we hired a neighbour to bake them for us (which ended up being way much cheaper than had we bought them from a bakery) and everyone agreed that she did a great job! Everything was bought locally apart from one or two items which were bought in the neighbouring town of Machakos. 

 I know the pictures did not capture the mood well but it’s the best we could do! I hope your kids feel satisfied with what their donation has done!

 Regards,

 Kay 

The food distribution days are also when we welcome our newly sponsored children and present them with a picture of their sponsor.  We have added a number of sponsors this summer.

New Sponsorships:

Teresa and Ken Toten have sponsored Theresia Mueni Wanza and also granted her wishlist.

Barb Minich has now sponsored Muthina Wolile

Emily Ross has now sponsored Mwongeli Nzula and also granted Mwende Mueni’s wishlist.

Meaghan Timmons has now sponsored Mutua Mutheu

Lynne and Orleen has now sponsored Mwende Mueni

Melanie, her husband and son have now sponsored both Mutiwa Kavindu and Angeline Mutie

Nick and Jack are now the sponsor of Annastacia Mutindi

Construction update

Our new building continues to rise up.  It will not only be the new residence for our children but will house the offices for our outreach program and the dining hall will be used as a conference centre and the rental of this will help to fund the ongoing expenses of the children’s residence.  The process has been slowed by a number of factors – most of them related to costs.  We have had to make a number of changes to comply with requests by the Kenyan government.  As well we have had to divert funds from construction to support food distribution as costs have risen dramatically.  The first three floors are almost completed and the boys have already moved into the new residence and the dining/study hall will shortly be in full operation.

Side view of three floors in the new Rolling Hills Residence

Back and other side

Newly plastered – view from front and side

The Whitehorse Room – nearly completed – soon will be the dining hall/study hall

The flag that will be hung in the Whitehorse Room

The boys’ residence – ready for use as soon as the dining room is completed

Biogas plant

All of our cooking needs at the new residence will be supplied by a biogas plant.  Below are the three pictures that show the journey from source to fuel.

Step 1 – Cows produce manure

Step 2 – Manure is placed in biogas tank

Step 3 – Methane is released from manure and used as fuel to cook

Library Update

Our library has been open for business over the past six months.

Presenting a new copy of Catboy to be added to the library

Our librarian received special training – provided by the Kenyan government – and now the library is in constant use by both students from the school – where it is attached – and local community members.  This is part of the overall commitment to helping our children – and all the students of Kyangoma – where many of our children attend.

The students of Kyangoma Primary – along with Michelle, Jordan and April who taught there in July

Recently Kyangoma Primary – where a large number of our students attend – made a dramatic leap to become 4^th highest scoring in the entire district.  We feel that our program has had a significant impact on this jump by providing school supplies for all the children and teachers, extra outside teachers, school uniforms, and of course the library.

We have continued a tutoring system for all of our children in the residence.  Each day after school they receive an additional 1 to 2 hours of instruction and education.  In addition we have made sure that almost without exception all children in the program have been given additional school supplies, uniforms, and text books that have made them better able to realize their true potential as students.  The results of all of this are both dramatic and quantifiable.  Our children – your children – have made remarkable jumps in their academic scores.  Quite often the top student in any grade is a child sponsored through this program.

Other children, in high school programs have taken top honours in their schools.  For example, Mary who attends a provincial high school, recently took an award for three separate subjects in which she was the top performer in her grade (I mention this with particular pride as she is the child sponsored by my wife and I).

Other Community Projects

Toor Centre

An education centre has been established in Kikima in a partnership between Ruth Kyatha and Rumeet Toor to educate teachers from the local community.  The second session is now in progress and there are now 20 teaching candidates enrolled and taking classes.

Free The Children School

My first trip to Kenya was with my son Nick and we were there to help build a school to be dedicated in the memory of his Uncle Peter who died of cancer.  This last summer Peter’s daughter Emily accompanied me and we visited that school.  This was an emotional event for Emily – and myself – and was part of completing the circle.  Special thanks to Rudy and the school staff and students who welcomed us.

Water Project

Ruth is involved in a number of projects.  She has been working with a group of ‘grandmothers’ from Nova Scotia to complete a new water project.  I was asked to be a guest at the official opening of this project.  The people were incredibly grateful for the work and funding that made this project possible.  Now, especially at a time of drought, they are still able to grow crops and be self-sufficient.

Funds Raised

John M. James Public School, Bowmanville: $1,015.88

Stride Avenue Community School, Burnaby: $300.00

LaSalle P.S., just outside of Windsor, Ontario, has paid for the rent for Exodus Children’sHome for the past two years.  This year they went even further – they raised $3200 – enough to pay the rent for the next TWO years!

We attempted – unsuccessfully – to have a Skype session between the students of LaSalle and the orphans of Exodus.  While the electronic connection failed the real connection is strong.  They were also able to exchanged video clips on Youtube.

Rolling Hills once again held their Hoops for Hope Basketball tournament.  They raised an incredible $8537.77!  Add to this a further $95.25 raised by Class 8 and $312.17 raised by other students for an incredible total of $9945.19!  Our original building was named Rolling Hills Residence after the efforts of this amazing school.  The new building, which will feature Diana’s Wing (the residence for the girls), and the Whitehorse Room (the dining/study hall funded by schools in Whitehorse, Yukon), will be carry on the Rolling Hills name and will be dedicated as such.

$300.00 was raised by Henry Kelsey Sr. P.S in Scarborough

Dear Sir or Madam:

Our students recently entered a financial Literacy Contest sponsored jointed by the Investor Education fund and The Toronto District School Board.  The contest asked groups to submit a proposal which would raise funds for the charity of their choice.  The prize was a cheque made out to the chosen charity.

It is my pleasure to inform you that the winning group chose your organization.  A cheque is included.

The students would like the money to be used for school uniforms for children who would otherwise be unable to attend school.  If this is not possible, please distribute the funds in the most effective way according to your observations.

The students were inspired to support this charity because of a visit from Eric Walters to our school, Henry Kelsey Sr. P.S. this spring.  They did more research, and then threw their entire support behind the charity.

We are very happy to present you with this donation.

  Merilyn Fox, Brian Lucas, Cheling Ng

Teachers

Henry Kelsey Sr. P.S.

Our good friend Sharon Freeman recently celebrated a milestone birthday.  Her friends, as a present, made a donation of $455.00.  Special thanks to Karen Danderfer for organizing this.

Codrington Public School, Barrie raised $500.00

Dear Mr. Walters,

My grade 6/7 class was moved by your dedication and the need to help.  They brought in pennies and loose change.  Please sponsor the education of one of the children.

 Judith Badowski

Teacher

One of our sponsors, Sue Van Norman has just retired as a teacher.  She asked that in lieu of presents  donations be made to Creation of Hope.  $800.00 was raised!

Joe and Sheelagh Desousa made an incredibly generous personal donation of $1000.00.  Some of these funds were used to purchase school supplies for the Peter Mednis School while the remaining funds are for the Creation of Hope.

Jack Hulland School – Whitehorse

Dear Eric and Anita,

Please find enclosed a cheque for $1247.50 from Jack Hulland School for the Creation of Hope.

These funds were raised by my grade seven class by selling heart lollipops with a Have a Heart, Give a Heart campaign.  They also participated in three litter cleanups throughout Whitehorse.

I am extremely proud of these students for all the hard work they put in.  They wanted to make a difference and see that others in our world benefited from their good fortune.  They inspired others in our school to help and so some of these funds come from a Grade 1-2 class who raised just under $200 by way of popcorn sales.

If possible, would you be able to send a letter to me or the school thanking the students (include the total raised) and explaining what was done with the funds so that we might announce it in an assembly or put it in our newsletter so that we might inspire more students next year to carry on supporting the Creation of Hope.

All the best,

Sara Tillett

Grade 7 Teacher,

Jack Hulland School

Barb Kettle donated $100.00 to honor some people who repaired the roof on the shed in her backyard but refused to take money.  She’s paying their service forward!

Carrville Mills Public school – donated $100.00

Dear Mr. Walters,

Thank you for visiting Carrville Mills P.S. this year.  We loved listening to you share your story as a writer, but even more, we appreciated you introducing us to your charity, Creation of Hope.  It is a wonderful organization that clearly helps many people in the most direct way possible.

This year our grade 8 students ran an Amazing race in downtown Toronto to celebrate their graduating year.  Rather than handing out a trophy or a prize to a winning team, we all agreed that we would like to make a $100 donation to your charity, Creation of Hope, in their names and in the name of the school.

Please decide where this money could be put to the best use.

Carrville Mills Public School

The Winning Team

Jason Ganz (Team Leader), Aydin Baradan-Seyed, Daniel Batanau, Mike Kackinski, Roman Kolesnikov, Zahid Mukhi

Thank you and we look forward to hearing about how our donation helps others through the Creation of Hope.

Sincerely,

 Kim Pollishuke

Grade 8 Teacher

Carrville Mills Public School

Ms. Pina Santoro donated $280.00 for the Andrew Curling scholarship.  We anticipate 15 of our children being in high school this year and estimate that the total cost will be approximately $5000 in total for their school year.

St. Joan of Arc Catholic High school, Maple – $944.09

Dear Eric Walters

You visited our school a few months back, and from your presentation we were inspired and spoke about raising money for your charity.  In the school, we baked goods for after school events in order to raise money for Creation of Hope.  We also participated in our multicultural event, Taste of Joan, where half the proceeds were forwarded to your charity.  Overall we raised $944.09, which we are giving to Creation of Hope as a donation.  The students are excited to know where their efforts have been directed within the organization.  We are glad to make a difference in lives in Kenya and will continue to do so next year.

Thank you for the inspiration,

Ms. Rustja’s grade 10 English class

One of our most dedicated volunteers, sponsors and fund raisers is Ryan Rumsby at Prince Philip P.S. St. Catherines – once again they have sent money to support Naomi over the summer.

Glynn A. Green E.S. made a donation of $200.00 after I visited in the fall.

Here are Keli and Mulwa wearing t-shirts given to me by Glynn A. Green

William Dunbar P.S. – again an ongoing supporter of the program gave $608.19 as well as a special donation of $50.00 from Smart Start Learning Centre and Childcare Inc

St. Francis Xavier H.S. Gloucester, $111.55

Funds Spent

Joseph Howe students who donated from change in their pockets; $36.00 was used to purchase 3 50 Kg bags of cement (@$10.00) and 33 bricks (@ .18 cents).

Alexander Graham Bell – $443.94 provided funds for 44 50 Kg bags of cement and 20 bricks.

Prince Phillip school donated $614.34 which funded the purchase of 5 doors (@$57.00), 3 windows (frame, grill, glass, @ 93.00) and the remainder was used for direct purchases for Naomi that included school uniform and fees.

Lisgar Senior Public donated $750.00 which was used to purchase 3 bunk beds for the new residence (@ $106), 20 bags of cement (@ $10.00) and 1288 bricks.

Funds provided by Meaghan and Brendan Baginsky were used to purchase a bed for the residence ($106.00), a door ($47.00), a window ($93.00), subsidized the entire food distribution shortfall for June ($250.00) so no child would go with reduced food portions, 2 bags of cement (@$10.00) and 22 bricks.

The donation by Sierra Lewis, a student at William Dunbar was used to purchase 556 bricks.

Funds raised by White Oaks P.S. in Mississauga were used to pay for the Matron’s salary for the month of June ($110.00), to purchase a bed for the residence ($106.00), 10 bags of cement (@ $10.00) and 30 bricks.

South Lincoln High School in Smithville donated $1600.00.  This was used in the following way; construction labor costs (@$2.50 per day – 320 days of employment for $800.00), $300.00 for paints, 50 bags of cement (@$10.00).

Funds raised by John M. James P.S. were used to provide wiring and lines for electricity and biogas plant ($500.00), 5 doors (@$57.00), 2 windows (@$93.00) and 249 bricks.

The funds donated by Stride Avenue Community School were used to purchase 30 bags of cement (@$10.00).

Funds donated by the De Sousa family were used to pay for the food distribution shortfall for the months of July and August ($620.00), paint ($100.00), a door ($57.00), a bunk bed ($106.00) and the remaining funds provided school supplies for Peter’s school.

The money donated by Glynn A Green E.S. purchased 15 bags of cement (@$10.00) and 278 bricks.

Funds donated by St. Francis Xavier H.S. purchased 622 bricks.

Money donated for Sharon Freeman’s birthday party purchased 30 bags of cement (@$10.00) and 861 bricks.

Funds donated by CodringtonP.S.is being placed in the Andrew Curling Si-We-Yah scholarship (along with existing funds from Pina Santoro ($280) and Bloorlea P.S. ($114.97) to fund high school tuition fees in the coming school year.

The money donated by Carrville Mills was used to purchase 556 bricks.

Funds from William Dunbar P.S. and Smart Start Learning were used to provide the cost of the tutor for 2 months (@$70.00), timber for construction ($220), two wish lists and 546 bricks.

Donations from St. Joan of Arc C.H.S. paid for wiring and lines for electricity and biogas plant ($500.00), and labor costs (@2.50 per day – 177 days worth of labour).

Funds donated by Jack Hulland Elementary School were directed specifically to the construction costs associated with creating the dining hall including two doors (@57.00), 8 windows (@93.00), electrical wiring $300.00, and paints ($89.50).

The remaining funds from Christ the King were used to purchase 33 bags of cement (@10.00 per bag) and paint for the dining hall ($35.00).

Funds raised through Sue’s retirement gathering were used to purchase and install electrical wiring and plumbing ($800.00).

$300.00 donated by Henry Kelsey Senior P.S. has been used to fund 25 school uniforms for orphans.  As we hire local seamstresses the money has been spent but the uniforms are still being made.  When they are made and given out to needy children we will put a picture on the website to show the specific children receiving their uniforms.

Funds raised by Glenforest were used to provide a wish list for a child ($120.00), to purchase 150 bags of cement (@$10.00), the cost of the tutor for August ($70.00), the matron for August ($110.00), labor costs (@$2.50 per day – 200 days), paint ($400.00), 2233 bricks ($402.00), water for construction and ongoing care of orphans ($650.00), and 8 beds (@$106.00).

And last – but certainly not least – the funds raised by Rolling Hills were used in the following way; 248 50 kg bags of cement (@$10.00), 3049 bricks ($548.00), electrical wiring and plumbing supplies and installation $1025.00, labor costs (@$2.50 per day – 500 days) , $450.00 for water for construction and ongoing care of orphans, 6 doors (@$57.00), 10 windows (@$93.00), 10 beds (@$106.00) and $325 to cover the cost of the birthday party for the 97 children.

It is going to be an active month.  I leave for Kenya on June 8 – meeting my son in Amsterdam – and then the two of us along with his good friend Jack will be travelling through Nairobi to Tanzania where we will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and then up to our orphanage.  Other sponsors in the program will be travelling to join us over the next few weeks including my niece Emily, Michelle, Bilaal, Jordan and April.  All will be spending time up in the program in Kikima.  I will be ‘tweeting’ as I spent time in Africa, up and down the mountain, and then from the children’s residence where I hope to have a number of the orphans ‘tweet’ out messages to the world.  Follow along as we travel.

The next update will be done in September and cover the entire summer and will detail all of the construction to complete the new building and detail how all of the funds raised this month will have been spent.

Funds Donated

This is the last update until September when I will be back to report on all the events of the summer – hopefully the addition will be completed and the kids will have moved in!

Glenforest Secondary School

This was written by my wife, Anita, who went to Glenforest to both present our program and to receive the cheque for the funds raised.

“Students at Glenforest Secondary deserve a large and sincere congratulations for their efforts and contributions towards the Creation of Hope fundraising efforts at Glenforest this year.  The final amazing sum of $4,500. will go a very long way in Kikima Kenya towards constructing a building to house orphans and will also be used in a very personal gesture to fill the wish list of a single orphan. You may see photos and read the acknowledgements on line at www.creationofhope.com under the updates section.

 

Thank you to Ishani Shah and her executive committee, the staff advisor Ms. Suzanna Meszaros, all the members of the Youth for Global Action Committee who worked so hard all year in order to achieve this amazing contribution.  Thank you to all.  You can be proud to know that Glenforest students are indeed global citizens who have improved the plight of the poorest of orphans in Kenya, giving them hope for the future.   

Students in St. Marguerite d’Youville donated $17.00 – requested not to be named – to purchase 3 blankets and part of a fourth.

As well a teacher from St. Marguerite d’Youville was moved to make a personal donation to The Creation of Hope at the end of a presentation.

A donation from White Oaks P.S.

In March Mr. Walters spoke to our school.  His message was about children our age making a positive difference in the world.  One of the students in our class took that message to heart and came up with an idea to have a bake and craft sale to raise funds for his Creation of Hope foundation.  Once this student shared her idea with her friends many more ideas sprang up and before we knew our whole class was involved in a Baked Goods/Gently Used Toys & Books/Craft Sale.  We were fortunate with our timing because one of our classmates was having a street sale that we could participate in.  Through the community’s generous and overwhelming support we were able to raise $321.25, and we are very proud to donate every penny to Mr. Walter’s foundation.  Thank you to everyone who supported us, and thank you Mr. Walters for helping us realize that we can all make a difference!

- Sincerely,
Mr. French’s Grade 5 Class

 

Students of Mr. French’s Grade 5 class at White Oak P.S.

I was presenting at Joseph Howe Senior Public School in Toronto and spoke to the Grade 7 students about The Creation of Hope.  At the end of the presentation a number of students came up to see me and donated – out of their pocket.  Thank you Steven, Hannah, Justin, Taylor, Kyle, Reshawn, Tharman, and Meghan for donating $36.00.  That money will be used to purchase seven blankets for orphans in Kikima.

Lincoln South High School in Smithville raised and donated $1600.00

This has been a very active month.  Kay was over from Kenya and along with my wife toured a number of schools that have been amongst our strongest supporters.

Rolling Hills Public School – coordinated by Abbie Wright

$312.17

Donated in memory of Diana Page for the kids of Rolling Hills

From class 207                                    $95.25

Alexander Graham Bell – coordinated by Barb Kettle

$443.94

They have raised $1904. 03 to date in the 2010-11 school year

Prince Phillip PS

Ryan Rumsby’s class                                                              $614.34

To be used for Naomi’s schooling and greatest need

Ray Lewis Public School – coordinated by Sandi Inglis

$1416.98 – This money is to provide for two wishlists and then for greatest needs.

Lisgar Middle School – coordinated by Nancy Wimbush

$750.

In addition two students at Lisgar made individual donations.

Meaghan Baginski                                                                            $260

Brendan Baginski                                                                             $260

Meaghan raised the money by requesting that rather than receiving presents at her birthday party than money be donated to The Creation of Hope.  Brendan has become an ongoing supporter of the program.  Caring seems to run in this family.

Sierra Lewis, a student from William Dunbar donated $100.

One of our wonderful sponsors, Paul, donated three laptop computers.  One was already brought back by Kay, I’m bringing a second when I leave on June 8 and Michelle is bringing a third later on in June.  These computers will be part of a computer bank we are building at the children’s residence to help create computer literacy for our children and ultimately help them connect to their sponsors and students in Canada.

A boy at Norwood District Public School – A.J. – reached into his pocket and gave all that he had . . . which is the most generous offer anybody can ever make.  His 50 cents will go toward planting two saplings.

Technically I shouldn’t be listing this until June but Rolling Hills once again ran their Hoops for Hope basketball tournament and raised $8000.00!  This will be fully documented in the next update!

This is also June but I wanted to note it.  I presented at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic school in Thornhill.  After the presentation the students of Mrs. Mazzuca’s class reached into their pockets and donated $21.24.  This will become blankets for four orphans.

Services

More goats!

When Kay returned from her time in Canada she brought with her some presents for the children.  You can see how much they enjoyed these presents.

A special birthday party for one of our children, Mueni, funded by her sponsor.

While school is ‘free’ until the end of grade8 in Kenya there are still ongoing costs for each student.  Emily Dawber wanted to provide a present for her father, Fred.  She provided funds that covered the school costs for all of these children!

Ongoing Construction

Sponsors

New sponsors continue to become part of the program – changing the lives of the children of Kikima.  As always we try to make a genuine connection between the child and the sponsor.

This is Raphael holding the picture of his sponsor – Richard.  We are so fortunate that so many Kenyans have stepped forward to sponsor orphans.