Develop

by George Odhoji On July 21st, around 50 women from the community of Obunga gathered in the sanctuary of Ndoto Community Church. They took time to share their challenges and successes in providing for their families and how Ndoto can best empower and enhance their ability to create wealth and support themselves. It has always been my desire to see the community I live in change. When Ndoto: For Africa’s Future offered me the opportunities to finally return to high school in my twenties, go on to university, and ultimately work with them, I knew God was working something great.

Tobias spraying the chicken coop for pests and disease Last year may have been the Chinese Year of the Rooster, but for Ndoto this is the Year of the Chicken. We finally know that, at least here, the chicken comes first, and then comes sustainable income and jobs. An Ndoto student who used to sell eggs helped us realize that over 90% of the eggs consumed in western Kenya come from Uganda.

by Allison Schlack We teach our students that they are blessed to be a blessing, no matter how little they have in the way of material possessions. Two years ago we were challenged to see if we actually believed it ourselves. During a staff discussion on empowering and recognizing the dignity of those whom we serve, an interesting idea surfaced. We were preparing for our Giving Tuesday fundraiser and began discussing raising funds in Kenya, instead of solely relying on donors abroad.

Frank is one of our college students who has overcome so much and risen above struggle to press on and reach his goals. You may remember us talking about him in our blog entitled Beautiful Redemption.  Below is a sweet update on his life from our Executive Director. One Sunday morning, as I headed for church, I passed Frank, an Ndoto college student, and a friend walking. I stopped and chatted with them, and Frank said they were on the way to the hospital, as his wife was about to give birth at any moment.  

“For the African girl, the door shuts just when they are about to enter.” ~ “A Small Act” documentary on Kenyan educational sponsorship. Young girls in Obunga face many challenges in life. From early on, they are targets for abuse, rape, and neglect. If there are boys in their family, often times, daughters are overlooked and treated as second-class citizens, leaving them without as many opportunities as their brothers. This year, we felt it was time to take our female students aside and address some of their struggles without their Ndoto brothers around.