The Ndoto Journal

by Allison Schlack Phanice, a 17-year old high school junior in Ndoto Everyone told me my wedding week would fly by, and to try to savor it, because afterward it would be hard to remember the details. Hosting a retreat for 300 Ndoto students two days before the wedding, an Ndoto sponsor/student lunch for 50 one day before the wedding, and a rehearsal dinner for 80 the night before the wedding, all led to the joyous blur of the weekend.

by Fred Sadia Africa is a continent filled with lots of opportunity, but leaders who seem unaware. Africa is also filled with hope, but leaders who seem to thwart it. The future lies in the African Child, the child born with skin the color of chocolate. Bright and articulate: strong, bold, and talented. Every single day is an opportunity for the African Child to spin the wheels of optimism in a hostile environment that ranges from lack of school fees, lack of health care, and even a lack of food.

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.

By Moses Ondeche “Mama” Edith affectionately arranging the student photos on her bulletin board Edith is a 48-year-old lady, mother of 5, and the newest member of Team Ndoto. She and I were discussing obstacles she has faced. She explained how she used to have to work so hard despite being pregnant with her last child, bending and carrying things with no help and even opposition from others who saw her honesty as an obstacle to their selfish ambitions.

Since Ndoto hired its first Kenyans in Obunga, every staff member had the same primary objective: look after a group of students. Everyone then had one smaller responsibility: Susan did the bookkeeping, Mama Bon handled the money, and so on. This has been an inspiring way of organizing a team around a key vision. So there’s no time like the present for change! Joshua’s heart for Ndoto students is legendary and contagious Why change?