Monday, September 21, 2009

Looking for an accountant...

Many people are always asking us how they can help...

Well here's one way! We're looking for someone who knows how to use quick books and could set us up/help keep all of our financial information straight!

If you're interested or know someone who might be please have them email us!

jessica@hopetoshine.org

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Our Website

Dear Readers,

Don't forget... there is more information on our website:

www.hopetoshine.org

We are in the process of updating our site upon our return from Kenya, but by next week you will be able to go to our website and see photos and read the stories of all of our students (as well as find much more additional information).  

You can also become a fan of The Kibera School for Girls on facebook.  Become a fan today and show your support for our grassroots movement... and get updates!  

Go here to become a facebook fan: 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kibera-Kenya/The-Kibera-School-for-Girls/96988017490

Stay tuned!  

-Jessica and Kennedy

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

The First Day of School



Before leaving to return back to the United States Kennedy and I were lucky enough to witness the first day of school.  

Students began arriving early, clad in their uniforms and with enthusiastic and slightly curious smiles on their faces.  The three classes rotated between rooms, visiting the science and math center, puzzle center, construction center, literacy center, research/social studies center, and art center.  The children looked as if they didn't know what had hit them.... all of a sudden school was fun!  

I watched as students built number towers with blocks (counting as they went) and as others drew pictures of their families and wrote accompanying stories.  Teachers told stories with puppets, and other students carried out their own science experiments measuring water and weighing it on a scale.  

I stepped to the side, as it became clear that this project no longer needed Kennedy and me in the same way--everything was more than under control with Joan and our amazing teachers at the helm.   Another magical moment was lunch time.  Our curriculum specialist Melissa Dearborn generously donated supplies for the first month of our feeding program.  Little tiny girls went back for three servings of the nutritious maize and beans mixture.  I asked how many had eaten breakfast or dinner the night before, and no one raised their hand.  I realized then even further how important our school is because it addresses issues of education, health, nutrition, the well-being of parents, environmental sustainability, and HIV/AIDS and abuse prevention.  I was also struck by the sustainability of the project.  Lunch, for example, is prepared each day by parents, as there are always four parents who work at the school each week in exchange for school fees.  

As I watched the teachers expertly guiding classes I saw that our project is a success.  As Teacher Madahana told me, "This school must work, we will make it work because if the school is a success, I am a success.  If the school fails, I also fail."  

With the committment of our staff, parents and community, I am sure that our school will continue to make a profound difference.  As student Makesh Mumbi told me "I wish I could live at school everyday because school is the happiest place in the world."