OUR STORY
In 2007, we were introduced to a small community of children living in severe poverty. We met teachers Evelyn Waneloba and Alfred Gatimu, who started a learning center to give children in their community a chance. Today, Evelyn along with three other teachers provide two meals a day (usually the only meals the children receive all week) and preschool education until Evelyn can find sponsors to integrate the children into the Kenyan school system. We were so moved by the work of these teachers that we have built a partnership of trust and mutuality.
Formal education is often not an option for children whose families do not have the financial ability to pay school fees. Evelyn’s school, Little Ray of Hope, takes children who are the poorest of the poor, often orphaned, HIV positive, or living on the street, and teaches them love, respect, and discipline. Board members (at their own expense) have visited Kenya almost yearly to work with Evelyn, see the children and visit the schools the children attend. Tarajia Together Kenya (TTK) partners with Evelyn to find sponsors and donors to give children the opportunity for formal education, and through their education, create change in the wider community.
OUR VALUES
WE STRIVE TO RESPECT AND VALUE DIFFERENCES IN CULTURAL VALUES AND NORMS.
We believe the Kenyan community is best able to identify its needs and the way to address them. All of our programs are provided by Kenyan-based organizations with proven track records, creating economic ripples that have positively impacted more than just sponsorship recipients.
WE BELIEVE IN BUILDING MUTUAL TRUST THROUGH LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS, FRIENDSHIP, AND COOPERATION.
We were introduced to the teachers and students at Ray of Hope, Kawangware in 2007 and we've been working closely together ever since. We have followed the Tarajia Together Kenya sponsorship recipients with great interest since primary school.
WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.
Through the love, guidance, and encouragement, the Little Ray of Hope teachers were able to create a very special community of students. These students have developed strong moral compasses and have stood together through difficult times, rallying around each other to ensure the well-being of all. Our students have consistently demonstrated living with integrity and perseverance. It is the strength of this community that distinguishes our students from many others.