When Maisha first began operating in the village, most children could not speak English. This was a problem, because Kenyan standardized tests are only offered in English. As a result, the few who were privileged to be in school rarely passed high school entrance exams. The Legacy of Hope Project started with only a few children and has grown tremendously. Here is a look at the current state of the project.
588 enrolled in project | 544 matched with sponsors
There are now a total of 588 students in the Legacy of Hope Project and 544 of those students are matched with sponsors for education. The other children attend school with the assistance of Maisha’s general education fund. To ensure they remain in school, it is important for them to be matched with sponsors.
214 attending high school
In 2016 Maisha will have 214 children attending high school. This is an incredible testimony to how the community has transformed. Before Maisha, 90 percent of students dropped out of school before ever reaching high school. Families who had enough money to send a child to school have always chosen the eldest son. Girls were rarely given the chance to pursue an education past elementary and many ended up pregnant at a very young age. Boys had a hard time staying in school because they were needed to work to help support their family.
We are excited for the opportunity to assist 214 children in pursuing their secondary education. However, many of these children are in need of a sponsor to help them in their education. They are at a very critical point in their lives where if they do not receive help, they are likely to drop out of school, continuing the cycle of poverty.
The cost of sponsoring one of these children is $35 monthly for a partial sponsorship or $65 monthly for a full sponsorship. The 9th graders who are in need of a sponsor are available online at https://www.maishaproject.org/index.php?projects/high-school-sponsorship.
58 entered project at Maisha Academy | 278 in attendance at Maisha Academy
Finally, 58 new students entered the project into the Maisha Academy to make the total attendance 278. Each year a successive class is added to the academy to maintain and grow the student’s superior education. This year 6th Grade was added, bringing the class total to 8 – nursery through 6thGrade.
The increase in education as a result of the Legacy of Hope Project is undeniable. We look forward to seeing this generation advance in a whole new way, free from the limitation of under-education. Thank you to all of our Legacy of Hope sponsors who’ve not only invested in education but the future success of an entire nation.