CES Canada 2014 Annual Report - Community Education Services

Providing Hope through Education
2014 Annual Report to the People
Dedicated to Rajab Mwenje, CES Kenya Director 2004-14
Our Mission
Community Education Services (CES) Canada provides orphaned Kenyan students affected by
HIV/Aids with education, nutrition, health care and overall support so that they may improve their
communities and break the cycle of poverty in Kenya. The four foundation cornerstones of CES
Canada are Education, Water, Health and Nutrition.
WHY EDUCATION?
Education for children is a luxury that many parents cannot afford. Poverty is the primary reason
most Kenyans do not complete high school. 55% of Kenyans live below the poverty line defined
as earning less than $1/day.
Education is the seed of opportunity, particularly for desperately poor Kenyan girls and boys.
Girls are often left out of educational opportunities. CES maintains a policy to support an equal
number of girls and boys.
CES Canada currently sponsors 300 students in 25 secondary schools. Since 2004 CES Canada
has provided 1500 scholarships with 300 graduates earning the KCSE. Ten clean water
community well projects, three working farms, and a secondary school have been built through the
donations of caring Canadians. Students are provided a school uniform, school resources, a
nutritious meal each day, anti-malaria mosquito net and basic health care.
All children have a basic right to learn and grow to their potential
CES Canada supports the most vulnerable – those orphaned by HIV/Aids
Faces
Beautiful faces, pure faces,
Smiling faces, sad faces
Sacred faces alive with hope.
I see your face,
I want to know your story
Cry when you cry, laugh when you laugh.
The beauty of Mt. Kenya,
majesty of the Great Rift Valley,
Masai Mara stretching to infinity,
Kakamega Rainforest, Turkana Jade Sea,
will not compare to the face of one
who laughs in the face of poverty.
Face reflects your heart,
Eyes mirror your soul.
When I see your face
I see the heart of God.
Dedicated to the Orphan Kids of Kakamega
10/04/11
​Under the Acacia Tree Music
Greetings from Malik Khaemba, Hsc, Patron CES Kenya
“It is now slightly over ten years since Ces- Canada and Ces- Kenya have been in partnership. The
achievements made within this period of collaboration are outstandingly high. The program has
achieved the primary objective of strengthening through education the rural communities of
Kakamega, Navakholo, Bungoma and Malava Sub-counties.
The social and economic impact that the program has made to these regions is remarkable. The
positive impact on the rural communities is manifested through the number of youth who have
graduated with high KCSE grades. Most of these youth will proceed for further professional learning
at both middle colleges and public universities. For the year 2014 alone for which this report is
dedicated, seventeen (17) high achievers who obtained a mean grade of B+ and above will proceed
to public universities for further education. Six (6) out these high achievers have earned full
scholarships for four academic years, through Ces- Canada and funded by the Peter Cundill
Foundation.
I am grateful that CES Canada is dedicating the 2014 Annual Report to the memory of a great
Kenyan educator. During the year under review, Ces-Kenya lost through natural attrition the late
Rajab Mwenje. Rajab was not only a founder and strong members of Ces-Kenya but also the Vice
Chairman. As a professional in matters of education, Rajab provided inspiration and played a key
and critical role in the formation of Ces- Kenya together with other members of the Board.
After obtaining a Bachelor of Education Degree in 1974 at the University of Nairobi, Rajab taught in
several local secondary schools before the Teachers Service Commission posted him as a Tutor in
Teacher Training Colleges. After teaching for several years in Teachers Training Colleges, Rajab was
promoted to the position of Principal of Secondary Schools. He held this position until he was
eventually promoted to the position of District Education Officer, a position he held until his
retirement in 2005.
It is due to his rich educational background and achievement that I identified Rajab as a member of
Ces – Kenya right from its formative years and indeed he never looked back until he lost his life in
2014. Ces lost not only a strong and dedicated member but also an excellent advisor on issues of
education which he was highly conversant with. As I summarize, let me also add that shortly after
Rajab’s burial at which Ces was well represented, the Ces- Canada president on his visit to Kakamega
had the opportunity to pay his last respects to the late Rajab at his ancestral home in Kakamega.”
2014 Annual Report - CES Canada
Celebrating a decade of educating scholars
strengthening schools in rural Kenya
Humanitarian Outreach Based on Research
The foundations of Community Education Services (CES) Canada are Education,
Water, Health and Nutrition. These cornerstones are confirmed through a decade of
experience in the field. In addition, CES has been directly involved in six research
projects within school communities in rural western Kenya. An assessment model for
determining community needs shows key priority needs to be more schools, quality
education, clean water, health, nutrition and opportunities for youth employment.
Additional research initiated by CES defines goals and strategies that improve the
lives of Kenyan youth. A 2004 “Impact of HIV/Aids on Kenyan Schools” defines the
reason why CES exists to assist orphaned youth. A 2010 “PAD Project” outlines the
problem of absenteeism and the need for girls to receive education and feminine
hygiene resources during their menses. A 2011 “Need for Tertiary Student Loans in
Kenya” highlights the pressing need of KCSE grads having limited funding available
to pursue post-secondary education. A 2013 “CES Kakamega De-Worming” research
project provides the structure for education, training and medical outreach program
impacting on 50,000 children in the Kakamega/Navakholo communities of rural
Kenya. In 2014-15, a “Water Management:Health and Hygiene” research project is
being conducted in partnership with Masinde Muliro University of Science and
Technology.
Responding to International Dialogue
In July 2013 CES Canada was granted Special Consultative status with United
Nations through the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Development) Branch of
UNESCO.
CES Canada has partnered with the UNICEF Wash In Schools (WinS) program, a
global focus on health education, clean water and personal hygiene. CES also
contributed to an international dialogue through UNESCO on “Making Education a
Priority in the Post-2015 Development Agenda.” This UN report outlines why a focus
on equitable quality education and lifelong learning for all is critical if we are to
overcome current and future political, economic, health and environmental challenges.
Priority areas for CES are that all girls and boys have access to and complete quality
secondary education; and, that these youth, particularly girls and women, have access
to post-secondary learning opportunities that develop knowledge and skills relevant to
work and life. The fundamental areas of education, health, water and sanitation,
gender equality and equal access for disabled youth remain critically important to the
work of CES Canada in Kenya.
Continued Focus on Reducing Poverty
Since 2010 the United Nations in partnership with governments and civil society has
included organizations like CES Canada in crafting the next development agenda. It is
clear that although significant progress has been seen in the 2015 Millennium
Development Goals; the desired outcomes have not been met.
There are pressing issues facing the world of today: ending extreme poverty, ensuring
that women enjoy the same rights as men, making sure children don’t die of
preventable diseases and combating the negative effects of climate change – all in the
context of justice and freedom from the ravages of war.
Effective poverty eradication strategies need to recognize the interconnections
between various aspects of poverty. Poverty is made up of factors that together deprive
people of their rights and freedoms. Malnutrition, poor sanitation, lack of clean water
and no electricity are daily reminders of what people in rural Kenya face. These
realities reflect the realities of poor health, lack of education, inadequate living
standards, environmental degradation, gender discrimination, violence and lack of
access to justice.
The practicalities of eradicating poverty remain daunting at best. The most vulnerable
are the children. Always depending on adults, they suffer greatly when caregivers live
in acute poverty. Powerless and without a voice, their choices are limited to meeting
needs for basic survival. The way forward remains largely in the domain of education,
for it is here that minds and hearts can be shaped and values, skills and attitudes
moulded into something positive.
CES Canada – A Part of the Solution
The work of CES Canada in Kenya may appear to be but a small drop of medicine in
an ocean of good intentions. The HIV/Aids pandemic has produced the phenomena of
“children raising children” and “grandmothers raising children.” There are 1.2 million
orphaned children under the age of 19 years living in Kenya; most cannot pay the
school fees necessary to attend school. CES Canada’s scholarship program includes
paying tuition and providing basic healthcare and nutrition for 300 secondary school
students. Daily feeding programs, improved sanitation through Wash In Schools
Program (UNICEF), access to clean water, PAD feminine hygiene education and
provision of treated anti-malaria mosquito nets help each student to become brighter,
better learners – all this for under $1/day.
The ability of our CES graduate students to enter college and university is limited to
available financial resources. CES has provided partial funding for some who have
demonstrated exceptional learning skills. In 2014 a CES Leadership Scholarship has
been established through the support of the Peter Cundill Foundation. Six talented
CES graduates will receive a full scholarship to attend a Kenya university.
CES Canada is involved in a “seven-fold” strategy where needy, orphaned students
receive scholarships and support in their education. This means that on average one
CES graduate will help seven others to achieve their education. Families and
communities are strengthened as these Kenyan youth find ways to rise above the
grinding poverty they face.
Mobilizing youth to create stronger communities is a not only relevant for the work of
CES, it is indeed necessary. In 2014 the CES Alumni group was established. Their aim
is to create scholarships for needy students, helping others as they were helped.
Students at MMUST (Masinde Muliro University in Kakamega) are involved in
community health research in CES associated schools. A CES team provides life
skills and ICT training for those applying for higher learning.
In a world where 800 million people go to bed hungry each day, where 1 billion
people live on less than a dollar a day and where 600 million children live in absolute
poverty, CES Canada continues to bring hope to school communities through its
unique work in rural western Kenya.
2014 Annual Report - CES Canada
Celebrating a decade of educating scholars
strengthening schools in rural Kenya
Programs, Projects, Partnerships
2004-14
CES Canada projects are funded primarily from private, individual and corporate
donations. In addition, CES Canada has received funding from The Peter Cundill
Foundation and the Jessoma Foundation. The major fundraising vehicle is the STWM
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Charity Run which takes place in October
each year. CES has been actively involved since 2008.
Phase 1 Education Scholarship Programs:
CES Kenya Schools
Current * Residential Boarding
Bishop Sulumeti Girls HS*
Buhayi Muslim SS
Bushiri SS
Ematiha SS
Kakamega Muslim SS
Kimang’eti Girls HS*
Lions HS (Kisumu)
Makhukuni SS
Musaga SS
Namirama Girls HS*
Namundera SS
Navakholo SS
Samitsi SS
Shieywe SS
Sidikho SS
St Mary Goretti Girls HS*
Sivilie SS
St Caroli Lwanga Lutaso SS
St Patrick’s Bukhakunha SS
St Patrick’s Ikonyero SS
St Jude SS Napara
St Cecilia Girls HS Misikhu*
Historic:
Eshitari SS 2008-14
Ibinzo Girls SS 2007-14
Kilimo Girls HS 2010-14
Expansion:
2011-2014 (*2015)
Schools to Include:
Thika School for the Blind
*Lions HS Kisumu
*Bwake SS Bungoma
*St Jan SS Bungoma
* Loreto Nakuru SS
Kumugui SS
Maryhill Girls HS (Thika)
St Mary’s Yala SS
Nkubu SS (Meru)
Sheikh Ali SS (Mandera)
Ngara Girls (Nairobi)
Moi Girls Nagili (Eldoret)
Kadika Girls SS
Makueni Boys SS
Nyamiranga SS
Tombee SS (Kisii)
CES Leadership Scholarship Program
Supported and Funded by The Peter Cundill Foundation
2014 – 17 23 students with 6 awarded a full postsecondary university scholarship
Phase 2 – Professional and Personal Skills Development
Education Events/Conferences:
2008 HIV/Aids Awareness/Healthy Living
2009 Substance Abuse/Peer Pressure
2010 Nation Building/Volunteering/Community Service
2011 Career and Education Counselling
2012 Global Handwashing Initiative
2013 CES Kenya Peace Run/Rally (Kericho-Kakamega)
2013 Celebration of Faith
2014 10th Anniversary Celebrations
Phase 3 – Infrastructure and Special Projects:
Ongoing Initiatives:
CES Internship Program 2008 CES PAD (Feminine Hygiene) Education Program 2009 -
CES “Miles into Smiles” Athletic Footwear 2010 Canada Day Run 2011 CES WASH in Schools Project 2013 CES ICT Learning Project 2014 -
Historic Projects:
2008 CES School in a Box Project
2010 CES Kenya Kakamega Reforestation Project
2011-13 Eshitari SS Kitchen Project
2011-2012 CES Kenya Poetry/Prose Writing Competition
2012 Bishop Sulumeti Girls HS Library Project
2013 Raising Resilience Arts Project
2013 St Mary Goretti Girls HS St Agnes Dorm Project
2013 Musaga SS Hydro Project
2013 Navakholo/Kakamega County De-Worming Project
2014 IC2 Read Eyewear Project
2014 Divine Providence Orphanage School Uniform Project
Special Christmas Project
2006 Edu-Packs for Learning Project
2007 Anti-Malaria Mosquito Net Project
2008 Solar Lamps Project
2009 CES Kenya PAD Project
2010 Reforestation Environment Project
2011 Canada Day Run
2012 Bishop Sulumeti Girls HS Library Project
2013 St Agnes (Shikoti Girls HS) Dorm/Bedding Project
2014 Hygiene-Health Project
Special Interest Initiatives:
2011 Divine Providence Orphanage
2011 Kenya Principals Visit to Toronto
2012 Florence Kerandi (Bishop Sulumeti Girls HS) to OCDSB Longfields-Davidson
Heights SS Nepean
Major Building Project:
2010- present building Musaga Secondary School and Kitchen Project
Clean Water Well Projects *in progress
2010 Eshitari SS
2011 Ematiha SS
2011 Musaga PS
2012 Navakholo SS
2012 Khachonge PS
2012 Kumugui SS
2013 Namundera SS
2014 St Caroli Lwanga Lutaso SS*
2014 Divine Providence Orphanage
Agri-Farm Projects
2010 Navakholo SS (Farming)
2013 Bishop Sulumeti Girls HS (Dairy)
2014 St Mary Goretti Girls HS Shikoti (Dairy/Poultry)
Reforestation Projects
2010 Namirama Girls HS
2010 Bishop Sulumeti Girls HS
CES Canada/Kenya Partnerships
CES Chapters:
CES Thunder Bay (2009)
CES Parry Sound/Muskoka (2010)
CES Calgary (2013)
CES Kyoto, Japan (2014)
CES New Brunswick (2014)
School Partnerships – “Kids Helping Kids”
Barrie North SS Pen Pal Project 2012-14
Tam O’Shanter PS TDSB Khachonge PS and Bwake SS 2012-15
Fairmont PS TDSB IC2 Read Eyewear Project 2014
AY Jackson SS Charity Run 2011/12 - OCDSB (Ottawa-Carleton)
Longfields-Davison Heights SS Pen Pal Project 2011-13
Woodcrest PS, Thunder Bay - Canada Dress Day Charity Drive 2012
Ecole Superior School, Thunder Bay - Musaga SS Building Project 2013
Georges Vanier SS, TDSB One World Project 2013-14
Holy Name of Mary SS Mississauga 2009
Dufferin Peel Catholic School Board Continuing Education 2010-13
Formal Partnerships:
CES Kenya
CES Kenya Alumnus
MMUST (Masinde Muliro University)
WWW (World Without Worms)
UNICEF WASH in Schools (WinS) Global Outreach
Canada Helps
Informal Partnerships:
KEEF (Kenya Education Endowment Fund)
ACCES (African Canadian Continuing Education Society)
EAAPP (East Africa Agriculture Productivity Program) Nairobi Kenya
DARP (Development Action and Research Project)
Rotary Club Scarborough (Trump Aids Walk)
CRS (Canada Running Series)
Church of the Redeemer, Rosseau Ontario
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