Living in a nomadic community brings many challenges.... not only being Turkana people in Samburu region, but the lack of food for the cattle through droughts, dangers of having cattle stolen and people killed, food security, water contamination all compound things in daily life.
Now swarms of locusts have again returned and it's all the people can do to keep going day by day. There are no government support programmes which reach the community. And even opportunities in education are limited to all but a few, and the minimum levels of schooling.
Chardavin at least had some education and his literacy and character make him stand out in his community. So regardless of lack of funds to buy uniforms, school fees, pens and paper, desks or anything, we have nevertheless decided to go ahead and develop our OWN 'home schooling and education' in a very unorthodox way, totally 'outside the box' and frankly with nothing to loose and everything to gain!
With greater involvement from John Lotiira, friend, ex-teacher and mentor to Chardavin, we began working to identify areas where we could coach Chardavin to increase his abilities. And then, firmly dedicated to the concept of RIPPLES we support and enable him to share knowledge and education among the community too. Starting with a small group of 10 children (who show the most promise) and 10 adults (who have a motivation to learn and self-develop too).
The expression 'a rising tide lifts all boats' has never been truer!
We will need to cover regular costs, like pens, paper etc (as Chardavin will simply 'make a start' regardless of a classroom, desks, blackboard... nothing!). Also, to make daily study with John possible, we have now relocated Chardavin to Baragoi town and found some space for him to live, buying a foam mattress and sheets and contributing to his food needs...
With access to more established study material (books and PDF downloads) Chardavin has been making great progress during the past 6 months in his chosen field of Electrical Engineering... even (via our social networks) finding some initial opportunity to get practical 'hands-on' work experience (which we hope can continue).
To add your own ideas, collaborations, donations etc please contact us here and we'd LOVE to talk things through with you :-)
UPDATE: May 2022
In the background, with the help of a specific donor in Arizona, USA, we have been able to save and now buy a laptop for Chardavin. We believe this, together with help in access to internet, will open up all manner of opportunities, not only for study and developing his own work or business ideas, but also the ability to interact in a global community and use this advantage to great effect in representing and supporting his community to.
Click here to see a couple of new photos of Chardavin receiving his computer yesterday (7th May)
BREAKING NEWS: Feb 2023
We've been saving funds to be able to enroll Chardavin for a 2 year diploma in Electrical Engineering, to enable him to get the certificate and find work in his field. But first we still had to help him finish KCSE studies and exams as a pre-enrolling qualification.
Well great news is that he's now taking part in those classes thanks to new donations, which will take him through until sitting (and we hope, passing) his exams in November 2023.
UPDATE: Feb 2024
We're excited to now say that Chardavin successfully passed his KCSE and received admission to The African Institute of Research & Development, Nakuru to embark on his 2-year Electrical Enginnering Certificate! See here for more exciting news about this.
To keep in touch, near more news and offer YOUR support contact us. Thank you.
PROJECT 4: HOME SCHOOLING
TRANSITION TO FORMAL STUDY (Feb 2023)
