In June 2006, Kila Nafasi was founded in association with the Maasai Community Education and Support Program (MCESP) and it's chairperson, John Keshe. Kila Nafasi works as a U.S.-based fundraiser for the MCESP, raising money to assist with the education and related support for Kenyan school children. Among other community-based activities of the MCESP, this program aims to provide financial assistance to local children with high enough marks who wish to attend secondary school, but otherwise lack the funds.
100% of donations made to Kila Nafasi will go to Kenyan children who otherwise have no opportunity to continue their education past the equivalent of U.S. grade 8. Funds will also provide related support such as school uniforms, books, and other supplies.
Our goals are to find sponsorships for all the girls being assisted by MCESP and ultimately to reconcile them with their families so that the education and skills they gain may benefit their communities. This reconciliation process has proven to be much easier once the girls demonstrate that they have alternatives to marriage and can succeed academically.
Depending on funds available from donations, Kila Nafasi will sponsor as many children's education as possible. As we will likely not be able to support all in need initially, priority will be given to children with the highest marks. Kila Nafasi will also offer guidance and advising to any students who wish to pursue university education.
On our Students page, you can read student's stories in their own words. These are letters written by local school children who, without outside help, will likely have no choice but to drop out of school. We will soon be adding photos of these students as well. Many families cannot afford to send their children on to secondary school, and sons are often supported over daughters due to limited funds. Additionally, some children cannot even attend primary school, as their families cannot afford the necessary school uniform.
You can contact either of Kila Nafasi's founders by email to learn more about these or other students who need your help.
Kila Nafasi contacts:
Katy Califf Audrey DeRose-Wilson