The water pump has been fixed! The children at Rapha Community Center have access to clean water again. Thank you to everyone who donated towards the pump replacement. Enough money was raised to cover the cost, which means we didn't need to use funds that were earmarked for other projects. Now that we are
I'd planned to share an update outlining all we have accomplished since I've been in Kenya, but instead, I need to share an unexpected challenge. Over the weekend our water pump stopped working. I'd hoped it would be a simple fix, but yesterday the pump, which sits at about 180 meters below ground, had
The new school year is off to a great start at Rapha Community Center. Everywhere you look, there are signs of vibrant life. Steady rains have helped our flowers to bloom, and our crops to thrive. It is the first year since before the pandemic that we will have a good harvest of fruits
I shared Edward's story last year. He was finishing his final year of school at Rapha Secondary, ready to begin a new chapter in his life. His goal was to continue his arts education, and I'm thrilled to say that Edward has done just that since leaving Rapha. When I was in Kenya this
One night, Steven and Regina fell peacefully asleep in their beds. When they woke the next morning their world was completely different. Their house was empty; their mother was gone. Day turned to night, but she still did not return home. Regina did her best to take care of her younger brother. They survived
In only a few short weeks our Form 4 students will begin their KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations. The testing process is rigorous and will last throughout the month of November. Completion of this exam marks the culmination of their secondary school education. For many of our students though, this achievement represents
Annual Giving Message Twelve years ago, I walked the land that would become Rapha Community Center for the first time. The property was overgrown and the only building in sight was a rundown wooden shed with no electricity or access to water. At first glance, it was hard to see
It’s happening! On June 28th, a team of 9 people will join our Executive Director, Jennifer, in Kenya for the first volunteer experience at Rapha Community Center since the pandemic started in 2020. We can’t wait for our children to meet new friends and for our volunteer team to witness the vital work we’re
Remember Samantha? When I shared her story in my last letter, she was just about to begin her KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) examination. This is an important endeavor for all Form 4 students in Kenya. It’s the culmination of their entire secondary school education and their results determine so much
The pictures in the top row are from the very first day of school at Rapha Secondary School. In the beginning, we had more desks than students, and our classrooms were temporary structures that were hardly conducive to learning. It was a humble beginning, but hard work, determination and the generosity of
