Kids Connecting with Kids: St. Stephen's Kids Raise Funds for Tumaini
Students participating in St. Stephen’s Summer Celebration raised money for students at Tumaini Academy, in Northern Kenya.
“This gift of love”
Sewickley, PA and Sololo, Kenya
Earlier this summer, the Summer Celebration at St. Stephen’s Church, Sewickley raised over $1,600 to buy solar panels for Tumaini Academy in Northern Kenya.
Located in a remote area of Northern Kenya, Tumaini Academy does not have access to the electrical grid. Instead, they rely on solar power. With only enough solar panels to power one computer, the additional funds will increase students’ access to computers!
Over the one week camp at St. Stephen’s, 200 children ages 5-11 were placed in fourteen different squads. Each squad competed in athletic competitions and good sportsmanship – and they also competed in generous giving! Most of the money raised was in small change, including $65 in pennies. Every cent made a difference!
“We loved the opportunity to share about real kids who are so similar in many ways to our own kids and yet live in such a different context,” explains Robin Turner, Director of Children’s Ministry.
Tumaini Academy was founded in 2012 and now enrolls over 300 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Most of the students are from poor, under resourced families, many of whom are from nomadic backgrounds. The region is harsh and arid, with little infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Tumaini students graduated from primary school with an excellent education and many go on to top high schools in Kenya (for which they must compete to gain admission.)
The Bishop of Marsabit in Northern Kenya, Qampicha Daniel Wario, responded, “This gift of love born out of Christian partnership in Gospel ministry is truly transformative and takes us to the next level in our aspirations. We are forever grateful for their efforts and gifts of love and highly appreciate all those who have been part of this edifying network of friends and partners in ministry.”
With the additional solar panels, the school will be able to power more laptops and lighting for the students.
Praise the Lord for this blessing!
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