For our first ECPK newsletter we would like to tell you about the great life-education ministry of Hands of Hope Academy.
Based on holistic health principals, run by Christian businessman and nurse Nestor Ndayishimiye, Hands of Hope Academy (HOH) operates in a rented school on three acres of rural land outside Eldoret, Kenya. Nestor, originally from Rwanda, is a trustworthy and Godly man. He hires and manages the teachers – ensuring they maintain a healthy Christlike school.
The children, many of whom are orphans, are safe and happy as they live in dormitory rooms, are taught their studies, and learn to grow and eat healthy foods. The teachers live on campus alongside the 79 students.
Pumpkins, onions, celery, spinach, peas and more are grown on a small patch of garden behind the school. Chickens are raised for eggs and to sell. While some of the food eaten by the students is also grown by the students, much of their food is purchased in bulk. Just the maize (the staple of the Kenyan diet) for a year is $5040 AUD. Current donations to HOH will help purchase maize, pay for rent ($7300 AUD) and, if enough is raised, purchase land near the school for farming maize in years to come.
Samson (left) is one of many HOH success stories. While some students head into adult life after leaving HOH, many go on to high school and university. Samson has just headed to university after finishing high school last November. Since graduating, like every summer break previous, Samson returned to Hands of Hope to help care for the children and grounds. There are three more students who are sitting their year 12 exams this year. Samson has decided to study film and sociology. We can see a budding documentary maker!