I try to take a moment out of each day to appreciate how blessed I am to be able to serve the community of Kisii, and to reflect on how we can get ever closer to achieving true financial independence for our Kenyan families through education, healthcare, and vocational agricultural training.
We are all so encouraged by our progress in 2017 and to implement our plans for this year!
Highlights from 2017 and Goals for 2018
One of the most exciting developments was securing the funds needed to drill a new bore hole to provide our GRACE community with a reliable water supply. So much of our future development depends on this critical step! We are currently evaluating the commercial proposals and expect the bore hole to be complete within a few months.
Some other key organizational developments include hiring a full-time Director to help manage operations and projects “on-the-ground” in Kisii, welcoming new members to the Board of Trustees, launching a new website, and establishing a social media presence.
The most important impacts, of course, are those that have a direct and positive impact on the lives of our students and families in Kisii. I’m thrilled to share those with you:
GRACE PROJECT IMPACTS
GRACE Academic Center
| 2017 Results | 2018 Plans & Goals |
|---|---|
| 100% of 8th grade students accepted, and began attending high school | All 8th grade students accepted into high school with 100% attendance. |
| 140 students received a healthy meal every school day | Begin offering breakfast to ensure that all students receive 2 healthy meals each day
Add variety to the lunch offerings to increase nutrition |
| 20% of students received 100% tuition scholarship | Continue to provide 100% tuition scholarships to those students most in need
Continue to build the GRACE Academic’s Center reputation of academic excellence to increase enrollment for non-subsidized students |
| 70% of students received subsidized tuition | Continue to subsidize tuition for all students who need it |
GRACE Health & Nutrition Center
| 2017 Results | 2018 Plans & Goals |
|---|---|
| 300 students and local community members treated at the health care facility | Continue to expand the availability and reliability of treatment services |
| 371 children in the school or community received either or a combination of hygiene, healthcare, and sex education |
Continue to educate all students in these areas
Expand education program to include programs targeted for boys and girls health |
| 100% of GRACE girls who needed sanitary packages received them. | Continue to provide sanitary packages to all GRACE girls who need them.
Measure the positive impact of this program on school absenteeism |
| 100% of GRACE students received toothbrushes and toothpaste | Continue to provide toothbrushes and toothpaste to all GRACE students |
GRACE Agricultural Innovation Center
| 2017 Results | 2018 Plans & Goals |
|---|---|
| 737 Community members trained in sustainable farming | 1000 Community members participating in sustainable farming training |
| Build an academic curriculum around sustainable farming for the GRACE Academic students | |
The GRACE Project 