Visit to the KDSS

On Monday afternoon, we visited the Kinyago Dandora Secondary School. This year marks a very special year for the KDS community. The first graduating class from KDS that began in Nursery is graduating secondary school! For years, the children of KDS would go off to other secondary schools around the country. This posed problems as it removed the children from their communities, prevented a lot of communication between students and the Kenya Children's Fund staff, and did not guarantee a Christian education. In 2006, the Kinyago Dandora Secondary School opened. This gave the students an opportunity to remain in their community while continuing their education to serve as an agent of change. The students are so incredibly motivated to succeed. Ask any student here--they will blow you away with their genuine answers about their future, success, Dandora, and working to create a place of hope and opportunity for the despondent and sheep that have not yet found their shepherd.

On Wednesday afternoon (celebration day), we were able to interact with the students as they prepared for the celebration in our honor. I was astonished with their aspirations. There is no selfish ambition here--every student I spoke to discussed a future goal with hopes to come back and serve the community in some way. Some even have started ministering in their own community. A group has started an art class for handicapped children. Their mission is to show the children that they are not lost to society and that people still care for them. Others are working with Wendy, the other teacher that was with us for part of the trip, on a photography and journaling project that shows the hardship and experience of life in Dandora as well as the hope that comes from more importantly Christ, and the value and power of education. These students are hard-working, motivated students that study very hard, take care of their families, and love Christ with all their hearts. Kenya needs leaders from within to educate, motivate and inspire change. KDSS is shaping young leaders to do this!

We also met with the KDSS teachers to discuss needs and to start planning for a trip in the future like ours at KDSS. It was very successful. We are excited to bring new ideas and help the teachers at KDSS as well.