So, finally this January (2024) I flew from Nairobi Wilson airport to Kisumu in Western Kenya, an area I hadn’t explored before, to meet the children of the Foundation and see for myself the wonderful work of Inzeku Education Foundation first hand.
On my arrival in Kisumu, we soon left the bustling city behind us driving north to Kakamega County passing through lush, green countryside dotted with palms, small villages and farmland, quite a contrast to the dry arid areas I’m used to seeing on safari in Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks. Kakamega, is not an area particularly known as a tourist destination but is known by Kenyans for its tropical rainforest and is said to be Kenya’s last remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once spanned this vast continent. Time has stood still for the beautiful Kakamega Forest Reserve and is home to various mammals including bush pigs, giant forest hedgehogs, colobus monkeys, Debrazzar monkeys and pottos. Some of the birds to be seen here include the Blue Headed Bee Eater, Black Billed Turaco, Turner’s Eremomela and Grey Parrots.
Inzeku’s Story and children in kenya
The Inzeku Education Foundation is based in the remote village of Irechelo, in Kakamega County, in the Western Province of Kenya. It was founded in 2016 in order to provide basic necessities to children living in poverty from the local area, with the larger goal of providing for their education. The basic necessities they provide include tuition fees, book, uniforms, shoes, school desks, funds for medical expenses (many children in Kenya suffer from Malaria), and very importantly, one hot, nutritious meal a day, as for most of them, this is the only meal these children get each day…children need fuel to learn.
The Founder was lucky to have received sponsorship as a child that saw him through his entire education so he strongly believes it’s his time to give back to his own community and help other desperate families. Inzeku Education Foundation are proud to be currently supporting a total of 48 students; 31 in Irechelo Primary School, 16 at Secondary School and 1 at Polytechnical College.
Most of the children at Inzeku Education Foundation are orphans or in situations where there is no father and the mother has left to re-marry, having no choice but to leave her children behind with relatives, who cannot support themselves never mind support one or two additional children. Sadly, it seems this is quite a common situation for children in Kenya.
My Inzeku Experience
On my arrival late evening in Kakamega Town I checked into a small local hotel for the night, which was an interesting experience in itself to say the least and not wanting to venture further than my room, I dined on a packet of potato crisps, some biscuits & a bottle of mineral water I had in my bag! I was picked up the following morning by my friend, whose home was only a 10-minute drive away, and off we went to Irechelo Primary School. Being a Saturday, the children wouldn’t normally be in school but with mention of an English visitor (this was definitely a very rare occurrence), the provision of a delicious hot meal with meat which would usually only be served once a week, fresh fruits, popcorn and sodas, they were all miraculously in attendance and awaiting my arrival!
It was an absolute delight to see all their excited, curious but slightly shy and apprehensive faces. In the classroom, I was introduced to their teacher called Bright (such a fitting name), Noella whose key role is the children’s liaison assistant & medical officer for the Inzeku Education Foundation and Peter who manages the photography for their social media. We kicked off with poems & psalms read out off-by-heart by some of the children, then in a most orderly manner, one-by-one they introduced themselves, telling me their ages and what they’d like to do when they grow up. At breaktime, Popcorn & sodas, which I’d supplied, was shared amongst the eager & grateful kids. I cannot put into words my overall feeling of warmth from everyone and their generous welcoming hospitality.
Lunchtime came later with great anticipation and much appreciation, with more than plenty to go around. The provisions I’d funded had been prepared & cooked by the Founder’s sister, (it’s quite a family affair) and served in vast pots of delicious, sustainable rice, meat and vegetables with loads of fresh oranges & water melons washed down with bottles of mineral water.
Following our relaxed lunch with the children, they were encouraged to ask me questions about where I came from, England, and after some giggling & squirming in their seats a few gradually found courage to come sit with me; of course the topic of football came up; which team I supported and could I buy them a football, some told me about their hopes for when they grow up and their aspirations; one astute girl, Getrude Ibayo, asked if there was also corruption in UK politics. No surprise; she has aspirations of graduating to Thika Girls High School and her ambition is to become a Lawyer. With the help and support of Inzeku and her own determination, she has the chance of achieving her goal.
christabel mutakale's story
Christabel is 19 and has been studying fashion design at the polytechnic college sponsored by Inzeku. Before my day at the school came to an end, the Founder made a surprise presentation to Christabel with her mother and all the children present, with a brand-new Singer Sewing Machine and a machine table specially made for her, which was paid for by a very generous donor. This amazing gift will enable Christabel to start making and selling her own designs.
