The first little boy that Maureen and Ian sponsored was named Samson, which was how the original name of the charity came about. He was sponsored for around three years before the momentous decision to open the charities first School. In 2001 an empty building surrounded by a good piece of land in the middle of six villages was identified and an agreement to rent it was settled. The building was altered and classrooms where formed and the first Jolaurabi School was opened, although the name sounds African it was actually named after Maureen and Ian’s three grandchildren: John, Lauren and Abigail.

Jo = John Laur = Lauren Abi = Abigail!

In the proceeding years the school ran with approximately 180 children gradually increasing to around 300, and it was decided in 2005 that the charity would look for an additional piece of land to purchase to build a purpose built school. Land was identified and the first phase of what turned out to be a four block-building project (so far), was started. The increase in the numbers of children waiting to be educated coupled with the choirs first 2006 visit to the UK, and help from our sponsors provided the funds to build the first block whilst maintaining the original rented building and create it as a kindergarten school. Over the years the charity has maintained both schools running them complimentary of each other, and has improved facilities adding the Orphanage, which sits alongside. A secondary school building was started but as yet we have been able to complete this project.

Since 2008 the numbers have fluctuated because of double-streamed entry years, which has permitted between 700 and 800 children to attend each year.

Along with the building of the school, orphanage  the charity has been transformational in the surrounding village and has:

• Installed electricity
• Drilled boreholes for fresh water
• Provided a space for adult education classes
• Become a life line employing many local teachers and axillary staff
• Brought together a community which had many religious divisions, by ensuring that children’s race and religion where respected but not an aspect in their entry into school
• Provided secondary school for countless children through our sponsorship programme.
• Feeding programme

The introduction of the school porridge programme happened not long after the school was opened, children who had often walked a great distance couldn’t concentrate, as they were too hungry. Providing a cup of porridge in the morning ensured that hungry children at least got something to eat each day…and unfortunately in some cases this was all they would eat.

In 2016 the feeding programme was extended to provide lunches, free school lunches have always been available for a few, however with the economic hardship that hit Kenya after the terrorist shootings, tourism dried up and many children and families could simply not feed themselves. Many of our sponsors increased their monthly school sponsorship from £6 to £11, with the additional £5 covering the cost of the daily lunch. After this appeal it was decided that the primary school sponsorship would be increased to £11 in order to give as many children as possible lunch, our aim is to have all the children in the school benefiting from this very soon.

In 2023 the school was upgraded with new toilet blocks and kitchen installed allowing us to move the kindergarten children from the rented site into the main site beside all the other children, We also applied for a lower secondary school licence and were accepted meaning we can now keep the children with us for a little longer fitting in with the new curriculum.

The Fruits of Our Labour

Many children who have graduated from primary and secondary and are now in adulthood are marvellous ambassadors for the charity, and evidences the benefits that gaining a good education can change path.

The first boy that was sponsored through university was Narshion:

When Narshion was a young boy he would sit outside schools and ask children for books to read as he couldn’t afford to go to school. He then went to the school to ask if he could sit exams, and of course he passed!
 This was when we met Narshion, we subsequently sponsored his schooling supporting him through university. He is now married with a beautiful daughter, building his own house, has a successful career and owns a car. Narshion has never forgotten his roots and volunteers as chairman to Jolaurabi, and sponsors his deceased sisters child through school and another through teacher training college.
What a success story! Education has literally pulled Narshion out of poverty, and he has become inspirational to others. Charo from the choir this year comes from the same village as Narshion and told us that no one had ever achieved what Narshion has done from his village before as it is very poor, he is determined to follow in Narshions footsteps.

One of the highlights of being in Kenya is walking through the village and never knowing whom you might meet. Recently a beautiful young woman stopped her bodaboda (motorbike taxi) and jumped off and through her arms around Maureen. Florence who we have known since kindergarten is also working and doing well.

Having educated many children that are now grown up, we have too many successes to mention, from university and college graduates, catering managers, marketing executives, hairdressers, teachers and teaching assistants…even a professional footballer.

Maxwell who was brought up in the orphanage, graduated with honours and is now a full time maths teacher in Jolaurabi School, Kombe now runs all charity logistics in Kenya and is almost finished his business management course. Its so rewarding to see the development in so many young people and how they are so focused on helping others with a hand up

What Can You Do?

Sometimes we think hard on what we can give to those who don’t have. You can share out what you have and can change someone’s life forever. We love to see these kids happy why not Give yourself a target and organise a fund raising event Set up your own Just Giving Campaign and let others know what you are doing… it’s really easy to do.

SET UP YOUR CAMPAIGN

Felicity age 7 and Elena age 5 from Otley are sisters who only have a couple of days between their birthdays. This year they had a joint party and asked their guests to donate to Educate the Kids forgoing gifts they raised a marvelous £160.00

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We are so grateful to the numerous schools that fund raise on our behalf from everything nominating us as their charity of the year, non-uniform days and the favourite with everyone cup cake sales, we are so grateful every penny helps!

There are so many ways that you can raise funds for educate the kids, and we regularly have people walking, cycling, and nominating us as a worthy cause

The Ladies Circle of St Andrews Church in Dumfries booked a shop for a week. Liz, Moira and team worked hard gathering items from many of their friends and had a queue of people lined up every morning to grab a bargain. The ladies said it was hard work but worth it they raised £5000! And would be happy to do it all again.

We rely on you to help; all the money raised helps improve the lives of these wonderful children. The families are so grateful, it is humbling, and thank you to all who have helped and we hope you are inspired to do something.