This month’s newsletter highlights key aspects of our Education Works Pillar, including our sponsorship and feeding programs, as well as a special visit from the U.S. Venture team, who met with sponsored students and saw firsthand the impact their support is making.
"I didn’t appreciate what life was like in Kenya until I arrived. Nor what extreme poverty really looks like,"
reflects Alison VanBellinger, director of integrated marketing at U.S. Venture (USV). VanBellinger traveled to Kenya as part of a USV Global Citizen Team this fall–a journey the company
sponsors every two years to engage on the ground in the work USV and its associates help power through VICODEC and Kenya Works.
"Seeing the work and impact the organizations make firsthand really put the pieces together for me," she explained. "The staff are so passionate. They bring hope to so many children–hope that shines throughout the community."
Some of her favorite and most eye-opening moments were: hugging her family's sponsored students, touring the Kenya Works Child Protection Center and learning about the impact the school feeding programs have on children's education. And, playing with the kids at VICODEC and at the Child Protection Center!
"The light they have in their eyes and
the happiness that emanates from
everyone there is evident the second
you step into a room."
VanBellinger noted that being able to
slow down–"Kenya time is real," she
laughs–and be present in the moment
allowed her to immerse herself into
the culture.
Through singing, dancing, playing games together and listening to people's stories, the experience left a deep impression and perspective she hopes to always remember.
"I don’t think I’ve cried, laughed, high-fived
and hugged as much as I did
that week," she said. "I feel so blessed
to have been part of this trip–and to
be a champion for these efforts USV
is so deeply connected with in Kenya."
"I hope to bring my family someday to
meet all of my new friends."
Both Kenya Works and VICODEC, one of our key partners in student sponsorship, provide support for school lunches at partner schools, addressing the critical issue of famine in highly vulnerable communities. The schools we partner with have populations where children previously spent entire school days without food.
When schools provide free lunch, proven outcomes include increased school enrollment and attendance, improved health and enhanced academic performance.
In 2024, VICODEC enrolled three new primary schools into its satellite feeding initiative, benefiting an
additional 590 students—now reaching a total of 4,590 learners with a daily nutritious meal. Kenya Works supports school lunch programs at four partner schools and two community feeding sites,
ensuring a daily meal for 4,545.
Poverty is a complex issue that requires comprehensive interconnected solutions, such as nutrition and education. Together with our donors, we are helping children shine and thrive.
This year, Kenya continued the significant shift from the longstanding 8-4-4 education system
to the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The final cohort of Form One students (equivalent to 9th grade in the U.S.) under the 8-4-4 system was enrolled, ending the system that consisted of eight years of primary education, four years of secondary school, and a minimum of four years for post-secondary education.
The new CBC system, structured as 2-6-3-3-3, includes two years of preprimary, six years of primary school, three years of junior secondary, three years of senior secondary and three years of higher education. This curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking, practical skills, and entrepreneurship, moving towards a more student-centered approach that prepares learners with skills for life beyond the classroom.
However, the implementation of the CBC requires additional resources and teacher training, leading to higher costs for families. As a result, sponsorship fees will be increasing for 2025. Sponsorship for students in Grade 10 and above will increase to $600 and Grade 9 and below will increase to $375.
Every child has the potential to succeed, but for too many Kenyan children, lack of resources and education opportunities stand in the way. By sponsoring a child, our community is removing these barriers and paving the path to a brighter future with knowledge and education. Sponsorship can transform a child’s life, and that hope shines through the child into their family and community.