The Need…
AIDS and African Children
Every 14 seconds a child is orphaned in sub-Saharan Africa. The UN estimates that in Kenya, some 1.3 million are living with AIDS, and an esitmated 1.1 million children ages 1-17 are orphaned because of HIV/AIDS. “Orphaned” means even extended family members have died; these kids have no one. Millions more have lost one parent, or live in homes with family membes who are ill or dying, and have no resources.
In Africa in the beginning of the 21st century, increasing numbers of children have no home, because their parents and extended families have died from HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Destitute children, with no resources for school fees or supplies, and no family support, are even more at risk. Many are forced to live on the streets, resorting to theft and prostitution to survive. Their desperation is overwhelming; one child confided to her teacher that one day she would commit suicide and escape the problems of her life.
The situation in Western Kenya
In Western Kenya, few children have access to effective education, and thus little or no hope for a fruitful future. Support services for AIDS orphans are scarce or non-existent in the western provinces of Kenya. The AIDS pandemic is expanding rapidly along the truck routes running through Kenya’s western regions. The Nambale Magnet School is the first such facility in that region, the Busia province, where an estimated 10,000 children have been orphaned by the AIDS crisis.
The Dream…
While studying in the U.S., the Rev. Evalyn Wakhusama conceived a dream for how she could help her people when she returned to Kenya. That dream was the Nambale Magnet Schoool, a residential school in which children orphaned or at risk due to AIDS can be loved, fed and nurtured, and acquire education and life skills to prepare them for university and leadership in their country.
The Nambale Magnet School opened in January 2009 with 35 students. Two years later, it has 120 students, a third of whom are fee-paying. The rest are sponsored by donations. Built on a 7-acre plot on a main road, it will eventually house and school some 350 children, at least half of whom will be destitute children. Academically tracked children will be prepared to attend high school and universities. Skilled trades will also be taught in this top-quality academic environment, and in artisan classes.
The school is designed for sustainability. Students who can, pay fees, and donations are sought to cover the costs of the destitute students. Income-generating programs will support the school’s mission and foster self-sufficiency through farming and other enterprises to develop the children’s skills. This school is already viewed by the community as a beacon of hope and a symbol of development.
The Opportunity…
What Has Been Done 
¨ Acquired tract of undeveloped land
¨ Developed architectural/engineering plans
¨ Obtained government approval
¨ Built classroom and dormitory space for grades K-3, and dining hall.
¨ Selected students, adding grade per year
¨ Secured water and power supplies
¨ Built dairy unit and purchased two cows
¨ Built green house for growing crops
Now ...educate and empower the children!
- Provide food, clothes and supplies for destitute students ($1,000/year - 9 years)
- Continue to fund Head Teacher and educational/residential staff
- Expand staff as new classes are added
- Equip and furnish the classrooms
- Equip and furnish the residential units
- Raise funds and develop resources
The Next Big Step
- Create classroom and dormitory space for grades 4-8