Since 2013, our founder, Nina Chung, has hosted an annual fundraising BBQ which has since become a gathering point for our local Ottawa-based community of support. When COVID-19 led to flight cancellations, Nina found herself still in Kenya at the usual time for the event.
Undeterred by the challenges, the Elimu team set about doing what they do best – using digital technology to find a solution. On Nov. 7th, Elimu hosted our Annual BBQ Fundraiser as a virtual event allowing guests from across Canada and as far as Los Angeles to join. The event raised over $8,000 for projects. That is a good junk of the $20,000 target for this fall that Elimu is aiming for to continue upgrading and replacing digital equipment and for refreshing the Centre and it’s faded outdoor signage with a new coat of paint. All part of the plan for re-opening in 2021.
Some 40 enthusiastic participants came together to watch and listen as Nina shared a brief history and introduced her Kenyan team. Live presentations from the team included:
• An update on the new African Ragdoll fundraising project;
• The recent eLearning innovation designed by Elimu’s ICT & EdTech Manager;
• An overview of our Stay in School Sponsorship Project and,
• A wrap up by CEO and Co-founder, Kamotho Ndung’u, offering a glimpse into the future of Elimu.
“Technology now allows people to connect anytime, anywhere, to anyone in the world, from almost any device. This is dramatically changing the way people work, facilitating 24/7 collaboration with colleagues who are dispersed across time zones, countries, and continents.”
To our amazement, almost everyone stayed with us through the hour and a half event! Those still with us at the end, enjoyed a special treat – a medley of Swahili songs prepared by our multi-talented Elimu Team Kenya!
After the presentations and the song, the Elimu team retired to the back of Elimu Resource Centre where a delicious Kenyan BBQ had been prepared and the ‘non-virtual’ part of the BBQ began on a very high note, as we celebrated our global community, giving thanks for years of dedicated and loving support.
Click the video clip below to watch Elimu Team Kenya’s thanksgiving medley of songs in Swahili! Enjoy and be blessed as you watch!