In Kenya, we always talk of visitors as a blessing! The Elimu team was blessed with a visit from our Canadian partners at the Charis Foundation. Peter Roebbelen, President and Rhondi Fowler, Director arrived in Malindi on Tuesday, Oct. 22nd for their first-ever field visit to Elimu projects. The Charis Foundation made the establishment of Elimu Resource Centre possible in 2016 and have been valued partners with us from that time. It was with pride and joy that we received these special guests and showed them the fruit that their contributions have borne.
Along with time to interact with Elimu staff, volunteers and interns at the Centre, Peter and Rhondi observed our digital reading program underway at the Junior Remand Centre and at Upendo School. There was time to ask questions of the children in the programs and to share a word of encouragement. They also participated in a training demonstration with teachers on the Kolibri education platform – seeing firsthand how these digital resources are relevant to Kenyan teachers and students. They watched as children handled our Worldreader Kindles and listened as Upendo Grade 5 students read them a story in unison.
“The ornaments of your house will be the guests who frequent it.“
We closed their three day visit with a special workshop for the team lead by Peter on building an organizational culture to address the challenges that youth face today. As a past pastor, counsellor and Christian leader, Peter’s perspective and leadership was greatly appreciated. It was a rich and meaningful interaction. We all took away some valuable insights and good food for thought.
The Elimu team is very grateful and encouraged by this blessing of visitors.