OCTOBER 2024

Education has always been at the heart of our mission to break the chains of generational poverty and empower families and children. Galatians 2:10 encourages us "to remember the poor" and by equipping children with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, we aim to give them the agency to lift themselves out of poverty. As the adage goes, "Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime." Through education, we can provide vulnerable children and orphans with the skills and opportunities to create a better future for themselves and their families. This month we have been more aware of this as students in Grade 6 have sat for their national exams. During this time, we had an unannounced inspection from the Kenyan Ministry of Education exam department (KNEC- Kenya National Examinations Council) and they were very impressed with Cornerstone's facilities and how we were conducting the exams. As ever, there have also been challenges. A recent whistleblower complaint led to an investigation against one of the senior leaders who decided to resign before sitting for a hearing. Losing key leaders is difficult but also provides an opportunity to upgrade as well reflect on procedures and policies. Although most schools in Kenya have now finished for the end of the year, Cornerstone will remain open until mid-December and close for just 2 weeks. In Kenya, children spend two months out of school at the end of the school year. Such a lengthy time away from school would not serve the children at Cornerstone well, many of whom come from families who lack food security.

This month we had the Naomi's Village 5K race in Kenya, an annual fundraising event. With it falling the day after Jonah's birthday this year, he invited some friends to come and run it with us as part of his birthday celebrations! We were also very excited to have a number of friends in the UK raise sponsorship to run 5K on the same day, raising nearly £1500 for Naomi's Village, a great success.

Jonah and Caleb have just 4 weeks left until their Christmas break so are already learning and practicing Christmas songs! They have particularly enjoyed the opportunity this term to play football against other schools and are excited about travelling to Nairobi next weekend for a tournament. Caleb is playing for the U9s and Jonah the U11s. Rachel is busy with Hope Begins (Naomi's Village, UK) and Anna continues to bring all the fun and energy that comes with being a 2 year old!

We are well aware of the difference education can make in creating pathways out of poverty and we long to see children educated, equipped and empowered. Thank you for joining in and partnering with us, we know that none of this would be possible without your friendship and support. We thank God for you and for standing with us as we say your Kingdom come, your will be done, in the Great Rift Valley, as in Heaven.