SEPTEMBER 2024

As we approach the 6 month mark since the terrible floods that impacted this community, the flood relief work and engagement with the needs of the wider community is still ongoing. Long after the camera crews, news and politicians have moved on, there is still much work to be done. At Naomi's Village, our recent attention has been given over to water distribution in liaison with community elders to identify those families in need. Additionally, we have initiated an "unconditional cash transfer" scheme to help a number of families. There is a body of international research that suggests unconditional cash transfers are extremely effective in helping to lift people out of poverty and we hope that following the losses after the floods, these will help people to get back on their feet. Alongside the flood relief work, Cornerstone Preparatory Academy continues with its mission to prepare the next generation of Kenyan leaders. At the end of this month children in Grade 6 will sit the national KPSEA (Kenya Primary School Educational Assessment) exam. Then not long after that it will be the turn of the High Schoolers to sit for the KCSE (Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education). Although national statutory exams are important and good exam scores will open doors, we are very conscious that there is more to graduating than a set of exam results. C.S. Lewis once said that “Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.” To that end, Cornerstone Preparatory Academy continues to provide opportunities for students to be servant leaders in their community. This recently included a school trip to Naivasha Women's prison where several students had the opportunity to sit with, minister to and pray with several women. A beautiful outworking of Matthew 25:36. As we approach national exams these opportunities help to provide a healthy perspective on what it takes to raise disciples and leaders. A further example that speaks of Cornerstone Preparatory Academy making a difference comes from Francis, whose sponsor recently visited him. When asked by his sponsor how he could pray for Francis he said  "pray that my brother gets to come to school with me." 

Up the hill in Kijabe, Jonah and Caleb both recently sat some exams of their own, taking MAP (measures of academic progress) tests in Maths, Reading and Language. These exams track their progress throughout the year in comparison with the national average achievement. Outside of the classroom, the boys have really enjoyed the opportunity to play football against other schools. Sean has been coaching the U9s, U11s and U13s teams for RVA this term so the boys have been soaking up all of the extra football. One concerning thing though is that spending time with some friends in the Summer Caleb did recently ask for a Crystal Palace shirt for Christmas. Please pray for him!

Rachel has restarted the playgroup in our home on a Thursday morning and Anna is enjoying having some new friends to play with as more people join the group.  

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.