Developing Tomorrow's Leaders in Kilifi, Kenya

In partnership with Rotary clubs around the world and other nonprofit organizations, Kilifi Kids is improving the education of primary and secondary students in the area around the town of Kilifi, Kenya, one of the economically poorest areas in Kenya. Nearly one in eight children in Kilifi die before the age of 5 and over half of the kids who do survive are underweight.

But Kilifi has tremendous assets as well, not the least of which are the community leaders in the Kilifi Rotary Club. Kilifi Kids, Rotary clubs from the United States, and other large charities are working together with the Kilifi Club to initiate three innovative and sustainable programs to: (1) improve the health of primary school children; (2) provide secondary school scholarships and develop tomorrow's community leaders, and (3) improve skills training in secondary schools.  [See our Project Overview]

You can learn more about the project by visiting "About the Project" or using the links to the right.  

Current News About the Project

Leaders Needed!

The Kilifi Kids is continuing to expand its reach in Kenya.  We have grand plans to make smart, effective investments in the future of the region.  To do this, we are assembling a team of dedicated people here in the United States to support the efforts of people in Kenya:

 

  • We want creative leaders: We're looking to build something new.  That takes innovation and leadership.

  • We want business people: Our efforts will be centered around making a sustainable, lasting impact on the region--and the best way to do that is through business and social entrepreneurship.  We want people who can analyze the needs of the community and find solutions to problems.  These are the problems that business people face every day.  We want to apply that to Kilifi.

  • We also want people conversant in technology, especially mobile technology: A revolution in Africa in the past decade has been the spread of mobile phones and other communications technology.  We are looking to leverage this technology, specifically in health support services.

  • We want expertise in public health:  Kids can't do what they need to do if they're sick.  One of the goals for the next phase is to build on the health component we've already been successful in. 

  • We want expertise in international development
Above all, we want people who want to learn about Kilifi, Kenya, and the issues involved.  Even if you're not an expert in any of these areas, you can still make a significant contribution.
Want to help?  Fill in your name and e-mail in the "Email List" box on the right, or get in touch through the five different methods of "Contact Us" page. 

 
Kilifi Partners in the News

Kilifi partners and Rotarians John Abweo and Lucy Ochola were featured in a piece the Coast Province news highlighting their efforts to distribute food to 151 families in Kilifi.  As we've mentioned, Kilifi is experiencing drought conditions, and Kilifi RC is taking the lead to ease the hardships of the people.  

This was not just food delivery: additionally, Kilifi RC worked with Kilifi Ministry of Health staff to oversee collection of biostatistics for scientific studies at the district hospital.  Finally, Kilifi RC boosted education by distributing dictionaries to the children present.

See the article in Coast Week


 
Drought in Kilifi

As a general news update:  Kilifi has been experiencing a very serious drought for the past months, with up to two million people in the Coast Province (made up of Kilifi District and two other districts) at risk of starvation.  While there is a great mobilization of assistance to the region, this puts tremendous pressure on the economy which is largely based around subsistence farming. 

Kilifi Rotary Club is doing what it can to help the situation, and we will be sharing updates as they come in. 

Read a Daily Nation article for more info.


 

Taking Action

The first way you can take action is through a financial contribution. As outlined in About the Project section, the focus of the project is to do the most good with the least amount of funds. Every single donation will go a long way in helping multiple people. Use the donation form to the right or visit our donation page.

Beyond finances, any expertise in administering scholarship programs (student selection and monitoring), in educational or technological training to non-technical personnel, in public health, in cash management, or in any other related field would be greatly appreciated. The Kilifi Rotary Club will take the lead in all aspects of the project on the ground but any assistance would be welcome. Visit our Other Ways To Help page.

Kilifi Kids certainly welcomes any and all assistance or leadership service clubs or individuals have to offer. Please Contact Us for details.

E-mail List
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Action Center: Contributions
Contribute for:
4 Yrs. of High School - $1,000
1 Year of High School - $250
Deworming for 300 Students - $100
Deworming for 150 Students - $50
Deworming for One Child - 29¢
Other:    US$