Community Education Services (CES) Canada

2012 – Year of Transformation

 

CES Canada was established in 2004 by a group of friends who wanted to do something to alleviate acute poverty and mitigate the impact of HIV/Aids in Western Kenya.  Partnering with CES Kenya, Project PREPARE began in the Kakamega District in two schools sponsoring four students.  Building on the foundations of Education, Health, Water and Nutrition, CES has broadened its base from providing secondary school scholarships to orphaned youth.  Professional and Student Support Services and Infrastructure Projects have added value and dimension to its work in Kenya.

 

In 2012, CES Canada will sponsor 165 youth in 26 schools throughout six provinces. A commitment to gender equity dictates that a minimum of 50% of sponsored students are female.  The base of operations remains in Kakamega where 18 schools make up the CES Family of Schools.  Four CES grads are provided a small stipend to train as mentors and teacher assistants.  Six CES grads have been supported at the college/university level with two graduating in the areas of education and nursing science.  Both are employed in these fields.

 

Partnerships have been critical to the outreach of CES in Kenya.  CES Canada will continue to strengthen relationships with the following:

• Dufferin-Peel District Catholic School Board
• Toronto District School Board
• Ottawa Carleton District School Board
• Rotary Clubs of Ontario (Agincourt/Barrie)

 

Key to the success of CES in Kenya has been the creation of CES chapters in Parry Sound/Muskoka, Ottawa and Thunder Bay.  Additional chapters could emerge as interests grows and more friends of CES become involved in their local areas.  It is particularly heartening to see the number of youth in schools who have responded to the needs presented to them.  “Kids helping Kids” is a welcomed and growing movement for change.

 

The  challenges are great and the needs are overwhelming.  Funding for more students and the strengthening of schools comes primarily from individual donors. The operations and overall supervision of Project PREPARE in Kenya is limited to the volunteer services provided by CES Kenya and its Board of Directors.  To date this dedicated group has accomplished much.  Their commitment to the cause of providing access to education in their community is nothing short of outstanding.

 

If CES is to enlarge its borders it will be necessary to solicit funds further through corporations, foundations, and government agencies such as CIDA.  Further discussions in March 2012 with the CES Kenya Board will serve to clarify the way forward.

 

CES Canada asks the question, “After it leaves and operations cease, what will be left that is lasting, sustainable and relevant to the people of Kenya?”  To that end and in the spirit of hope, CES Canada designates 2012 as the Year of Transformation.  Plans for a purposeful year are as follows:

 

Educational Scholarships (Phase 1)

• 165 students
• 4 CES Grad Teacher Assistant Positions
• 4 CES Grad University/College Scholarships ongoing

 

Professional Development and Student Supports (Phase 2)

• Fall Conference (Topic TBD)
• Career/Educational Counselling Workshops
• Canada Day Run for Charity
• CES Canada Writing Project
• CES Canada PAD Project
• WASH – Handwashing in Schools Program
• Anti-malaria Mosquito Net and Health Care Program
• Solar Lamp Project

 

Infrastructure (Phase 3)

• Khachonge PS Well
• Kimugui PS Well
• Eshitari SS Kitchen/Dining Facility
• Shikoti Girls SS Dormitory
• Shikoti Girls SS Chicken/Farm Project
• Musaga SS School Building Project
• Family of Schools Environment Tree Planting Project
• Navakholo SS Agriculture/Farm Model Project

 

CES Kenya and School Visitations

• January, 2012                        C. Mayenga and L. Wandili
• March, 2012                        M. Frederiksen
• July, 2012                        C. Mayenga leading group of 10 OCDSB Educators

 

 

2012 is a Year of Transformation.  Growth and new opportunities to serve call for extra effort.  As the vision for CES expands, it is clear that all activities must support the original mandate:

“To fight poverty and HIV/Aids through an educational model that supports orphaned youth and promotes the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for them to create a better future.”