Michael Frederiksen immigrated to Canada from Denmark in 1951. His career in education spans thirty-five years as teacher and administrator at the elementary, secondary and post secondary levels of education. He has served as chair of Phi Delta Kappa (U of Toronto) and the Toronto chapter of the Royal Commonwealth Society. He has worked on a number of international humanitarian and educational projects in Kenya, India, Pakistan and Grenada . In 2004 Michael was instrumental in founding CES Kenya and presently is it’s President and a member of its board of directors. He is a strong advocate for children with disabilities, particularly those who suffer from polio and HIV/AIDS.
CES Canada: A Part of Kenya’s Future
Those who visit Kenya are never the same. Some even experience a renaissance, a profound renewal of the soul. This explains why Kenya is much more than exciting safaris and gazing at the incredible Mt. Kenya or the awesome grandeur of the Rift Valley. The imposing isolation of desert regions in the north, the magnificence of the highlands, the majestic topography and scenic beauty of an ancient land are truly breath taking. But in the final analysis, it is the warmth and beauty of its people that captivate the mind and heart.
CES Canada (est.2004) is a Canadian NGO operating in Western Province, Kenya. CES is dedicated to providing access to education for secondary school youth orphaned or affected by the HIV/Aids pandemic. Located in Kakamega, CES Canada has partnered with CES Kenya to support a family of 15 schools covering an area of 1600 sq km and impacting on some 4,000 students. What began as a dream to do something to alleviate acute levels of poverty has now become an exciting project where 100 youth are attending school full time. They are supported through the provision of school fees, school uniform, learning resources, nutrition and healthcare.
The four cornerstones of CES Canada are Education, Water, Healthcare and Economic Development. Besides access to education, the provision of clean drinking water and community health care designed to help students understand and practice healthy living remain high priorities. CES has also fostered a strong relationship with school administrators, teachers, students and community leaders through annual Professional Development conferences dealing with the issues of HIV/Aids, Substance Abuse, Healthy Living and Career Planning.
CES Canada is impressed with the outstanding character and commitment displayed by school teachers. There are pressures due to large classes resulting from the surges that followed the recent introduction of free primary and secondary education. Classes that normally contain 40 students are up to 80 and higher. The challenge placed on teachers to deliver quality education is enormous. These educators are a powerful force for good. Providing hope through education, they display professional qualities of the highest order. School administrators understand the principles of learning, growth and development, the value of sound pedagogy and the reality that all learners are unique. They are as dedicated to their profession and are equally as knowledgeable and effective within their culture as their Canadian counterparts.
Students value their education and work hard to succeed, often struggling to earn a few shillings to buy paraffin so they can study after dark. The “Orphan Kids of Kakamega” are the real heroes in the fight against HIV/Aids. The challenges they cope with are monumental. Facing each day with dignity and pride, they stand tall knowing that they are part of an emerging story. One CES student recently described her resolve, “I am part of Kenya’s future. I will help my family and build my community. I will not let you down.”
CES sees in each student a promising nation-builder, community leader, social activist, teacher, scientist, carpenter, electrician, agriculturist, computer technician, business person; in fact, someone who will create a life for themselves and a make a unique contribution. CES Canada is a part of Kenya, committed to its children and dedicated to bringing hope through education.
January 7, 2010
