The Kenyan Children Foundation (KCF) is working in Kenya to assist in bettering the lives of some of Kenya's orphaned and destitute children. Our basic philosophy is that we are in Kenya to assist - not to own, administer or manage. We do only the work we are specifically asked to do.
It is our belief that the assistance KCF offers should never jeopardize the independence of the Kenyan institution involved. When KCF finishes refurbishing or constructing an institution, that institution should be able to carry on well and independently without the assistance of KCF.
Such independence is not an issue where KCF is simply refurbishing an already existing and viable institution. However, it becomes a major issue when building a new school or children's home. While KCF does not wish to be involved in the administration or management of such institutions, we do want to know that the institution will be completely viable once it is constructed and functioning.
Because the schools and homes KCF builds most often cater to street children and extremely poor children living in slums, the lack of money for school fees becomes a real issue. If school fees are not being paid in full and regularly, it will be difficult for the school to become a self-sustaining enity. The children's homes are even more vulnerable.
KCF has decided to address this issue of sustainability in three ways. First, with regard to school fees, we began a program of school sponsorship. We solicited donations from interested patrons which were used specifically to educate 27 students at Kawangware Academy (KA). As these children graduated, additional fee-paying students were admitted thereby bringing the school closer to its goal of self-sustainability.
Second, KCF has promoted an environment at Meru Children's Home where multiple enterprises have been established that will bring funding into the home which funds will be used to supplement operating expenses. For example, the Meru home has a zero-grazing project with several cows, the milk from which is being sold to the local community. There is also a grain mill established and several other projects under consideration.
Third, KCF has established a Eucalyptus Tree Farm. The profits from this farm will enable Meru Children's Home and Kawangware Academy to be completly self-sustaining within 15 years.
KCF has created a legal entity in Kenya known as the KCF Trust Committee which will manage both the sustainability projects and the revenues from them for the benefit of both the Home and the Academy.
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