Dear Friend of ACCES,
As we approach the warmer days of mid-summer, with a tentative, gradual easing of the restrictions and lockdowns underway here in Canada, our Kenyan students are now in the winter rains. Even though easing of some conditions in Kenya took effect on July 6th, most COVID-19 protocols remain in place including the ban on gatherings, some travel restrictions and curfews. The majority of our students have returned home to their small rural farms in poor communities, which has added extra stress on them and their families, as they struggle to survive with few work opportunities due to the restrictions. Staff in Kenya have stayed in close contact with our students to support and encourage them. Kenyans know that getting an education is the key to overcoming poverty for themselves, their families and their communities in spite of the difficulties of COVID-19. As they continue to wait for the virus situation to improve, they remain hopeful that they will be able to return to classes in September. They thank you for your loyal, generous and consistent support towards helping them, especially during this time of uncertainty. ACCES is grateful to have you with us on this worthy journey of giving bright, deserving students these opportunities. They can’t do it without you!
Remember, your support literally changes lives–please give generously.
2020 Scholarship Intake
The intake application process ended on May 31st, with a total of 432 applications being received. During the month of June, staff and KAC members practiced physical distancing and face shield precautions as they reviewed the applications and shortlisted the most qualified applicants.
Due to the continuing COVID-19 restrictions, staff plan to use online technology for the shortlist interviews. Until all travel and gathering restrictions are lifted, home visits and the new student orientation day will remain postponed.
Meet Theophilus Achili
Theophilus is currently in his 2nd year in Embu University working towards his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry.
His story reveals the devastating effects that separated parents can have on children in Kenya. Life began peaceful for Theo, living contentedly with both of his parents, but in class seven the breakup between his parents drastically changed his life, as well as his siblings. In the aftermath of the breakup, Theo was forced to stay with his single mother while his siblings all left with their father. His mother’s only source of income came from occasional casual laborer, which resulted in ongoing financial constraints. Poverty posed such a great challenge to his academic life from then on, that he could no longer attend school. The little earnings from his mother’s menial jobs was barely enough to provide for basic needs such as food and rent. But making matters worse was that Theo requires medication for epilepsy, at times losing consciousness from his seizures.
Theo almost gave up hope, until he was finally selected by KEEF (Kenya Education Endowment Fund, a Canadian non-governmental organization that pays fees for secondary students) and was able to return to school. Thankfully, KEEF catered for all of his fees, which is how he managed to complete his high school, excelling in his final exams.
But after secondary school, his continuing economic constraints were undiminished, which made Theo start to look in earnest for a sponsor for his university education. He knew that he would be unable to continue to post-secondary school without assistance. After many unsuccessful attempts his hopes were diminishing, but he continued pursuing his dreams.
Happily, Theo found ACCES in his online searching and applied during the 2019 intake. He was successful in being awarded a scholarship and says that the journey might have been impossible without ACCES support. He is optimistic about completing his studies and when he does, he’s determined to help the vulnerable, just as he was helped.
He says, “I hope that one day I will also impact a positive change on an individual’s life. ACCES is my ladder and I am ever so grateful for your generosity. May your donations open more doors of blessings for you and your generations to come! Thank you!”
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ACCES alleviates poverty through education
ACCES works to help Africans obtain the skills and knowledge required to alleviate poverty through education, working with poor communities, and finding opportunities to help those less fortunate. Your continuing support is crucial to our work, and we look forward to partnering with you again this year. To donate online, click here, or send your cheque to the mailing address given below. You can also call our office during weekday business hours to make other arrangements such as automatic debits and credit card payments for monthly donations. Tax receipts are available for any amount over $10.00. Charitable registration number: 13983 1770 RR0001
www.acceskenya.org [email protected] 604-688-4880
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