For people who send Kisima Academy donations directly to FTKI, the address has changed. It is now: FTKI, 6614 Van Winkle Dr., Falls Church, VA 22044.
Kisima Academy, a mission of COS, is a Christian orphanage and school in rural western Kenya.
Many of you know that I returned recently from a visit to Kisima Academy. It was a great trip. There were twelve people, six from here, four friends from Michigan, one from Ohio, and one from New Jersey. We went with two 50-lb. suitcases each, filled with 300 books, about 250 pairs of shoes, 14 tablet computers from TAP, curtains for the 29 windows of the dorms and dining hall, 20 dresses sewn by the Women’s Ministry Group of the Community Church, lots of sports equipment and lots of school, sewing, and craft supplies.
Everyone went with lots of plans and lots was accomplished. My primary aim was to set up a library. First the Director and the staff had to be convinced of the importance of recreational reading--how it broadens horizons and improves reading skills. Only one of the teachers had been in a library and the concept of checking out books was foreign to them. Another former librarian on the trip spent the entire time working with the teachers and training the teacher librarian and student aides. The kids were so excited to check out books! Nearly everywhere I went there were kids reading.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/8PxzhD7pvYNC4PXFA.
Gerda Fink, COS Kisima Committee Chair-person, www.friendsofkisima.org, on Facebook at Friends of Kisima Academy.