Kisima Academy

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. More information is at www.friendsofkisima.org or on Facebook at Friends of Kisima Academy. Gerda Fink


The long holiday break for Kenyan students is over. Primary and secondary students are starting a new school year; college and vo-tech students are halfway through their year. They
all had a great time at home at Kisima socializing with their friends as well as helping with the gardening, farming, and cooking. Now they’re all back at their respective schools.

During the school breaks many of the orphans write their sponsors. The letters vary greatly according to their
writing skills. Here is one from Elijah, a third-year student in science education at Kenyatta University in Nairobi to our grandson Ben, his sponsor since 2010.

Dear Ben,
Receive greetings from me here at Kisima. It is my hope that all is well on your side. The year has finally come to an end and thanks to God for the mercies up to this far.

This semester has been particularly exciting as I am taking organic chemistry which has opened up new avenues of learning for me. It is one of my favorite units with a vast area of applications which I believe has the potential to make a real impact in society.

Beyond coursework, I’ve also been involved in peer mentorship programs. These have not only enriched my education but have also helped me develop valuable skills and make lasting friendships. I feel so fortunate to be part of such a vibrant academic community.

I would like to thank you for trusting in me and supporting my studies.
Warm regards, Elijah

Elijah’s father and two brothers died of AIDS; his mother died of heart failure. He is one of 63 college or vo-tech orphans (plus a few outstanding community students) this year.

Many thanks go to the COS sponsors and donors who have helped so much over the
years. All of us in the Kisima community are very grateful.


Besides the many children orphaned by tribal violence, AIDS and other illnesses, or accidents, there are many sad stories of orphans having been rescued from abusive or exploitive situations, girls fleeing genital mutilation, or very young boys living on the streets. Kisima has been a blessing to all of them, providing them with food, shelter, and a caring, Christian education. If you are interested in helping support the school or in sponsoring an orphan, I encourage you to check out the website www.friendsofkisima.org for more information. Donations can also be made through COS. Please be sure to specify that they are for FTKI (For the Kids International, the 501(c)3 established to support Kisi-ma).


Thank you, Gerda Fink


Gerda Fink, COS Kisima Committee Chair-person,  www.friendsofkisima.org, on Facebook at Friends of Kisima Academy.

update

News From Kisima Academy


At the last update we had four unsponsored high school graduates with no money for college or vo-tech school. We thank God that some current sponsors of recent college graduates were willing to take on sponsoring a recent high school grad headed to college. All the high school grads will soon be headed off to begin the next stage of their academic career. Many in the oldest class of orphans have graduated from college or vo-tech; some were delayed by the pandemic and are still in school. Several have started teaching careers. It’s very gratifying to see these orphans on their way to a productive future. Many have been cared for and educated by Kisima since they were in early primary school.


A couple of months ago a hailstorm severely damaged Kisima’s gardens and crops. The plants were able to recover but in June an even worse hailstorm occurred. The vegetables will have to be re-planted but it may be too late to replant the maize and bean fields. Crop failures inevitably cause price inflation of those foodstuffs. Maize and beans (augmented by a small amount of vegetables) form the basis of their diet and will now have to be purchased, making a sizeable dent in the budget. Kisima not only feeds the orphans and staff but also provides two meals a day to the 250 or so community children attending school there.


Bonnie Lefbom, who came with a group I took to Kisima in 2012 and who subsequently became active in the effort to support the orphanage/school, is in Kenya right now (July 15) with the first group of visitors since the pandemic started. I put out a feeler to see who might be interested in going this year and only one person responded. If you might be interested in going next year, please let me know. Trips are two weeks and in addition to working at the school we visit the elephant orphanage and the giraffe refuge outside of Nairobi, spend two nights in a retreat center in the last tropical rain-forest in Kenya, and go on a short safari in Maasai Mara.


Gerda Fink