Yesterday we visited the school in Longonot. We were headed out there to check up on the teachers and students alike, and we are happy to say things are better than we could have expected.
Last week each child at Longonot was granted a pair of TOMS from the Kenyan Red Cross. Many of the children had worn down or outgrown their shoes and some were even walking to school barefoot, so as you can imagine we are very grateful for this donation!
In case you are unfamiliar with TOMS here is a brief explanation, TOMS is an American based company that sells simple canvas shoes, however for each pair sold they have promised to donate a similar pair to a child in need. “One for One” is the TOMS slogan, but as popular as the shoes are many people have been skeptical of the company’s follow through initiative. However, no one would doubt them again after seeing all the children at Longonot proudly sporting their new shoes. In whole TOMS donated over one million pairs to the Kenyan Red Cross and it was up to specific beneficiaries to request the donation. Thankfully, our very own Teacher Jane heard of this opportunity and spent the time to fill out the application for each child in our school and was granted her request! Now all the little ones at the Longonot Education Center have at least one solid pair of shoes and no one could be happier.
In addition to the TOMS Teacher Mary had some great news to tell us; recently the children participated in a musical competition hosted by the Education Board of Kenya in a town up the road from Longonot. Our youngsters were stunning! They took 2nd place in Best Western Style Song and Dance, and one of our little girls took 2nd in Best English Solo. We are so proud!
As you can see the school is doing very well overall. The children’s marks are higher than many of the nearby private schools, and we are blessed with some really great teachers! We were blown away by all the good news and cannot wait to make a return trip soon to see what more progress is possible.
Last week each child at Longonot was granted a pair of TOMS from the Kenyan Red Cross. Many of the children had worn down or outgrown their shoes and some were even walking to school barefoot, so as you can imagine we are very grateful for this donation!
In case you are unfamiliar with TOMS here is a brief explanation, TOMS is an American based company that sells simple canvas shoes, however for each pair sold they have promised to donate a similar pair to a child in need. “One for One” is the TOMS slogan, but as popular as the shoes are many people have been skeptical of the company’s follow through initiative. However, no one would doubt them again after seeing all the children at Longonot proudly sporting their new shoes. In whole TOMS donated over one million pairs to the Kenyan Red Cross and it was up to specific beneficiaries to request the donation. Thankfully, our very own Teacher Jane heard of this opportunity and spent the time to fill out the application for each child in our school and was granted her request! Now all the little ones at the Longonot Education Center have at least one solid pair of shoes and no one could be happier.
In addition to the TOMS Teacher Mary had some great news to tell us; recently the children participated in a musical competition hosted by the Education Board of Kenya in a town up the road from Longonot. Our youngsters were stunning! They took 2nd place in Best Western Style Song and Dance, and one of our little girls took 2nd in Best English Solo. We are so proud!
As you can see the school is doing very well overall. The children’s marks are higher than many of the nearby private schools, and we are blessed with some really great teachers! We were blown away by all the good news and cannot wait to make a return trip soon to see what more progress is possible.