Education today for a better tomorrow.
Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. – Malcolm X
Education is said to be the greatest equalizer and can be used as a key tool for eliminating discrimination and inequality in any country. Though it may seem like a drop in the ocean, as at July 2022, ACLAD has 16 children (both boys and girls) under its wings, some fully sponsored and some partially sponsored at various levels of education in Kenya. We have two in primary school, 11 in secondary schools and three who are pursuing postsecondary education. We strive to eliminate the discrimination and inequality because basic education is a right for both boys and girls.
So important is education, that the United Nations put it as the fourth Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [1]. SDG 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. This means that all children access education one way or another, including sponsorship. ACLAD responds to this SDG by having an on-going child sponsorship program. This program focuses on enhancing community safety nets for vulnerable and marginalized children in Kilifi, Kakamega and Kajiado Counties through participatory and innovative community processes. We partner with like-minded local and international organizations and community groups for sustained change. Through our partnership with Africa’s Kidz and Bio-Gives/Bio-Gro, we provide access to mentors, skills development, vocational training, livelihoods enhancement, and psychosocial support. By sponsoring a child through ACLAD, their households and community have hope for the future.
Here is what some of our children said:
I want to really thank you for all the support you are giving me as it has changed my life for this period. I feel proud because you have enabled me to be in boarding school where I get all my required needs. I feel more blessed by God through you.- Petronilla, Form Four, from Kakamega
I thank my sponsors for supporting my education journey financially. I promise to work smart and put more effort in my education so that at the end of my four years I get a quality grade that will enable me pursue my dream career. – Amina, Form Three, from Kilifi
Through your sponsorship I have enjoyed countless opportunities that have made me feel very blessed in my life. I have also received the gift of happiness and I will make you very proud of me. -Jemimah, Form Four, from Kajiado
You have changed my life for the better, both at school and at home. Thank you for paying my school fees, for the house that you built for my family and I, and ensuring that we have clean safe water at home. Thank you for everything you have given me. – Christine, Form Four, from Kilifi
To my sponsors, you have done an amazing job. I assure you that since you started supporting me, I feel like I have moved miles in my life. My gratitude to you for ensuring that I am safe and I do not lack anything while in school. -Dama, Form Four, from Kilifi.
With your support we can make a difference one child at a time and help these and more children explore their purpose and experience their full potential, Contact our team through info@aclad-hq.org or https://aclad-hq.org/sponsor-a-child/. Together, we can make a difference one child at a time!
Education is one thing no one can take away from you. – Elin Nordegren
Catherine Muteithia
ACLAD Research and Communications Assistant