SUMMER2021 Report

SUMMER 2021 UPDATE

The pandemic has affected life in Kenya in ways similar to what we have experienced in the USA. I have had regular contact with our coordinator, friends, and several university students throughout this challenging year and will bring you up to date on the current situation. Your ongoing commitment to the vision of WE Care International has permitted the organization to change lives and improve conditions in a small rural community of Kenya in ways that they could never have imagined. Thank you again for your loyal support and please share our work with others you know who might be interested in supporting a deserving student from this Mahero community.

VIVIAN AT NURSINGSCHOOL.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER

Construction on the community resource center funded by Jim Abrams of Austin, Texas will continue at the end of the rainy season when roads are once again passable. This multipurpose building will provide a well-lighted space for local students to study in the evening, on weekends, and during school breaks. There will be outlets where computers can be used and electronics charged. The Portland Reading Council, a group of Portland area teachers, supports the development of a library and has made an initial donation of $200 to purchase culturally appropriate books in English and Kiswahili for use in literacy projects involving younger students.

LOCAL PRIMARY STUDENTSANTICIPATING A LIBRARYAT THE RESOURCE CENTER.

COVID-19 AFFECTSEDUCATION Primary and secondary schools in Kenya were closed in late 2020 and are just now beginning to open for regular sessions. Classes eventually continued for those required to take national exams, eighth graders, and high school seniors. Results of those exams are now being received by students and admission decisions must be made by the end of June. University instruction continued online without interruption and in person classes will resume with the new semester.

SHIRLEEN STUDENTTEACHING.

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Shirleen has begun her final semester at KCA University in Nairobi and is student teaching in a nearby school. We are proud of her accomplishments and happy to see her begin her teaching career.

Joseph continues his involvement with programs advocating for abled differently students and has participated in several televised forums. He will begin his senior year at Mt. Kenya University in September.

Jacqueline has qualified for university admission and is waiting to see where she will be admitted to begin her studies to become a teacher.

WE Care sponsors six other university students, James, David, Jenter, Janet, Vivian, and Mercy.

DONATIONS

Personal checks to WE Care do not result in additional charges; however, contributions can also be made using our website, waterandeducationcare.org. Please make sure you have the correct website and that it is based in Salem, Oregon. There are other organizations that have similar names. I will respond to each donation with a receipt for tax purposes.

"Your support is greatly appreciated and is crucial to achieving the goals of WE Care International."

JON STEINER, PRESIDENT