Kiwimbi has made incredible strides in western Kenya where it provides educational programs for mostly primary school students including library services. Kiwimbi reaches thousands of students and provides books to children who otherwise would go without. Highly disciplined in assessing and implementing its programs, Kiwimbi leverages its resources to a remarkable degree. All staff is local and drives all programming. Innovations continue to be introduced to aid learning and respond to changing needs. Kiwimbi has reliable internet services that are available to the local community. Results of its 8th grade national exam preparation program have improved enormously. 60% of its students taking the exam pass compared with 3% who pass from other local schools who are not able to benefit from Kiwimbi’s program.
I was introduced to Kiwimbi through a close friend, and little by little became a volunteer.
Kiwimbi's mission is vital for the future of children in Kenya. By teaching them English, it enables them to move on to high school and potentially university. There is also a program a well organized vocational program: tailoring, wood working and what beautiful things come out of their workshops!
Recently, Kiwimbi organized an online book drive, which consisted of donations for a long list of specific books that would be bought in Kenya. I of course was delighted to contribute, since books are an essential part of my own life.
Kiwimbi Kenya has also started a nutrition program with gardens, to diversify food and improve the families nutrition. An agronomist works with the families to guide their choice of vegetables and meal preparation for ultimate taste and nutrition. Tree replanting, gardens for families are now well organized.
Kiwimbi's team on the ground in Kenya is simply impressive. I have met most of them, also reviewed their financials as well as outcomes over a period of 2 years. The professionalism, clear goal setting, excellent organization skills, enthusiasm for the mission make this a very effective group. Kiwimbi has a fund raising arm in Kenya, and another one in the US.
i also work closely with the small US staff, again very focused on what needs to be done, always with utmost professionalism and upbeat attitude. It has not been easy since Covid, but Kiwimbi demonstrated a welcome talent for flexibility and an ability to adjust. I have no doubt that they will continue, and grow commensurately.
This organization was started by a small group of people who wanted to improve education for those not as well served. The Ripple effect (Kiwimbi means Ripple) is working well. I couldn't be prouder to be able to contribute my own experience to their work, and sincerely look forward to the day when we can return to Amagoro to meet the rest of the team, the children and better understand them. Sylvie Meyers, retired business and non profit executive.
Kiwimbi's focus is on providing opportunity through education to underserved communities world wide. I have been fortunate to travel to Africa, where I witnessed the work Kiwimbi does first hand, on the ground, in Amagoro, Kenya. In 2018, I spent a week on site and visited 6 or so schools where Kiwimbi tutors help with english and math skills to prepare the children for Grade 8 exams. We had grateful, eager to learn children all around us and in the central Community Center and Library both adults and children were enjoying the many books available. In 2020, the staff and managers were challenged due to COVID-related issues, such as closing of schools. Kiwimbi kept on going, continuing to provide tutoring and lunches to not only the grade 8 students but to any other child who came and asked for lunch. Kiwimbi recruited local teachers to help with continuing the educational process, and the team was very successful in keeping all programs going. Kiwimbi was recently named a county "Innovation Hub and Youth Empowerment Center", a designation in partnership with the Ajira Digital Program, supported by the local member of Parliament, the Honorable Oku Kaunya. I am pleased to be a board member of Kiwimbi, helping provide opportunities to children and adults; it warms my heart.