“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
Philanthropy has always been a cornerstone of human society, providing the means to address pressing issues, support education, and initiate transformative projects. These donations, often made by generous individuals, corporations, and foundations, have an immediate and profound impact on both the beneficiaries and society at large.
At Amara Charitable Trust, we are deeply grateful for the incredible support we receive from our donors, who play a pivotal role in making our mission a reality. For over a decade, their generosity has enabled us to educate, empower, and enhance the lives of youth in rural Kenya. Through our core pillars encompassing construction, educational scholarships, and support, as well as feeding programs, we have been able to make a lasting impact in underserved communities.
Our donors hail from all corners of the globe, each bringing their unique perspective and passion for our mission. Some may be large organizations with resources to match, while others are individuals who contribute what they can. Regardless of the size of their donation, every act of generosity adds immense value to the work we do.
“Generosity consists not the sum given, but the manner in which it is bestowed.” – Mahatma Gandhi
In our journey towards making a meaningful difference, we have been fortunate to have donors who step up when we embark on major projects, particularly in construction. These benefactors understand the importance of solid infrastructure in enabling quality education. Their significant contributions have been instrumental in ensuring that our projects are completed on time, allowing us to create safe, conducive learning environments for the youth we serve. Today, thanks to our donors, we have constructed 68 classrooms, 9 kitchens and stores 9 dormitories, 6 laboratories and workshops, 7 ablution blocks, 3 multipurpose halls and 1 healthcare centre.
This year marked a significant achievement, as we completed a construction project at Mitaboni Training College in Machakos, our first-ever project at a government-run technical training institution. Thanks to a major anonymous donor and several other donations, we were able to construct two ablution blocks, upgrade three classrooms, renovate three workshops, and repurpose a hall into a girls’ dormitory.
Some of the other ways big donations make an impact is by opening doors to education for individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Scholarships funded by generous donors enable students from diverse backgrounds to pursue higher education or technical training courses, regardless of their financial circumstances. These scholarships cover tuition and exam fees, purchase textbooks and course materials, and alleviate the financial burdens that often deters individuals from pursuing higher education.
In 2023, twenty-nine students on our program successfully completed their formal training in various technical colleges. We marked this milestone with them at our first ever graduation party in September. Many of these young people are now gainfully employed and earning a living to support themselves and their families. Their growth and confidence at the end of their training has been heartwarming to witness and we are extremely privileged to be able to play a part in their journey. We currently have 125 students enrolled on our education fund program and are excited about their potential towards becoming productive members of society. Education has the power to change an individual’s destiny.
One of the cornerstones of our organization’s work is our feeding program which we run in seven primary schools. The success of this program, now in its tenth year, would not be possible without the unwavering support of our donors. Every Shilling contributed to our feeding program translates into a warm meal for a young child who might otherwise go without. The impact is not just on their physical well-being but also on their overall quality of life.
Beyond the major undertakings, we are blessed with regular donors who connect deeply with specific projects. Whether it’s providing meals to the 5,800 primary school children or funding educational initiatives, these dedicated supporters are the heartbeat of our organization. Their regular contributions form the bedrock upon which we build our programs, allowing us to sustain our efforts year after year.
In addition to monetary contributions, many of our donors have also generously provided donations in kind. These can range from essential items like food stuff to educational supplies such as stationery and library books. For children, the gift of stationery means access to educational resources that can empower them to reach their full potential. Library books open up new worlds of knowledge and imagination. This year we were fortunate to be able to donate over 12,000 books to the primary and secondary schools we support.
Our donors bestow upon us the incredible gift of trust. They believe in our commitment and dedication to the cause, allowing us to allocate their generous donations where they are needed most. This unrestricted support is a testament to the confidence these donors have in our ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of the disadvantaged youth.
As we reflect on the journey of the past 15 years, we are reminded of the profound impact our donors have had on the lives of countless young individuals in rural Kenya. Their contributions, whether large or small, are the cornerstone of our success. With their continued support, we look forward to many more years of transformative work, creating brighter futures for the youth who are the heart of our mission.
When I started writing this blog, I had every intention of naming our donors, however, the number of our supporters made this realistically impossible.
We extend our deepest gratitude to each and every donor who has joined us in this remarkable journey. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you for being a part of our story.
