Children

“Sustainable giving is not about giving a handout, but about giving a hand up.” — Anonymous

I came across this quote recently and it got me thinking about the impact of what we do, and this blog seeks to explore sustainability in the context of a charitable organisation.

Sustainability or sustainable practices was once primarily linked to environmental concerns, but over time the meaning has evolved to encompass a broader perspective that considers the social, environmental, and economic impacts of our actions and decisions.

Globally, people have developed various sustainability models that align with their specific goals. Since working with a charitable organization like Amara Charitable Trust, my personal concept of sustainability has shifted to a more social aspect.

I now see sustainability as creating a meaningful impact by ensuring that donations received and our efforts in the communities we serve have long-term benefits rather than being a one-time contribution. This form of sustainable giving whether through our school feeding programs, construction initiatives, or education fund scholarships, creates opportunities that continue to benefit individuals and communities long after the initial support has been provided. It is about building community resilience and combating poverty for the long term.

Educational scholarships, for instance, are a prime example of this approach. They provide recipients with the skills and knowledge needed for lifelong success, illustrating how our scholarships can lead to long term, positive outcomes.

By investing in the education of disadvantaged youth, we are not only helping them achieve their personal goals but also empowering them to uplift their families, communities, and future generations.

Through education, youth can break the cycle of poverty, chase their dreams, and emerge as leaders in their communities. When a student graduates, their success often inspires others in their community to pursue education. Many successful graduates return to their communities to work, mentor others, or start initiatives that further the cause of education and development.

Take Kelvin Mutuku, a beneficiary of our scholarship program, who successfully completed his course in plumbing and metalwork in 2023. Kelvin’s dedication and potential were evident throughout his course, as he eagerly took on odd jobs around the college to gain experience, often without concern for payment. Today, he is gainfully employed and is saving to send his younger brother to college and build his mother their very first family home. Seeing him succeed and begin to build a life for himself has been incredibly heartening.

Kelvin’s story is just one example. Another is Beryl Akinyi, who recently completed two years of training and is now a talented fashion designer. Armed with her new skills, Beryl is excited to step into the world, secure her future, and support her family. Like Kelvin, Beryl was raised by a single mother, and she is driven by a strong desire to uplift her family and give back to the community that supported her.

Their stories are not about their struggles but about their victories. They remind us that when we invest in individuals through scholarships, we are not just investing in their potential—we are investing in the future of entire communities. Each student carries with them the hopes and aspirations of their family and community.

I wish I could say that every student we support with a scholarship has experienced a successful journey. Unfortunately, there are times when our path diverges, for example, when students choose to drop out midway through their course, or are expelled due to violations of our scholarship program’s terms.

Each departure is a heavy burden on us as we work to understand their personal circumstances and the challenges they face. We can never fully grasp the depth of their childhood traumas and ongoing struggles. It is especially heartbreaking when a student’s family or guardian is unable or unwilling to provide the support they need, or when pressing family demands force them to abandon their education in search of immediate work.

Some students who leave the program without completing their studies still find their way. Take Joshua Ndeti, for example. He had to drop out of college with just three months left to finish his course. Joshua was an exceptionally promising student, and despite our best efforts to bring him back into the program, he had to prioritize supporting his family financially over completing his education.

In an unexpected twist of fate, Joshua encountered a senior park ranger whose vehicle had broken down. Joshua’s impressive skill in quickly fixing the issue caught their attention, leading to an offer for him to train as a forest ranger. Today, Joshua proudly serves as a park ranger at Lake Baringo, a testament to how life can take surprising and rewarding turns.

We view Joshua’s story as a success, albeit in a different direction than we originally planned. He remains grateful for the motor vehicle mechanics skills he gained while on our program as it paved the way to a new career path for him and allows his to support his family and contribute towards uplifting his community.

Do all our students find such good fortune? Sadly, not and it is those students who leave the program and choose not to pursue anything constructive that weigh heaviest on us. However, we believe that their time on the program, however short or long, has equipped them with sufficient skills to earn a living.

Beneficiaries of our education fund program who succeed and achieve their goals are often inspired to give back through mentorship programs or community service.

Sustainable giving through educational scholarships embodies the power of long-term investment in our future. By supporting and nurturing the dreams and potential of today’s youth, we create positive change that extends far beyond the present moment. Each scholarship represents hope and transformation.

None of our programs would be possible without our incredible donors who like us believe in the power of education. Their regular support ensures we can continue changing lives through educational scholarships.

“Sustainability is about leaving a positive legacy for future generations, not just preserving resources.” — Anonymous