KISII REPORT - MORE ABOUT THE SCHOOLS

In most western societies where the primary and secondary years of school are usually free for the parents of the students, it is sometimes difficult to see so much of the money that is provided for the orphanage to go to paying school fees—this especially when our kids often go days without having food to eat.

It has been a struggle for us every term to come up with the money to pay the approximately $1000 per month ($3000/three month term) to cover the fees for all of our children, but the orphanage leadership believes it is a priority. If these kids are to have any future at all in this world, they must have an education.

For our children, the government provides about 40% of the total costs per student for the running of the schools, and the orphanage must pay 60%. It is not only true for us, but it is true for every parent with a child in school. Having one child in school is difficult enough for many parents, but when we have 42 students, the costs multiply.

Actually, because our schools are in such a poverty stricken area, the fees are very low in comparison with many schools in other parts of the state and nation. In some places, the cost per term for the parents are $800 per child, besides other dues.

If you use the skill that you learned in primary school, multiply that by the number 42 and see what the product would be (if you are having trouble, I have provided the answer below)*  

Besides these costs, the parents (in our case, our orphanage) must provide the required uniform for each school, shoes, and many other items such as paper and writing materials. 

As an encouragement to all who have helped with this orphanage, before you became involved, the children were usually not able to attend school at all. However, since you have been helping, they have been able to attend very regularly.

We have been helped also by the headmasters of the schools. They of course are responsible to see that the school bills are paid. Not only are they responsible to see that the salaries for the teachers are paid, but also things like buying text books and other learning materials, the water bill, the electric bill, and may other costs.

As a general practice, the parents of the students must pay their fees at the beginning of the term in order for their child to be enrolled. We at the orphanage have never been able to do that, but have paid little by little throughout the school term.

The headmasters of our schools have been gracious to us, allowing our kids to continue, even though the school is awaiting payment of fees. I must also say however, there have been several times when the children have been sent home until more fees are covered.

In short, it is difficult for everyone. But again, we believe that in order for these children to have any chance of having a productive life in this world, they must have at least a basic education.

One of the questions that I specifically asked Pastor Joel was, “What are your hopes for the futures for these children?”

His answer, “The hope Log orphanage Kenya, to make the responsible all around citizen and equip them with the word of God and acquire knowledge that will help them in the society and make them able to live Christian life to enable them lead others for Christ and be Christ ambassadors and make Jesus known.”

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* In case you couldn't find your calculator, the answer to the problem above is 800 x 42 = $33,600

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If you would like to help the children of the Log Church Orphanage of Kisii, Kenya, you may make your check out to "The Log Church" and write "Orphans" on the memo line.

Send it to:
        The Log Church

PO Box 68
Tripoli, Wisconsin 54564 

Every nickel given in this way will be used for only aid for the orphans. It will be used for purchasing food, clothing, schooling, and other necessities of living. Nothing is held back or diverted for any other purpose