AUCK 465 recently read popular BDS title Find Me Unafraid and were inspired to write to Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), the organisation featured in the book, for an update on the Kibera School for Girls in Kenya. With several teachers in their book group, they were curious to know: Was the school still operating? Had it grown? What were the first cohort of students doing now?
AUCK 465 coordinator, Margaret said the book generated a lot of discussion in their group. "We have a group member who lived in Kenya close to where the book was set. She was able to provide background information verifying the setting of the book. The discussion we had centered around then fact that any change had to come from within the community, and could not be “done” to it — and that the catalyst for change was women. There was additional discussion on the acceptance Jessica’s parents showed in agreeing to allow their daughter to go into an environment that others would see as dangerous."
She also shared that the group rated it as one of the best books they'd read.
You can read the full update received by AUCK 465 and view the photos from SHOFCO below.
Thank you so much for reaching out and reading Find Me Unafraid!
I am thrilled to tell you that many of our girls who graduated in the first classes of the Kibera School for Girls are still part of our Future Education program. The oldest of the girls are going into their 2nd year in University, some in the US and others in Kenya. They often return to KSG and share their experiences with younger students to engage and inspire them. They are studying topics ranging from Software Engineering to Psychology and Business!
Our education program has grown greatly since the days when Kennedy started the school in a single-room building. We added another school in the Mathare slum in 2014 that hosts grades K through 8 as well. Between KSG and MSG we are currently supporting over 550 girls with about 25 girls in each grade. A majority of our Grade 8 students pass their national primary education exams with average scores higher than 90% of other grade 8 students nationally.
I am attaching a few photos to this email from both schools over the last year for you and the rest of the group to view.
