Girls in western Kenya seldom get a high school or college education, because of poverty and cultural expectations.  Our group of Kansas teachers and other professionals, after meeting a visiting clergyman from Kapkemich, Kenya, founded Friends of St. Anne’s Girls’ School (FOSA) to help build a library for the school his village wanted to start, with one teacher and 20 young women who wanted to learn. I’m excited to report that when I got to visit this fall, there were over 300 students! Of those, we support about half as FOSA Scholars, as well as some young men and women attending other schools.

We work with dedicated people on-site, to make sure our money is used wisely and efficiently.  We have helped fund a library, solar panels, a dormitory, and science lab. We provide students with full or partial financial assistance based on family income, so they can complete their secondary education.  This year, the school is adding increased technology to all courses, and adding programs in Computers and Home Science (culinary and clothing construction), and both programs require equipment and supplies.

Our organization also funds post-secondary scholarships, to increase the numbers of teachers, nurses and other professionals, and to give young people an opportunity to become self-sufficient contributors to their communities. We are proud of the 118 post-secondary scholarship recipients who have graduated up to now! Some of them are starting projects in other villages, to provide sanitary napkins so girls can go to school all month long, or donating books to primary school libraries.  

We are also pleased to begin increasing cross-cultural opportunities for students and teachers. Students in Leavenworth, Kansas, recently raised money for a projector for the school to use, and are eagerly looking forward to using that tool to hold a virtual meeting with students in Kenya.  Math, music, and art teachers from the Kansas City area have visited St. Anne’s and have learned at least as much as they taught.

We pay for our scholarships and school improvements with grants, donations, and our annual Celebration of Thanks Gala Fundraiser. We will hold this year’s event at the Carriage Club, 5301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64112, on May 9 at 5:30 p.m. The gala celebrates the gifts of our donors as well as accomplishments and improvements at St. Anne’s over the past year, and will feature a live address from St. Anne’s new principal Sarah Mwauma Kemboi.  Attendees will enjoy food and drink, live and silent auctions, and a raffle. 

The items we received last year were a big hit, and the proceeds funded a girl’s education for an entire school year! Thank you! We hope you will be willing to support us again, as your donations were crowd pleasers. To make your contribution more visible, we are pleased to recognize your organization on our web page and at the Gala, highlighting your generosity.  For your records, our tax ID number is 27-2266141.