HABARI NA MATUKIO
(NEWS AND EVENTS)
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JULY 2022 – DRIP IRRIGATION AND BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Since our last update, the residents at the Center have been diligent with their training for upcoming welding exams. These will be taking place during the later part of 2022. This is an exciting step for each of the students in the program. But mixed in with their training is the need to continue farming the fields. Not only does the yield of crops give them most of their needed food, but it also provides produce that can be sold at market to help defray some of the costs of running the Center.
Kenya has been experiencing drought conditions over the last couple of years. However, with the borehole we have on site, we are able to provide all the water we need for proper irrigation of the plants and water for livestock. But to enable the Centre to avoid shifts in the weather, it was necessary to install a drip irrigation system to all the cultivated fields. This has been accomplished and is now providing water as needed to all produce being grown. This is a HUGE development for the residents, and also allows them to provide produce to the market at times others may be without water to grow crops.
Now the focus will shift on this side of the ocean to raise funds to replace the inadequate kitchen and food storage building with a permanent structure that will preserve crops in storage and allow for feeding more than 20 people on a daily basis.
Since our last update, the residents at the Center have been diligent with their training for upcoming welding exams. These will be taking place during the later part of 2022. This is an exciting step for each of the students in the program. But mixed in with their training is the need to continue farming the fields. Not only does the yield of crops give them most of their needed food, but it also provides produce that can be sold at market to help defray some of the costs of running the Center.
Kenya has been experiencing drought conditions over the last couple of years. However, with the borehole we have on site, we are able to provide all the water we need for proper irrigation of the plants and water for livestock. But to enable the Centre to avoid shifts in the weather, it was necessary to install a drip irrigation system to all the cultivated fields. This has been accomplished and is now providing water as needed to all produce being grown. This is a HUGE development for the residents, and also allows them to provide produce to the market at times others may be without water to grow crops.
Now the focus will shift on this side of the ocean to raise funds to replace the inadequate kitchen and food storage building with a permanent structure that will preserve crops in storage and allow for feeding more than 20 people on a daily basis.
OCTOBER 2021 – BUILDING BEDS AND BOREHOLE CHANGES
Over the last month, the guys have been working hard to build the first group of what will be 50 bunkbeds for an orphanage school in southeast Kenya. They will build interlocking frames with full steel under-mattress support that can be easily disassembled and moved from Naivasha to Mutomo (a 6 hour drive). This will be a project that allows them to earn money for the center. These are the kinds of projects we love to have as they train them in both design and welding skills, while bringing in funds to help be self-sustaining.
The summer crop season is just about complete. Once the current harvest is complete, we will begin installing a new drip system that will connect the water tanks on the upper tower to the fields below. This will be so instrumental in avoiding the situation we experienced this year when the drought hit Kenya. We will be able to provide constant, steady water flow to the fields to insure a healthy and abundant crop of vegetables throughout the year. Look for this exciting change to happen sometime in November!!
In early September, the center experienced some issues with the borehole pump and solar power systems. The motor to the pump had burned out and several solar panels, as well as the control box, needed to be replaced. The good people of Drilling for Life, the ones who gave us the well and the pump system, replaced the pump and had us up and running again in only a few days. These repairs did require us to use about $4,200 of our general funds on the unexpected capital repairs. The upside in all of this is that the new pump can produce a tank full of water in about half the time, and the newer control box is an improvement over the original system. In addition, we relocated the control system into the new workshop building, as well as relocating the solar panels closer to the main compound for greater security. If you feel led to help us replenish these funds, you can click on the “Donate Now” button at the top of the page, or go to the Home page.
Over the last month, the guys have been working hard to build the first group of what will be 50 bunkbeds for an orphanage school in southeast Kenya. They will build interlocking frames with full steel under-mattress support that can be easily disassembled and moved from Naivasha to Mutomo (a 6 hour drive). This will be a project that allows them to earn money for the center. These are the kinds of projects we love to have as they train them in both design and welding skills, while bringing in funds to help be self-sustaining.
The summer crop season is just about complete. Once the current harvest is complete, we will begin installing a new drip system that will connect the water tanks on the upper tower to the fields below. This will be so instrumental in avoiding the situation we experienced this year when the drought hit Kenya. We will be able to provide constant, steady water flow to the fields to insure a healthy and abundant crop of vegetables throughout the year. Look for this exciting change to happen sometime in November!!
In early September, the center experienced some issues with the borehole pump and solar power systems. The motor to the pump had burned out and several solar panels, as well as the control box, needed to be replaced. The good people of Drilling for Life, the ones who gave us the well and the pump system, replaced the pump and had us up and running again in only a few days. These repairs did require us to use about $4,200 of our general funds on the unexpected capital repairs. The upside in all of this is that the new pump can produce a tank full of water in about half the time, and the newer control box is an improvement over the original system. In addition, we relocated the control system into the new workshop building, as well as relocating the solar panels closer to the main compound for greater security. If you feel led to help us replenish these funds, you can click on the “Donate Now” button at the top of the page, or go to the Home page.
JUNE 2021 – A COMPLETED WORKSHOP & TWO SUCCESS STORIES
It is SO EXCITING to now have the workshop complete!!! They have moved all the equipment and supplies into the new facility and are in the process of looking into adding additional storage cabinets and shelves. A recent visitor, Rob Smucker, has opened up his heart and provided some much needed equipment for the center. With the new drill press and metal cutter, he has given the students added lessons and equipment to up their skills in welding and fabrication.
MORE EXCITING NEWS – Joseph Muya and Lukas Mwangi have moved on from the center to pursue their first welding employment opportunities. This is exactly the kind of achievement we have been praying about for these young men. Let’s continue to be in prayer for both Joseph and Lukas as they start a new, exciting stage of their young lives.
It is SO EXCITING to now have the workshop complete!!! They have moved all the equipment and supplies into the new facility and are in the process of looking into adding additional storage cabinets and shelves. A recent visitor, Rob Smucker, has opened up his heart and provided some much needed equipment for the center. With the new drill press and metal cutter, he has given the students added lessons and equipment to up their skills in welding and fabrication.
MORE EXCITING NEWS – Joseph Muya and Lukas Mwangi have moved on from the center to pursue their first welding employment opportunities. This is exactly the kind of achievement we have been praying about for these young men. Let’s continue to be in prayer for both Joseph and Lukas as they start a new, exciting stage of their young lives.
MARCH 2021 – THE WORKSHOP IS ALMOST COMPLETE!!!!
Since our last update, the young men at the training center have been very hard at work participating in the construction of the new vocational training center workshop. The building will allow them to move all their training inside, enabling them to continue their work during times of unfavorable weather. The building is almost complete! The roof is on, electrical wiring is installed, the doors and windows are mounted and the bathrooms are complete. The only items remaining are the Terrazzo flooring to protect the concrete, tile work in the office and toilet areas, painting of the interior and some landscaping to beautify the new building.
We expect the facility to be available for instruction by the end of the month. Then we wait for final installation of power poles by the Kenya Power Authority. Even without the power, the building will be operational.
The guys have also been very hard at work preparing the fields in time for the rainy season. They have finished their plowing and seeding just in time for the rain to hit in the middle of March.
This is such a great time to celebrate the development of the center and all that God has done for these young men!!!!
Since our last update, the young men at the training center have been very hard at work participating in the construction of the new vocational training center workshop. The building will allow them to move all their training inside, enabling them to continue their work during times of unfavorable weather. The building is almost complete! The roof is on, electrical wiring is installed, the doors and windows are mounted and the bathrooms are complete. The only items remaining are the Terrazzo flooring to protect the concrete, tile work in the office and toilet areas, painting of the interior and some landscaping to beautify the new building.
We expect the facility to be available for instruction by the end of the month. Then we wait for final installation of power poles by the Kenya Power Authority. Even without the power, the building will be operational.
The guys have also been very hard at work preparing the fields in time for the rainy season. They have finished their plowing and seeding just in time for the rain to hit in the middle of March.
This is such a great time to celebrate the development of the center and all that God has done for these young men!!!!
DECEMBER 2020 – THE TRAINING WORKSHOP IS UNDERWAY – AND OTHER THINGS
First on the list of things the young men have been up to is completing the water kiosk building and making it functional for the neighbors looking to buy water. The building is now complete, the water kiosk installed inside for security, and all the water hookups finished. The only thing left is to install an automated payment system, but in the meantime, they can still meet with the guests and handle things manually. GREAT progress!
But the most exciting news is that they have now begun working on the Training Facility Workshop. Once the funds were raised, the contractor was selected and drawings completed. The building site has been staked and the guys are busy digging trenches for the foundation. They have been so eager to get started and are thrilled to be finally diving into creating the core structure needed so desperately for their training. The building will not only add safety and security to their training, but also add the capability to add more trades to be taught. Enjoy the pictures on Gallery page and the videos on the Home page. There will be many more to come as they make progress each week and month. The building is expected to be completed sometime around February. Keep checking back to see the activity!
First on the list of things the young men have been up to is completing the water kiosk building and making it functional for the neighbors looking to buy water. The building is now complete, the water kiosk installed inside for security, and all the water hookups finished. The only thing left is to install an automated payment system, but in the meantime, they can still meet with the guests and handle things manually. GREAT progress!
But the most exciting news is that they have now begun working on the Training Facility Workshop. Once the funds were raised, the contractor was selected and drawings completed. The building site has been staked and the guys are busy digging trenches for the foundation. They have been so eager to get started and are thrilled to be finally diving into creating the core structure needed so desperately for their training. The building will not only add safety and security to their training, but also add the capability to add more trades to be taught. Enjoy the pictures on Gallery page and the videos on the Home page. There will be many more to come as they make progress each week and month. The building is expected to be completed sometime around February. Keep checking back to see the activity!
October 2020-OUR RESIDENT STUDENTS HAVE BEEN ACTIVE, EVEN WITH COVID
Even though the Kenyan government has suspended testing for welding accreditation, the young men at SOHCO have remained very busy. Since we last updated their progress, they have been involved in a number of projects. First, they have been busy harvesting the maize planted last March. This should give them close to a year’s supply of maize, along with other essential vegetables and beans. They have recently used their welding skills to build themselves entry gates to the property. These will provide security for them and all the center equipment, buildings and supplies. They are currently in the process of constructing a tower to hold a water kiosk that allows neighbors to purchase much needed water from our well 24 hours a day, all without the involvement of the residents. And lastly, the guys were hired to build a series of laboratory tables and work benches for a school in Nairobi. This experience is vital to building their workmanship skills in an otherwise commercial activity. A fantastic experience. And the quality of their work was astounding!! Take a look on the GALLERY page to see what they have been creating.
Even though the Kenyan government has suspended testing for welding accreditation, the young men at SOHCO have remained very busy. Since we last updated their progress, they have been involved in a number of projects. First, they have been busy harvesting the maize planted last March. This should give them close to a year’s supply of maize, along with other essential vegetables and beans. They have recently used their welding skills to build themselves entry gates to the property. These will provide security for them and all the center equipment, buildings and supplies. They are currently in the process of constructing a tower to hold a water kiosk that allows neighbors to purchase much needed water from our well 24 hours a day, all without the involvement of the residents. And lastly, the guys were hired to build a series of laboratory tables and work benches for a school in Nairobi. This experience is vital to building their workmanship skills in an otherwise commercial activity. A fantastic experience. And the quality of their work was astounding!! Take a look on the GALLERY page to see what they have been creating.
July, 2020–CLOSING IN ON BUILDING OUR TRAINING WORKSHOP
Since we last updated you on the progress being made at the Vocational Centre, the team has been hard at work conducting training for the next set of welding exams. Although the exams have been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the training continues as planned. The residents have also had the opportunity to participate in welding projects to repair equipment and construct window frames for schools, build supply trailers, erect a temporary outdoor training structure, and cultivate the property for the current crop season.
Because of the wonderful well that was provided, the Centre is able to provide water to the neighboring community. Funds received from selling water and excess crops grown in the greenhouse are helping to sustain the training and building exercises happening every day on site.
And now, as we close in our reaching our financial goal for the workshop, the students are preparing to participate in that project as well. This will give them a great opportunity to experience more facets of construction that just welding. It will hopefully give them an exposure to other trades that may be of interest to them, and at the same time, give them a sense of ownership in the wonderful new facility they will call their learning center.
Since we last updated you on the progress being made at the Vocational Centre, the team has been hard at work conducting training for the next set of welding exams. Although the exams have been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the training continues as planned. The residents have also had the opportunity to participate in welding projects to repair equipment and construct window frames for schools, build supply trailers, erect a temporary outdoor training structure, and cultivate the property for the current crop season.
Because of the wonderful well that was provided, the Centre is able to provide water to the neighboring community. Funds received from selling water and excess crops grown in the greenhouse are helping to sustain the training and building exercises happening every day on site.
And now, as we close in our reaching our financial goal for the workshop, the students are preparing to participate in that project as well. This will give them a great opportunity to experience more facets of construction that just welding. It will hopefully give them an exposure to other trades that may be of interest to them, and at the same time, give them a sense of ownership in the wonderful new facility they will call their learning center.
October, 2019-A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST 8 MONTHS!!
Solar panels have been installed to pump water from the well and provide evening lighting for the temporary dorms. The livestock pens have been built by the students to house goats, chickens, cows and sheep. A commercial sized green house was installed by the students and the first crop of tomatoes will be harvested soon. The most exciting news is that three students have earned their welding trade test Grade II certification.
Solar panels have been installed to pump water from the well and provide evening lighting for the temporary dorms. The livestock pens have been built by the students to house goats, chickens, cows and sheep. A commercial sized green house was installed by the students and the first crop of tomatoes will be harvested soon. The most exciting news is that three students have earned their welding trade test Grade II certification.
February, 2019-WE HAVE WATER!!
Several months ago, we began the process of raising funds to eventually dig a borehole that would provide water for farming, cooking, cleaning and caring for our students and livestock. We anticipated it would take many months to raise these funds, and many more months before the well could be completed. We have once again been thrilled and amazed at God’s provision for these young men.
Through the loving gifts of many donors who have entrusted us to provide the resources for this training center, the funds were raised in one night. All of it. But the provision didn’t end there. Early research into the cost of drilling and to the location the well should be located brought us to a company named Drilling for Life. Their heart for what is being done at Seeds of Hope in Naivasha led them to help us by absorbing a significant portion of the costs to drill the borehole. Not only that, but they were onsite in less than a week following their visit to the center to begin their work.
The borehole has been drilled. They are in the process of capping the hole and will soon provide the storage tower and solar powered pump to draw water to the entire facility. We are so blessed to have them on board, and to have the continued loving support of our contributors for not only this project, but for all that has been accomplished in the last year at Seeds of Hope Vocational Training Center.
Blessings to you all.
Several months ago, we began the process of raising funds to eventually dig a borehole that would provide water for farming, cooking, cleaning and caring for our students and livestock. We anticipated it would take many months to raise these funds, and many more months before the well could be completed. We have once again been thrilled and amazed at God’s provision for these young men.
Through the loving gifts of many donors who have entrusted us to provide the resources for this training center, the funds were raised in one night. All of it. But the provision didn’t end there. Early research into the cost of drilling and to the location the well should be located brought us to a company named Drilling for Life. Their heart for what is being done at Seeds of Hope in Naivasha led them to help us by absorbing a significant portion of the costs to drill the borehole. Not only that, but they were onsite in less than a week following their visit to the center to begin their work.
The borehole has been drilled. They are in the process of capping the hole and will soon provide the storage tower and solar powered pump to draw water to the entire facility. We are so blessed to have them on board, and to have the continued loving support of our contributors for not only this project, but for all that has been accomplished in the last year at Seeds of Hope Vocational Training Center.
Blessings to you all.
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Do you buy from Amazon? Do you want to help support Seeds of Hope? You can do both at the same time without spending another dime. It’s really simple. Go to Smile.Amazon.com just like you would order from Amazon.com. Go into your Account Settings and click the button to choose a charity. Find and select Seeds of Hope Children’s Outreach and you are done. Every time you make a purchase through Smile.Amazon.com, they will contribute a portion of the proceeds on your behalf. No additional costs are passed to you. This is the easiest way to help Seeds of Hope. Bookmark this site so you always buy through Smile.Amazon.com, and be a contributor every day!
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Great coffee! Great cause! And a tax deduction!
We have a source for hand-picked Kenyan coffee beans, the cream of the crop, and a local (Temecula, California) roaster that roasts and vacuum packages the coffee. The purveyor of this coffee is intimately involved in non-profit orphanages in Kenya and provides this to us at cost. We then resell the coffee, with all profits going to our Seeds of Hope Children’s Outreach vocational school for homeless children. Your $14, 12 ounce whole bean or ground coffee purchase provides over $8 in contribution to our 501c3 charity for which you may be able to claim for a tax deduction as well! Coffee can be purchased HERE |
Seeds of Hope Children’s Outreach is part of the American Express giving family!
American Express has a giving heart. Each year, worthy 501c3 charities are chosen for their Give2gether charitable matching program, which is initiated in September and runs through the Holiday season.
Inclusion in this program requires nomination from an American Express employee and meeting stringent compliance criteria.
The Give2gether program provides a format for the 54,000 American Express employees to give to the approved charities, with AMEX then matching the contributions dollar for dollar.
Seeds of Hope Children’s Outreach has also been added to the Members Give program, whereby all American Express customers may donate using their American Express cards via the American Express website. Accrued benefit points can also be allocated for donation.
American Express has a giving heart. Each year, worthy 501c3 charities are chosen for their Give2gether charitable matching program, which is initiated in September and runs through the Holiday season.
Inclusion in this program requires nomination from an American Express employee and meeting stringent compliance criteria.
The Give2gether program provides a format for the 54,000 American Express employees to give to the approved charities, with AMEX then matching the contributions dollar for dollar.
Seeds of Hope Children’s Outreach has also been added to the Members Give program, whereby all American Express customers may donate using their American Express cards via the American Express website. Accrued benefit points can also be allocated for donation.