Background

Here's a little bit about why I'm here, who I am working with, and what I'll be doing…

I am working with and representing the Global Education Fund ("GEF"), based in Boulder, CO (www.globaleducationfund.org). I was introduced to GEF at a fundraising dinner my mom invited me to in September. She had been a long time donor, and was familiar with the good work the officers were doing. While at the dinner, I made it known that I was pursuing a trip like this at the outset – I had been aching for an international service experience after three and a half years in corporate America, and GEF was willing to offer me that opportunity. In retrospect, I believe my desire to do something like this started long ago... I would pinpoint it's origin as a member of the Senior High Youth Group at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, further evolving in my Jesuit academic experiences, and culminating with my experience within corporate America. Without naming my mentors, teachers, coaches, friends, loved ones and colleagues specifically (I won't mention any for fear of forgetting a few, and I think you know who you are), I'd at least like to express an ambiguous, heart-felt thank you, and recognize the contributions others have made to my perspective, values, and life… it sure took an army (especially with the Plimpton Boys). Also, I do not mean to exaggerate my efforts now, as many have made greater for longer; but this is certainly the largest I have made to date and in my heart I feel this represents a shift of priorities. Now, a little background on GEF.

GEF was established with a mission of improving literacy and education among orphaned and vulnerable children around the world. Right now, GEF has two programs to accomplish this. The first and longer-standing program is to stock libraries and schools in underdeveloped/impoverished/conflict areas around the world with inventories of books (children's books, textbooks, etc.), which are mostly shipped from Colorado, though some are purchased locally. To date, GEF has shipped pallets of books to over 20 countries. However, GEF recognized through work in the field that there are other obstacles to education than simple access to books, and out of this revelation the second pilot 'Leadership Program' ("the Program") was born in Kenya.

Why Kenya? Well, the Kenyan government promised universal access to education and funds tuition for students in many primary and secondary schools; however, there are still many fees that are passed on to the students for books, overhead, etc in secondary school. These fees run roughly $500/year per student, making education cost prohibitive to the poorest families, many living on less than $2/day. This need is staggering as it comprises roughly a million adolescents, and GEF saw great opportunity to efficiently pursue its mission by covering these fees for some within this disaffected group of students.

To begin, GEF found a local activist in Kayole (an 'estate' about 10-14 km east of Nairobi's Central Business District "CBD") already working with this demographic towards similar ends who was willing to take the reins, with GEF's support. He reached out to local schools and identified many students who were at risk of expulsion for failure to pay their fees, and, after an interview process to identify students with the greatest need and ability, a few were admitted into the Program. The revised goal of the Program was not just to throw money at the problem by covering the fees, but to develop a network of leaders ("Scholars") who support each other and learn practical skills, in addition to their academic skills, to succeed in life. Since only a few of the many are admitted into the Program, these Scholars tend to be incredibly naturally gifted and otherwise very capable, but for their dire circumstances (other than just the extremely low incomes, many are refugees, and/or single or double orphans from HIV/Aids, for example). Investing in each of the Scholars plants a seed for future development within communities with the greatest need.

There are implementation risks that must be addressed to ensure the sustainability and scalability of the Program. As all NGOs whose work is not local understand, local problems ultimately require local solutions; often times if you impose an outsider's solutions without local input or involvement, the program suffers because the need is not fully understood, the solutions do not address the need sufficiently, and/or the solutions are not embraced by those responsible for implementing them. When the funding dries up, the program dies. GEF recognizes that to effectively avert this outcome, it needs to establish an independent GEF – Kenya, managed and operated by Kenyans, for Kenyans, with local funding.

That is why, under a group of specialists and with a larger team of local advisers, one of my tasks will be to help build the infrastructure of GEF – Kenya that has sufficient bookkeeping/accounting/financial controls to report accurately (for donor transparency) and begin pursuing local donations and advisory support. That sounds fancy, but think how much can be done with Quickbooks Accounting software, a local bank account (in Kenyan Shillings, able to receive donations in Shillings), internet banking so it syncs with the books in the U.S. , and a local office HQ where we can crunch numbers, create (and print) marketing materials, and hold meetings. These steps seem small, but together they will make a world of difference.

In addition to this, I hope to help network for GEF - Kenya and help broaden the support and opportunities available to the Scholars after they complete secondary school. After the Scholars graduate, they have two options – either continue to University if they score high enough on their Form 4 exam ('Form' in Kenyan secondary school is synonymous with 'Year' in U.S. high school, so Form 4 is like Senior year or 4^th year, and the exam is similar to the SAT), or join the work force. Therefore, GEF will need to develop partnerships to help fill in the gap after secondary school, by way of scholarships/loans and internships/jobs. I am not sure how exactly I will accomplish this, but with all the resources and people working together, including the Scholars themselves (impressive as they are) – I am confident I can make inroads in the 3 months I will be here. At the end of the day, I'm sure I will learn more than I teach, and benefit more than I contribute; but I won't be happy unless I get some of this done… I'll keep you updated.

 

Other quick notes for your understanding:

• About 70% of the Scholars are girls, and this is GEF's policy – This is because studies have shown that investments in woman will matriculate into the community much more effectively; if you support a woman, you support children and a family. If you support a man, it is less likely that others will see any benefits. Kenya, and much of Africa, has a very patronizing culture.
  
• GEF's founder's husband started Izze Beverage Company, and they continue to be our largest single contributor – so, sales plug – buy Izze! It's delicious, and it supports a good cause.