- Philanthropists walked more than 200 kilometres from Nakuru to Narok to raise funds for education scholarships.
- Homecare International aims to sponsor over 100 vulnerable children before the end of the year.
- The organisation also supports school rehabilitation projects and learning institutions serving disadvantaged communities.
A team of philanthropists under Homecare International has completed a gruelling walk of more than 200 kilometres from Nakuru County to Ng’oswani in Narok West Sub-county to raise funds for education scholarships for vulnerable children.
The participants braved scorching sun and challenging terrain during the journey, which marked the organisation’s 20th anniversary while advocating for increased access to quality education for disadvantaged children across Kenya.
Speaking after completing the walk, Homecare International founder James Karanja said the initiative was inspired by the need to support children who remain out of school because of poverty despite government interventions and parents’ efforts.
“Our mission is to ensure children access education, shelter, healthcare and a secure future while helping eradicate poverty in communities,” said Karanja.
“This walk is a show of solidarity with Kenyan children who are still struggling to access quality education.”
Karanja said the organisation hopes to award scholarships to more than 100 children from needy backgrounds before the end of the year.
He added that Homecare International receives support from donors and well-wishers from Kenya, Germany, the United States and other parts of the world.
According to Karanja, the organisation currently supports more than 8,700 children across the country through educational sponsorships and the development of learning infrastructure.
Investing in schools and communities
Beyond scholarships, Homecare International is investing in learning institutions serving vulnerable communities.
Karanja said the organisation supports Puan Academy in Olsheiki, Suswa, which caters for about 120 orphaned children by providing education and other basic needs.
He further revealed that Homecare International is rehabilitating Kiptunga Primary School in Mariashoni, a predominantly Ogiek community, where the school had remained abandoned for years.
“We are restoring the school because education should be accessible to every child regardless of where they live. Many children in Mariashoni have been forced to walk long distances to school, which contributes to absenteeism and dropout rates,” he said.
Karanja noted that the Ogiek community remains among the country’s marginalised groups and requires greater support to improve educational opportunities for children.
Lives transformed through education
Several beneficiaries who participated in the charity walk shared how the organisation had transformed their lives through educational sponsorship.
Owen Thiong’o said donor support facilitated by Homecare International enabled him to pursue higher education.
“I am currently a third-year student at Laikipia University. Without the support I received, reaching this level of education would have been difficult,” he said.
Beatrice Mutheu, another beneficiary, said the organisation supported her education from primary school through university. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at Mama Ngina University.
“Educating a girl transforms families and communities,” she said.
Hifel Simel, a theology student at Moffat University, observed that poverty remains one of the greatest barriers preventing many children from accessing education.
He expressed optimism that the funds raised through the charity walk would enable more learners from vulnerable families to remain in school.
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The initiative highlights the growing role of charitable organisations in complementing government efforts to expand access to education through scholarships, school rehabilitation projects and support for vulnerable learners across the country.
By Jeff Kirui
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