On August 21st at Country House—a retirement community in Wilmington, DE—Charity, Michael, and their sons, Michael Jr. and Nathan gave an incredible presentation about a recent project they completed with us. Charity and Michael, who are both Kenyan, have been living and raising their family in Delaware for several decades. With great love for their home country, they wanted to connect their sons with Kenya in a real, meaningful way. Here’s how this Kenyan family brought hope back home.
About the Project
A few years ago, this desire to help Kenyans evolved during a family trip to Kenya. On the trip, they visited an orphanage whose library was in disrepair. When they arrived home, Michael Jr. and Nathan started collecting books for the library. In just a few months, they collected hundreds of books, as well as funds to refurbish the library. They were so happy when they got to see the transformation at that orphanage—a result of their hard work and determination.
Charity is a key staff member at Country House and first learned about WILK back in 2022 when our board members, Dr. Tannian and Mark, visited to give an Armchair Traveler experience of Kenya. Several months ago Joyce and Charity came together with hopes of beginning a new project for Michael and Nathan to help Kenyans in need.
Joyce invited the boys to participate in phase 3 of the Esukuta Community Borehole, established by WILK in 2015. This phase would consist of installing toilets and planting trees for the community.
Toilets & Trees for Esukuta
With a clear vision and goal, this remarkable family got to work. From bake sales to knocking on doors to talking at church, Michael Jr. and Nathan inspired over $9,000 in donations, enough to fund the construction of toilets and showers, as well as the planting of 500 trees!
When they visited Kenya earlier this summer, everybody chipped in to help plant these 500 saplings in Esukuta. The community was so grateful for the family’s support that the elders offered the boys a traditional Maasai blessing. They got to sit on a 200-year-old ceremonial stool, drink from an ancient vessel, and were even gifted some nifty beaded shirts!
As far as growing trees in an arid climate—the chief and principal at Nasipa Primary School agreed that every tree would be tended by a student. They would use the borehole to water the trees daily and make sure they stay alive.
A Kenyan Family’s Story
In front of a packed room, the family shared about their trip and what they were able to accomplish thanks to dozens of generous donations. Through Charity, Michael, Michael Jr., and Nathan, a tremendous amount of support was mobilized for the Esukuta community (who has been plagued by the drought and have not received rain in over 3 years). They were all moved by the dryness and dustiness of Esukuta, as well as the dire importance of water. Those in attendance were intrigued, astonished, and impressed at the devotion of this family and the scope of WILK’s projects.
After seeing for themselves how one of our boreholes changes a community, Michael Sr. encouraged Country House residents to consider supporting Water is Life Kenya in the future. We look forward to making new friends as they enter our generous community in support of Kenyans in need!
After the presentation, one resident said, “This was the best entertainment we’ve had in a while!” We couldn’t agree more—Michael and Nathan brought the (Country) House down! We believe generous acts like this are worth sharing with others, and we’re so happy Michael and Nathan were willing to share this experience with us.
We are so grateful to this Kenyan family for supporting our communities and inspiring so much goodness. They have truly made a world of difference for Esukuta!
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