Day 1: Aberdare Rangers Primary School – Education for a Brighter Future
Our unforgettable journey began at Aberdare Rangers Primary School, near Nakuru, Kenya. Funded by So They Can, a not-for-profit organisation, the school supports 1,080 students through a unique public-private partnership with the Kenyan Government. This collaboration, established in 2009, was the first of its kind in the country.
So They Can funds 85% of the school’s operations, running a daily nutrition programme that provides two hot meals to every child. For many, it’s the only food they receive all day.
Children are selected based on economic need, and despite their challenging circumstances, they were full of joy and gratitude. With a 100% graduation rate, Aberdare Rangers is the top-performing school in the area, and it has grown from one class to 30 classrooms in just nine years. The goal is to replicate this success in other schools across Nakuru.
New Canaan Village: Empowerment Through Health and Enterprise
We then visited New Canaan Village, a settlement formed by families fleeing post-election violence. Here, So They Can and B1G1 have transformed lives through health, education, and business.
In 2011, the New Canaan Health Clinic was launched in partnership with the Kenyan Ministry of Health. It now supports over 20,000 people, offering critical services in a community where clean water is scarce.
To tackle unemployment, a women’s business school was created, providing skills training and access to microfinance. Women complete 8 hours of business, health, and life skills education before receiving loans to start small enterprises. To date, 380 women have been empowered through this initiative.
We also visited a moving orphan village, where So They Can provides family-based care for children affected by AIDS and political violence. Each home is run by a dedicated caregiver, offering a nurturing environment to eight children at a time.
Day 2: Rhonda Slums – Bringing Hope to Informal Settlements
Our second day took us deep into Rhonda, one of Nakuru’s largest slums. With its densely packed, mud-thatched homes and high levels of poverty, the conditions were heartbreaking.
So They Can now supports the Rhonda Primary School, which has 1,200 students and 24 teachers. Many children suffer from malnutrition, with parents unable to afford food. Despite their hardships, the children were full of energy and excitement, each eager to play and hold our hands.
We also visited another school near a rubbish dump. Out of 800 students, only 10% receive lunch, while others search the landfill for scraps. A special unit for blind students also exists here, further emphasising the importance of education and inclusion in these communities.
Day 3: Mama Ann’s Odede Community Health Centre – Access to Quality Healthcare
In the village of Odede, we visited Mama Ann’s Community Health Centre, supported by World Youth International. Serving 20,000 people, it offers essential healthcare, including treatment, lab testing, maternal care, and immunisations.
With Kenya having one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS, the centre provides rapid testing, counselling, and medication. If HIV is caught early in pregnant women, their babies can be born HIV-negative - a lifesaving difference.
That afternoon, we also met 19 women involved in a microfinance farming project. They were building a greenhouse to grow vegetables, creating sustainable income. We later enjoyed a home-cooked meal using their produce - a beautiful end to the day.
Day 4: Building a Mud Hut – A Home for Hope
Day 4 was dedicated to mud-hut building in Odede. In intense heat, we worked as a team to construct a new home for Evelyn, John, and their daughter, who lost their house during political unrest. Their gratitude was deeply moving - a new home meant their dreams could live on.
Day 5: Mango Tree Projects – Sustainable Solutions for Future Generations
Our final day highlighted the remarkable work of The Mango Tree, a non-profit supporting orphans and vulnerable children. Since 2007, they’ve assisted over 4,700 children, enabling many to attend college or university.
We visited farms where locals graft exotic mango varieties for increased income and saw fish farming and beekeeping projects aimed at empowering women. One mango tree can transform a family’s future.
We also learned about the Goat Project, where families receive goats that provide nutritious milk and products like cheese and soap for resale. To date, Slumbersac has donated 40 goats.
Finally, we met a widow caring for nine orphans. Thanks to The Mango Tree, her own children now attend university - a testament to the lasting impact of community-led support.
A Life-Changing Experience
We returned from Kenya deeply moved by what we saw. These projects, supported by B1G1 and Slumbersac, are transforming communities. Every purchase you make at Slumbersac contributes to this meaningful work, providing nutrition, education, and opportunity where it's needed most. Thank you for your support.
