The official launch of the Fund took place on 23rd November 2004 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Nairobi. The Guest of Honour was His Excellency the Vice President of the Republic of Kenya, Hon. Dr. A.A. Moody Awori and the function was attended by Ambassadors, Corporate Executives, Philanthropists, Parents and Friends of Kianda Foundation.
In his speech, the Vice President said:
“This occasion is extremely important and it marks a milestone for both the Kianda Foundation and the nation’s educational development. I am not saying this just because I was invited to preside over this event. I have a special attachment to Kianda because three of my dear daughters have themselves gone through one of the institutions run by this Foundation”
“Out of the children who enroll for primary education only 11% proceed to secondary school…. We are therefore looking at a situation where over nearly half of our young generation have their education coming to an abrupt halt at an age when they need it most. This picture is even gloomier when we consider that many of those who drop out are girls”.
“We know that low education has an influence in almost all areas. Mothers with a good education are better placed to take care of their health and that of their families. Children with a good education stand a higher chance of contributing to nation building. A population with access to education has the capacity to generate more active work and therefore reduce idleness that can lead to moral decadence and bad behavior in our society. It is for this reason that we are calling for a concerted effort to promote education at all levels.”
“…By establishing institutions such as Kibondeni College, which offers Hotel and Catering training to high school leavers, and Kimlea Technical Training College, which provides tertiary hands-on training to primary school leavers and high school dropouts, Kianda Foundation is indeed filling a critical gap in our education system”.
“I have personally known Kianda Foundation for quite a while now. They have helped build strong moral values and Christian discipline that has enable these institutions to remain popular and respected even at times when many of our institutions of learning have been experiencing frequent unrests”.
“Unlike the traditional fundraisings that many of us are used to, this is a one-time support that will meet the educational needs of needy women and girls. The Foundation is seeking to raise Kshs. 180 million, money that will be invested and the returns used to provide scholarships to 850 women and girls every year. By helping Kianda Foundation build the Endowment Fund, we will be helping 850 girls and women every year”.
For more information see: www.kianda-foundation.org (link at right).
