nef 2023 mid-year update
Jan-July 2023 Highlights
I’m happy to share with you how we have been utilizing your donations to increase access and opportunities to promising students in Kenya. I feel extremely grateful to have your support, as well as amazing staff and partners to help carry out this work. Here are the highlights from the first half of the year.
· We awarded scholarships to eight new high school students – 4 girls and 4 boys. They each received a new uniform, shoes, and a solar lantern. Some very needy students also received a mattress and bedding to ensure they can get a good night sleep.
· We launched the NEF scholarship program at a second public high school in Kenya – called Bujwang’a Secondary School, with a student population of 1,245 students.
· We provided an orientation for the newly formed School Advisory Committee for the NEF program at Bujwang’a Secondary School.
· We purchased and delivered revision books, ranging from economics and history to English and mathematics for the school libraries at both schools.
· We held a strategic plan validation workshop with members of the community and local education sector who represent the needs of NEF’s most important stakeholders, the students. Following this meeting we finalized and adopted the NEF strategic plan 2023-2028.
· We successfully provided two health workshops, reaching approximately 1,700 students.
· Beatrice Ogana, a NEF beneficiary at Bumbe Technical Training Institute, successfully completed her craft certificate program in catering and hospitality.
· Harriet Akinyi, another NEF beneficiary, completed a 3-month teaching externship. She will graduate with a B.A. degree in Education from Rongo University in October 2023.
On a sad note, we said good-bye to Dr. Hannington Odame, the Executive Director of the Centre for African Bio-Entrepreneurship (CABE), who helped launch NEF in 2012. He passed away unexpectedly on June 20th in Nairobi. Hannington was my friend and mentor. He was the first person I knew in Kenya, and truly everything I have done in Kenya has stemmed from being introduced to him by my advisor at the University of Amsterdam. Hannington helped me set up my research in Kenya, welcoming me into his home, his family and his community, and then he and his organization, CABE, helped lay the groundwork for NEF. Hannington dedicated his career to innovations in agriculture, such as seed improvements, promoting small scale farmers, and engaging youth in agri-business.
NEF staff and students attended Hannington’s funeral and Edmond Ogombe delivered a special eulogy on behalf of NEF to honor the special role that Hannington played in our lives and in NEF’s journey. I draw comfort in knowing that Hannington will live on in our hearts and through each student who is awarded a scholarship from NEF. Hannington and I envisioned creating a community center for inter-generational learning, knowledge sharing, mentorship and innovation. I would love to make that happen in his memory. In the immediate term, we will continue to improve on the organization that Hannington helped us build.
The real testament of our progress and impact comes from the students and members of the community. I encourage you to read what they have to say below and in the 2023 Mid-Year Impact Report.
With gratitude,
Jessica Peyla Nagtalon, NEF Co-Founder & Program Director
The NEF beneficiaries from both Busjio & Bujwang’a Secondary School with NEF local coordinator Anne Truphosa (far right) at Dr. Hannington Odame’s funeral on July 12, 2023. Photo Courtesy of Anne Truphosa, 2023.
Word of Thanks from Harriet Akinyi, University Student:
The support you give is absolutely essential. Without it, people such as myself have no footing or even beginning. Your contributions allowed us to create our own futures and be significantly more equal to our peers. I felt great sense of pride on receiving my scholarship, as I knew someone wanted to reach out and support me. Your kindness, wonderful and selfless support is very much appreciated. I feel immensely proud to have been a scholarship recipient of the Nasirumbi Education Fund. How I wish I met my scholarship donors to express my gratitude in person. Donors continue to be part of NEF long after my graduation. Thank you so much!”
- Harriet Akinyi, former student (BS in Education) at Rongo University, Kenya
Photo courtesy of Harriet Akinyi, 2023.
Word of Impact and Thanks from Deputy Principal at Busijo Secondary School:
I feel very proud to be able to contribute to the great purpose we share at NEF. I firmly believe that quality education transforms lives, not only for those who receive it but also for their entire environment, as it generates a multiplier effect. Through education and knowledge, our students transcend, empowering them to achieve significant change and generating a positive impact on their communities. This positive impact elevates societal standards and inspires innovation, paving the way for a brighter future. It is a good experience. NEF scholarship has brought an invaluable opportunity for our school community; allowing each of us to open our minds to different realities thereby developing a sense of solidarity and empathy. NEF has given the youths the chance to work on being the best version of themselves.
- Mrs. Magero, Deputy Principal and School Advisory Committee Member, Busijo Secondary School, Kenya
