PARKISHON, KENYA –It begins with one community, made up of families, children, and their cattle. One community knowing that change needs to happen. One organization knowing we can help. One sponsor knowing that national boundaries don’t mean anything when it comes to our responsibility to love our neighbors. One child knowing she is worth it and enrolling in school.
In Parkishon, Kenya rain also holds power. The presence of rain determines the success of livestock, the health of families, and the availability of food to eat and water to drink. A lack of rain means a depletion of resources, often leading to tensions and increased warfare between groups.
Yet in Parkishon, despite this clash in powers, one elder decided, “It is time for us to know education.” One warrior further decided that it was good to have a place for children to study, and one mother decided that she wanted to learn to read. Things began small in this rural community – children’s clubs started learning about hand washing and hygiene, a school committee was formed to address children’s needs, and parents began meeting with FH staff to learn about children’s rights, girls’ education and biblical worldview.
Then this bit of knowledge began to grow. Community leaders drilled a water hole, partnerships were formed with sponsors from western countries and a study center was built; the children’s clubs also grew and began spreading messages about hygiene, kitchen gardens were created, community litter was cleaned up, and new desks were bought.
Now, children are healthier, they are attending school and parents are learning to read too. Water is more accessible. And change is continuing to positively impact the families, children, and cattle of Parkishon.
This is the power knowledge can have and the changes knowing can make.
