Dear friends of ICO’s Bondo Kenya Initiative, Happy New Year once again to all! 

Here is our annual update on our project…it’s still alive and well and going strong!!  We currently have 18 students in over 14 different schools, from Grade 8 in Bondo to medical studies at the University of Nairobi.  Ten of the older students are also currently in various trade studies at post secondary institutions (such as community health, social work and community development, plumbing, lab technician).  An update on each student is provided below. 

In 2024, besides supporting all of the students in school and food security for several ICO families, ICO also supported urgent medical needs which always seem to arise.  ICO continues to support rent for 2 widowed mothers. 

Our onsite coordinator Mary continues to do a fantastic job with the finances and receipts, which is a huge and complex task.

Jennifer continues to be the main liaison with the ICO students and families concerning their needs. She then provides direction to Mary who provides the required money and then sends receipts back to Mark in Canada for accounting and reconciliation with the amount of money sent from ICO to Kenya.  Mark also arranges the transfer of funds from ICO to Mary in Kenya.

For those who are still supporting us, thank you for your continued and steadfast support. We are all really making a difference in the lives of our ICO students and their families. The students will be able to support their families once they complete their studies. 

As our costs have ballooned as the students get older and go to colleges, new donations would be very much appreciated. Please visit the ICO website https://www.innovativecommunities.org to donate to the “Bondo School Sponsorships and Family Support” initiative.  

Here is the update for each student:

Faith – is in Class 8 and is on track to finish high school in 5 years

Samuel and Clement – finish junior high school this year and are on track to finish high school in 4 years

Mary – is on track to finish high school in 3 years

John Peter, George and Sarah – are on track to finish high school in 2 years, with post secondary plans to be confirmed

Bernard – is on track to finish high school in 2025

Arnold and Roseline – have just completed high school, post secondary plans are yet to be confirmed 

Sheryl – started a nursing program at university in 2024, with 3.5 years remaining

Susan – started a lab technician program at college in 2024, with 3.5 years remaining

Kerry – mid-way through a plumbing program at college, will be done in 2026.

Syprian – mid-way through a social studies program at college, will be done in 2026.

Brenda – mid-way through a community health program at college, will be done in 2026.

Beatrice – in her final year of a community services program at university

John – 2 years remaining in a college plumbing program

Barrack – 2 years completed in medical/surgical studies, with another 4 years remaining

When the post secondary school students are finished their final studies, they will then take over the school fees of their siblings.

Wishing you all the best for 2025,

Jennifer and Mark.