This year, five children will "graduate" from Tenderfeet. The school teaches children up through 2nd grade, so students going into 3rd grade will move on to the next level.
The five children are pictured right. From left to right they are Sharon Kwamboka, Ian Aloo, Sofia Kemunto, Brian Mungai, and Brian Nyaanga. All have been at Tenderfeet for 5 years.
The new school year starts in January. For these five kids, it is a huge step and normally one that is devastating for slum families.
Primary school is supposed to be free in Kenya, but when you add up all the hidden fees, cost of uniform, PE kit, books, and school supplies, the minimum to start school is about $90 US. That's 3 months earnings for most of these families.
What typically happens is that the child's extended family collects contributions and fundraises in the community, but has to make harsh sacrifices in the process and still may not be able to raise enough.
The stress and pressure can be almost too much for families to bear. This is especially tough during Christmas time when families are already short on money due to the fact they are expected to visit relatives in the countryside.
Even if enough is raised, there are lots of associated expenses in the first term and children are sent home in many cases. It often happens that such children get behind over time and never catch up fully.
I hope I've managed to convey the immense difficulties facing these young children. That is why a fundraiser was organized at ION Geophysical in Houston, Texas.
ION has been a great friend to Tenderfeet over the years -- many employees are sponsors, and fundraisers have been held to assist with important Tenderfeet needs.
The theme was "A Holiday of Giving," in line with the Thanksgiving holiday in the US. It is a time when Americans reflect on and give thanks for the blessings they have, as well as remember and reach out to those who are less fortunate.
The fundraising team printed photos of each of the five children, as well as the school expenses they each faced ($5 for a math text book, $15 for school shoes, etc.). These photos and cards were attached to a "leaf" and many leaves were assembled in a colorful display (see photos).
ION employees who came through the break rooms on one of several floors could pick out a leaf and sponsor that child's particular need (for example, new shoes for Sharon).
The response was wonderful and enough money was raised not just to cover the minimum needs but also to purchase a second uniform for each child. In addition, a surplus amount will be used to assist new students arriving at Tenderfeet.
Now the Tenderfeet graduates will be off to school next month with big smiles on their faces. They will be ready for a strong start now that they will be fully equipped for school, thanks to the kindhearted and generous employees of ION.
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