Denis Ochieng, Grade 4/5 teacher, details curriculum challenges

Editor’s Note: As previously noted, Kenya is currently implementing a new education curriculum nationally. Whereas the previous curriculum emphasized content, the new “Competence Based Curriculum” emphasizes hands-on skills. With the goal of building these practical skills, the CBC curriculum places a heavy emphasis on digital learning and uses brand new materials. New printed materials and electronic devices are now essential…

Child Sponsorship: A Closer Look

When Ripple Effect Project began supporting the Korando Education Center in 2007, only a handful of children lived with Mama Dolfine, and the total student population was 27.  But before long Mama’s integrity and commitment became well known in Kisumu, and as her reputation grew the KEC expanded accordingly. Countless students found a refuge, a lifeline, and an education through…

2021 at the Korando Center

2021 has proven to be another eventful year for our friends at Korando Education Center. While in the shadow of uncertainties caused by COVID-19, Kenyan education changes and food supply uncertainties, those at Korando Education Center have continued to thrive. Dolfine currently has 87 children living at the Center and 213 children being educated at the school. Although Ripple Effect…

Students smiling despite pandemic, flooding

Editor’s Note: The situation on the ground in Kisumu is changing daily, with talk of another lockdown looming. The information contained herein is current as of June 9, 2021, unless otherwise noted, though things may have changed when you read this. It was with great joy that in early May the students of the Korando Education Center were able to…

Kennedy describes his experience at the farm

Dear friends in Ripple Effect Project and in the state of Maine as a whole, greetings with love from Kenya! My name is Kennedy Ochieng Omollo and I am 22 years old. I came to Korando in February 2014 in eighth grade. I’m a partial orphan, I lost my mother but my father is alive but I’m like a total…

Letter from Dolfine about the Pandemic

On behalf of Dolfine Korando Faith Foundation, I wish to bring to your attention the above state in Kisumu County. The daily COVID test results have gone to 150 people per day going beyond Nairobi, Mombasa and Kericho combined. This has come to a worrying state for the country as a whole and the country is considering a total lockdown for Kisumu, which may come soon on about one or two weeks. Further to this, there was detected the Indian strain in five Indians some three weeks ago. This is posing more danger and worries.

Korando Center Reopens

On January 4, 2021, the joy was palpable as schools in Kenya reopened for grades Pre-K through 8 for the first time since last March. The Korando Education Center once again is able to function as a full-time orphanage and education facility, and all classes are back in session. Due to the closures from last year, all Kenyan students will…

Changes to the Board of Directors

Thanking Ryan Garbe After 10 years serving on the Board of Directors as both Treasurer and Secretary, Ryan Garbe is stepping down to spend more time with his new family. “Ryan brought to the board bookkeeping and management skills that helped to maintain and grow the organization and our ability to support the Korando Education Center,” Ripple Effect Project President…

Fall Fundraiser Recap

As summer slipped into fall, it became increasingly apparent that complications inherent to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic would prevent the seventh annual Bowling Fundraiser from taking place. Understanding that Ripple Effect Project has come to anticipate the fundraiser’s proceeds in the annual budget, volunteer Donna Klein was challenged to come up with a different kind of fundraiser. Drawing on her…