www.projectthrive.org

"I expected to see desperation in the eyes of the children I met at the orphanage academy. Abandoned, so near the slums of Kibera, what else would I expect? Instead, I saw and felt unexpected emotions: Gratitude and Hope.

The Academy of Hidden Talents is a remarkable place that left me changed. If their team can make quality programs happen with no support, little space and no surety, imagine the model they can create with sustainable programs for consistent food and supplies... and a safe new campus!

When we waved goodbye to the children, we knew we had to help. While the children focus on building their talents, we are putting ours to work to create a sustainable model. Please join us. We could use your talents too! I encourage you to visit beautiful Kenya and while there experience the center for yourself. In the meantime, please join us in making a large self-sustaining orphanage a reality."

Sandy B. April 2008 Expedition

"The image that comes back to me is not the landscape or the animals of Kenya, but the children’s faces looking up at me. Their happiness and joy despite so many hardships in their lives. I got to experience total love just because I am a person, appreciation… and bigger words than I can even express. You feel appreciated, accepted and admired, not because of who you are, or what you give, but just because you are. As soon as you meet these children you want to give, but being there gave me a bigger gift than I could ever give them."

Zach and Rhonda King - Volunteers on vacation/safari - Portland, Oregon - zach@kingofalltrades.net

We knew we had a couple days off in Nairobi in between safari tours and we were interested in volunteering at an orphanage in the area. We contacted Cosmic Volunteers (http://www.cosmicvolunteers.org) who put us in touch with a local contact in Nairobi, Irene Wairimu. Upon arrival in Nairobi, Irene who took us to the center. We visited and took a tour of the school and orphanage, and met with the children and teachers. We had two large duffle bags of shoes, clothing, school supplies, and other items we donated to the children. It wasn't much, but all we could carry on our trip. We were so struck by the smiling faces, we decided to return the next day. That evening we went to the local supermarket and bought more pencils, books and a basketball and soccer ball to give to the children. We visited some of the classes, played sports with the children, took lots of pictures, and planned with the computer teacher Movil on how we could design a web site to help let the world now about their situation. We even walked around the surrounding area with one of the older children Mike. Since returning to the USA, we have continued to stay in touch with teachers and children at the center. As promised, we designed a web site and also sent them several packages of books, supplies, and computers to help with their education. We spent almost 6 weeks travelling across Africa on our vacation, having amazing adventures, but our day and half at DCRC was the most powerful, moving, and memorable time of the whole trip. We are so glad we took the time, even if only a little, to see the school and find out how we could help. We will continue to do all that we can to support DCRC. It was awe-inspiring to see the potential of the children, who were so happy to have so little. We will never forget the moments we shared, and the friends we will always have at DCRC.

David John Coleman - Student at Calvin College - Grand Rapids, Michigan - djc3@calvin.edu

The head of the Kenyan National Softball team donated nine gloves, five softballs, a bat and catchers equipment to the School. Now, they were very appreciative of the gift because organized activities help the children make it through each day; however, they did not know what to do with this gift. Nobody knew how to play, they had never seen this game played before, they had no coach and the man that donated the equipment could not give any time to them. Amazingly, Andrew and I knew exactly how to play and coach and we had about 20 days left in our visit, so we made some cardboard bases, sang the Kenyan National Anthem and let the games begin. When we first started playing, it was a huge laughter riot for everyone because it was like playing a softball game with a circus or something; some of them spun their entire bodies in a circle when they swung the bat to hit the ball. Eventually, practices started getting very frustrating as we started to learn the difficulties of teaching a totally foreign sport to high school (or Form II, III and IV) kids. Nevertheless, our perseverance and hard work paid off when we saw them play a real game against each other in the last few days of our visit. They ran hard, got dirty, communicated well, got frustrated, smiled, celebrated and even though their skills were not very well refined, they exhibited the qualities of a true team and they loved it. When we departed, we left both of the teams with two captains each, two total coaches and most of all a new passion. I don't know if this was a coincidence or a result of the Lord's guidance in all of our lives, but I do know that a very good thing happened at the school. We became closer as friends, we learned, we exercised and we enjoyed life.

Sylvester Otieno Okeyo - D.C.C.C.P. Beneficiary - Nairobi, Kenya

He was rescued from the streets of Nairobi in 1993. He had left school in form three due to fee problems after the death of his father in 1992. He was taken to Homa Bay High School by the Centre after seeking a sponsorship from well wishers. The school agreed to enroll him in form four in 1993 where he attained a mean grade of C. In 1994, this program talked to Rahuasi Educational Trust which sponsored him to Kenya Science Teacher's College, where he graduated with a diploma in education (science), math, physics, and physical education in 1997. He has been offering voluntary teaching services to the DCRC program since 1994 when he joined the teaching college. He is currently the principal of the High School Program. He would like to pursue a degree in either sports or physics in America. He kindly requests a sponsorship to achieve this ambition.

Waigi - D.C.C.C.P. Beneficiary - Tokyo, Japan

He goes by the name Waigi, who was among the first street childen who underwent rehabilitation at DCRC. He was picked from one of the streets in Nairobi where he was collecting papers and other garbage. He is currently in Japan where he is participating in different education activities. He was brought there by some DCRC friends who are in Japan.