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Davis Journal

Hope and education: a mission to support orphans

Oct 18, 2024 01:26PM ● By Bailey Chism

In 2013, the Lifting Lives in Kenya organization was born from a shared vision between two women from Farmington, Ann Dale and Cindy Gardner, who traveled to Kenya to help a local Kenyan woman. The mission? To provide a future for 14 orphaned children in Kenya. What started as a small, intimate effort has since blossomed into a transformative initiative that now educates and nurtures over 500 children, many of whom would otherwise have no access to schooling.

The roots of this story began with Carolyne Ashiono, a determined woman from Kenya who always had a passion for education. 

“Carolyne had this deep desire for an education,” said Kelly Lear, Vice President of Lifting Lives in Kenya. “She didn’t have the money to attend school, so she would sneak in and out of classes. But she wasn’t allowed to graduate because she couldn’t pay the $30 fee for her final test.” 

Despite this setback, Carolyne’s determination never wavered. She began teaching children in a local salon, helping those who, like her, were left without access to education.

However, after having successfully run this makeshift school, the government intervened, stating that she was not qualified. Determined to make a difference, Carolyne came to the U.S. to pursue a college degree so that she could return to Kenya and build a legitimate school. Meanwhile, back home, her grandmother was caring for 14 orphaned children. When her grandmother passed away, Carolyne was faced with a difficult decision: return to care for the orphans or continue her education. Dale and Gardner stepped in and urged her to stay, promising to help care for the children so she could finish her degree. 

Their commitment set the foundation for what the organization is today. 

“It started with just feeding and caring for those original 14 orphans who lived in a small mud hut,” Lear said. “Eventually, through the hard work of these amazing women, they raised enough money to build a permanent home for the kids. Carolyne went back to Kenya and built a school, and that school now serves over 500 children, most of whom are in poverty and unable to pay for school otherwise.” 

Remarkably, Carolyne’s school is now ranked number one in its district, out of 80 schools. 

“It’s incredible because most of her kids come from such challenging backgrounds, yet the school thrives due to Carolyne’s passion and the support she has around her,” Lear said.

Today, the organization provides a home for 61 children, ranging from two years old to young adults who have graduated college. 

“We have kids who’ve gone on to study mechanical engineering, accounting, and even become teachers,” Lear said. “We have children in trade schools and high schools, and those young enough attend Carolyne’s school.”

The organization continues to grow, relying heavily on the support of about 150 sponsors who donate anywhere from $5 to much larger amounts each month. 

“Every dollar we raise goes to the kids,” Lear said. “None of us are paid – this is entirely volunteer-driven.”

The most significant event on the calendar for the organization is their annual Haunted Woods fundraiser, which returns this year. 

“This will be our fourth year doing it, and it’s been a great way to connect with the community while raising funds for our work,” Lear said. 

The event, held over two nights, features a family-friendly haunted trail, homemade donuts, and hayrides. In 2023, the event raised $35,000. 

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s such a fun way to raise money for the kids,” Lear said.

Proceeds from the event help cover the daily costs of the orphanage, including food, clothing, and education fees. 

“People don’t realize how expensive it can be to care for children in Kenya. In some cases, it’s more expensive than here,” she said. 

Lear explained high school education in Kenya is not free, and boarding schools, which many children attend, can cost up to $4,000 per year.

One particularly heartwarming story involves a little girl named Marion, whom Carolyne found in a nearby village. 

“She was 2 years old, couldn’t walk, and was severely malnourished,” Lear said. “She was sitting in her own feces, and no one was caring for her. Her mother was struggling with postpartum depression, and the situation was dire.” 

The organization stepped in, providing medical care and bringing Marion into the orphanage. 

“She’s walking now and doing so much better. We even found a sponsor to help her mother receive treatment,” Lear said.

As the organization continues to grow, they are now focusing on building a new home for the children. “We’re in the midst of fundraising for a new orphan home since we’ve outgrown the current space,” Lear said. 

With a goal of raising $600,000, they are hopeful that the community and their supporters will help them reach this milestone.

In the end, their mission is simple: to provide education, shelter, and love to children in need. 

“I think we all feel privileged to help Carolyne with her vision,” Lear said. “She’s an example of what can happen when someone fights for their education and uses it to make a difference in the world. We’re just here to support her and the kids in any way we can.” 

The charity started in Farmington, but has spread to various places throughout Davis County, with hopes of continuing to become larger and help more children in need. 

The Haunted Woods event will be held in Farmington Oct. 25 and 26. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., families can enjoy a PG version of the Haunted Woods. From 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., a more PG-13 version will take place. All attendees can enjoy free, handmade donuts and hot chocolate after making it through the trail. All proceeds go toward the care and education of the children in Kenya. For more information, visit the organization’s website at liftinglivesinkenya.org or follow them on Instagram.