Alice Johnston for CTC’s Knowledge and Resource Center and Library in Maai Mahiu, Kenya

I first traveled to Maai Mahiu, Kenya, in 2009 with the CTC’s Knowledge for Life team.  I felt this real calling to do something for someone other than myself.  It was just the thing I NEEDED to do! 

While there, I met nine of the most wonderful women I have ever known.  They are called the Malaika Mums and each has a disabled child, considered cursed and treated as outcasts in Kenyan society.  They had been taught basic sewing skills and were making canvas tote bags.  Their teacher, Liz, taught them sewing on old treadle machines, and they were allowed to make only 200 bags per month as they had only limited sales outlets.  That year I raised $1,200 to purchase two industrial machines.  Since that time, CTC has secured numerous outlets for the totes and several other products including every Whole Foods Market store nationwide. The ladies have increased their skills, and now number 26 seamstresses and 4 additional ladies to QC and prepare the bags for shipping.  I call that a success story! 

I have returned to Maai Mahiu each summer now for 5 years, and plan to do so until I am 80 years of age, 2018.  And each year I have raised money for one of CTC’s programs.   

This year my goal is to help CTC raise $40,000 to complete the Knowledge and Resource Center, the first library and computer lab in the Great Rift Valley.  CTC has already received $85,000 for construction, an entire computer lab, and thousands of books.  A friend, Margaret, will be going with me in 2014, and our plan is to organize and shelve books in the library.  CTC has broken ground for the building, but still needs about $40,000 for its completion.  So that’s the money I plan to raise by the end of 2013.

Libraries in Kenya, are mostly in university settings, and not accessible to people outside that area.  This building would be such an amazing resource to expand CTC’s numerous education programs for children and adults. The KRC will truly be a beacon for all those members of the community that are yearning for a way to empower themselves and to educate those around them. This is a true opportunity to create real, lasting change that empowers thousands.

As you look towards the holidays I encourage you to consider a gift for the people of Kenya; a library to help educate and train the local people for a brighter future.  A Christmas contribution here gives twice; once to the recipient and once to a knowledge hungry community.  A place for books for local children who have never had their hands on a book.  A local place where people could read and learn new ideas for tomorrow. 

To make your donation, go to www.ctcinternational.org/donate.  To learn more about CTC, go to our web page at www.ctcinternational.org.  There you will find our blog, full of community stories, CTC’s programs and team ventures.