Buckner Kenya recognized for providing outstanding educational opportunities
Buckner Kenya was recently recognized as Best in Education in the first annual Kenya NGO Awards.
A first of its kind in Kenya, the awards honored non-governmental organizations for their work to improve the quality of life and economic health for Kenyans.
Buckner Kenya was among many nominations from which finalists were selected and then votes were gathered from the public as well.
This is the first time the Buckner Kenya team has been recognized in such a forum by the Kenya government NGO regulator.
“How did we react? With jubilation and thanksgiving in our hearts. It was singing and dancing everywhere,” said Dickson Masindano, Buckner Kenya executive country director. “All our teachers received a standing ovation."
“It was a unique opportunity to be at the pinnacle and it allowed us to showcase our stories of working with Kenyan children and communities. The team’s resilience, innovation and dedication to serving the vulnerable allows us to make a lasting impact. We have been inspired to keep doing what we do well.”
Buckner International’s work in Kenya began in 2001 and includes several family preservation programs including foster care, domestic adoption and child-centered, family-focused support and assistance at the Buckner Family Hope Center®.
Programs include schools, early childhood development centers, medical clinics, water wells and spiritual development programs. And in the last year, Buckner Kenya expanded educational offerings to include the addition of 9th grade.
Programming also includes business education and vocational training service. Children have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and talent development programs across Kenya. These children have even occasionally topped in music and drama festival competitions country wide, Masindano added.
Education is the key to creating a healthy and strong future for children and families, he explained.
“The most significant difference we make for any families we serve is to ensure the children can access affordable and quality education through our schools at the Family Hope Center,” he said. “When children go to school and successfully complete that education, they have an opportunity to go to college and thereafter securing a job that will make a difference in their lives and the whole community."
“We believe education is an equalizer in life,” Masindano said. “Empowering vulnerable children and families through education is a lifetime investment. It brings real all-round change and instant impact in the communities. It improves the standards of living and brings healthy lifestyles."
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