A Community College for a Kenyan Community
Nestled in the foothills of Mount Kenya is a breathtakingly beautiful panorama of agrarian life. Copper terraced fields with deep green tea and coffee crops along with banana trees surround the shambas or small farms. It is the rich, fertile center of the agriculture “bread basket” of Kenya and it is at risk.
Ancestral lands rich in culture and populated with enterprising, gifted people, are in danger of being lost to both external exploitation and the mass exodus of a generation of young people. As soon as they are able, youth leave in droves to find employment and seek a way out of poverty.
Known for their resilience and persistent belief in the power of education as the means to a better life, young Kenyans fight discouragement and try to maintain hope. Education is highly valued as a pathway to a better life but is difficult for many to obtain.
The Kenyan government, at the national level seeks to offer “relevant, accessible, quality” education. This is a countrywide goal which Next Step Forward Africa (NSFA) plans to support and affirm through relevant course offerings and certification.
Next Step Forward Africa has an exciting, innovative approach to bring a Community College to the region near Chukatown in rural Kenya. More than collaboration, this non-profit organization seeks to be led by Kenyan leadership.
Our efforts will be internationally funded but uniquely designed for the Kenya of the future. Trusted relationships between Kenyans and Americans have already developed and deepened since 2001 with a faith-based partnership for education and humanitarian aid. Now is the time to utilize these existing bonds and join efforts in providing accessible education for a population of young people at risk.
Our mission statement: “Brighter futures for African communities through innovative higher education pathways”, embodies NSFA’s goal. The targeted community is highly motivated, ready to engage and do the work.
For the health and prosperity of all in the international community, Kenya needs to thrive. Kenya is essential as the geographic hub of East Africa. Africa will play an important role in the global arena going forward and its culture and generational perpetuity are at risk.