Goodbye
November
18,
2012 ~
A fond farewell as Joseph and Emmanuel depart to return to Kenya, after an amazing first time visit to the US! They will return with a far better understanding of how Kenya Keys U.S. operates, as well as feeling the love and support of all the great sponsors that have reached across the world to help spread the light of education. Asante Sana to all those who have participated in their magnificent visit.
Presentation - An Evening In Kenya
November
16,
2012 ~
The Episcopal Church Center of Utah - 7:00pm - 75 So 200 E, Salt Lake City. Please join us for this wonderful and final event presenting our Executive Director from Kenya, Joseph Mwengea, and learn first hand the impact of Kenya Keys in the bush of rural Kenya. This event is open to the general public with a special invitation to those sponsors, donors and interns who have spent time in Kenya. Music and entertainment will be provided by the Hawthorne Elementary Choir. All are invited to bring a book to donate for the Taru Community Library.
Sponsor Reception at 6:00pm, followed by the program at 7:00pm for the general public.
Presentations
November
14,
2012 ~
10:00 AM - Kenya Keys visitors present an assembly at Oakdale Elementary school. Through a Global Classroom project last year, Oakdale school provided desks for the Taru primary school in Kenya. The school has over 1,000 students and was desperately in need of desks.
1:00 PM – Kenya Keys visitors do another assembly at Hawthorne Elementary school. Hawthorne has the longest association of any school with Kenya Keys, having provided years of Global Classroom outreach and support. Our sincere thanks to Mrs. Rich and Hawthorne Elementary!
Television Appearance
November
13,
2012 ~
Kenyan guests, Joseph Mwengea and Emmanuel Mwengi, are interviewed on local Salt Lake City channel KUED. They will be addressing the power of education as a tool to end poverty.
Kenya Keys Intern Reunion!
November
12,
2012 ~
All former interns are invited to the home of Bret and Angie Parkin for a great night of reminiscing and celebrating the US visit of Joseph Mwengea and Emmanuel Mwengi.
Presentations
November
9,
2012 ~
Kenya Keys presentation at Spring Lake Elementary School, as part of the Global classroom outreach project. They will be hosted by Kenya Keys intern Sierra Ainge, who teaches fourth grade at the school.
An Evening in Kenya presentation, St. George, Utah. This will be held at the Tamarack Clubhouse, at 7:00pm. This event is open to the community and is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the mission of Kenya Keys from those who directly benefit. Guests are invited to bring a book for the Taru Community Library.
Presentation - Global Health
November
8,
2012 ~
Emmanuel Mwengi, a Pharmacology graduate from the University of Nairobi, will be addressing the topic of global health issues, particularly in rural Kenya at a class in the school of Social Work at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Event - Merit Academy
November
6,
2012 ~
Kenya Keys directors visit Merit Academy in Springville, Utah. Merit Academy is a Global Classroom participant that has made wondrous changes for the Mtulu Primary School in rural Kenya.
Meeting - Franklin Covey
November
5,
2012 ~
Brent Hayes, Joseph Mwengea, and Emmanuel Mwengi visit Franklin Covey to explore the idea of adapting The Leader in Me for all the primary schools in the Kenya Keys service area.
Travel Day
November
3,
2012 ~
Joseph and Emmanuel travel from Los Angeles, California to Salt Lake City, Utah
Presentation - Anderson Elementary School
November
2,
2012 ~
Kenyan guests, Joseph Mwengea and Emmanuel Mwengi, will be presenting an assembly at the Anderson Elementary School, also part of the Kenya Keys Global Outreach program. Following this program, Joseph and Emmanuel will be visiting Chapman College with Aly Vislocky, who teaches there.
Event - Laguna Elementary School
November
1,
2012 ~
Veteran Kenya Keys intern, Aly Vislocky, and our honored guests from Kenya, will be putting on an assembly at Laguna Elementary school as part of the Kenya Keys Global Classroom outreach program.
Presentation
October
30,
2012 ~
Joseph Mwengea and Emmanuel Mwengi, will be making a presentation at the Athenaeum at Claremont McKenna.
Presentation - Claremont McKenna University
October
29,
2012 ~
Joseph Mwengea and Emmanuel Mwengi, directors of Kenya Keys in Kenya, are visiting the Comparative Government class at Claremont McKenna University at the invitation of Jacob Shimkus, a Kenya Keys intern. They will be speaking on the educational experiences in Kenya at 1:15-2:30pm.
Event - Corona Del Mar High School
October
29,
2012 ~
Beginning at 9:00am-11:00am, Kenya directors, Joseph Mwengea and Emmanuel Mwengi, will speak at Corona Del Mar High School. They will be addressing the educational challenges in rural Kenya and how we can help.
Presentation - An Evening in Africa
October
20,
2012 ~
Kenya Keys Community Presentation: An Evening in Africa. Everyone is invited to this exciting public event. Come meet Kenya Keys executive director Joseph Mwengea, and top student, Dr. Emmanuel Mwengi. Hear their inspiring stories about their journey from the abject poverty of the bush to the University of Nairobi. There will be African music, handmade African goods to purchase and African food to sample.
Click here
to download a beautiful invitation to this great event.
Canby Rotary Speech
October
17,
2012 ~
Joseph Mwengea and Emmanuel Mwengi speak to the Canby Rotary, also sponsors of the Kenya Keys Special Needs School.
Portland Rotary Speech
October
16,
2012 ~
Hosted by Rotarian Gabe Fasolino, Joseph Mwengea and Emmanuel Mwengi will be speaking to the Portland Rotary at 11:00. They will be reporting on the rotary project at the Ndohivyo Special Needs school in Kenya. Thank you, Rotary, for the sponsorship of 30 special needs students that would never be in school otherwise!
Event - Visitors from Kenya!
October
15,
2012 ~
Kenya Keys is proud to announce the arrival of Kenyan director and co-founder Joseph Mwengea! He will be accompanied by Emmanuel Mwengi, Kenya Keys’ top sponsored student who has recently received a PhD in Pharmacy. Joseph and Emmanuel will be traveling to the U.S. for the first time. They will be involved in cultural and educational exchanges in elementary schools, high schools and colleges. Join us for whatever events you can!
Event - Undugu Mentorship Initiative
October
6,
2012 ~
On Saturday a team of 18 mentors and role models will be returning to their alma maters. These now successful Kenya profressionals (attorneys, accountants, nurses, shop owners, journalists, bankers, etc.) will be holding workshops and one on one mentoring with students from their home communities who are attending the same schools they did. They will mentor the best courses to follow for these students who can look up to these now college graduates with successful jobs who sat at the same desks and were taught by the same teachers as the students themselves. They are exceedingly successful and inspiring mentors.
Event - Special Olympics Games Celebration
October
4,
2012 ~
The 64 special needs students at Ndohivyo will be gathering for a major Special Olympics games celebration conducted by the Special Olympics of Kenya. During his recent visit to Kenya, Bill Self, leader of Kenya Keys for Special needs spearheaded the scheduling of the games. Sadly they couldn’t be held before he had to leave the country. Over 2,000 local villagers are expected to support the event celebrating the accomplishments and courage of the entire Ndohivyo school. Everyone is a winner at this event!
Event - Luncheon
September
26,
2012 ~
Luncheon to be held for Kenya Keys volunteers at the home of Francy Heffernan, 1-3:00pm. Come hear about what great opportunities there are to make a difference in the world.
Event - Kenya Trip
September
19,
2012 ~
Brent Hayes will leave for Kenya to meet with student mentors and to assess the progress of the girls advocacy programs. He will also be meeting with the Kenya Keys Board of Directors to work on plans for the construction of the Kenya Keys Education and Leadership Center. He will be accompanied by Bill Self and Rotarian Gabe Fasolino, who will be overseeing the Rotary project at Ndohivyo Special Needs school. This project will bring sponsorship to 30 special needs students!
Visa's Granted!
September
6,
2012 ~
Kenyan Director of Kenya Keys, Joseph Mwengea and top student, Dr. Emmanuel Mwengi appear at the U.S. embassy to apply for visas to come to the U.S. They received confirmation on their first try, which is highly unusual. To see a photo of these two happy men, see the header above.
Meeting - Orientation
August
21,
2012 ~
Orientation of interns leaving for Kenya in September, 2012. Held at the home of Brent and Rinda Hayes.
Event - Charity Auction
August
24,
2012 ~
Zions Bank launches Zions Direct Charity Auction! Kenya Keys is featured as one of the Charities of Choice. Learn more about this great opportunity at https://www.zionsdirect.com/charity/. Thank you Zions Bank for this great recognition!
Meeting - Ndohivyo Special Needs School
July
25,
2012 ~
Gathering of all supporters of the Ndohivyo Special Needs school in Kenya. The group celebrated that Portland Rotary has agreed to a joint project that will bring sponsorship to 30 students in need!
Meeting - Mentorship Conference
July
22,
2012 ~
Kenya Keys hosts mentorship conference at Taru Secondary school in Kenya. The conference is headed up by Kenya Keys student Salim Kula.
Presentation - International Rotary Peace Conference
June
23,
2012 ~
Kenya Keys Executive Director, Rinda Hayes, speaks at International Rotary Peace Conference at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel – Portland, Oregon. Rinda Hayes was honored by speaking with Nobel Laureate, Jody Williams. They addressed the power of girls’ education and how small organizations like Kenya Keys are making a difference in the world.
Event - Interns Return
June
16,
2012 ~
Team of Interns returns from Kenya, after a most successful trip. More than 100 students in the sponsorship program with interviewed. Three new libraries were opened. Global Classroom projects were completed, with the opening of new classrooms. The cultural exchange as well as the progress made was unforgettable. To read more about this trip and it’s amazing accomplishments, check out the blog http://kenyakeys.org/Area/Blog.aspx
Event - Intern Departure
May
18,
2012 ~
Team of Interns departs for Kenya! To learn more about this team click here.
Kenya Keys Benefit Concert
May
3,
2012 ~
333 West 500 South, Salt Lake City -- Come celebrate the 2nd annual Kenya Keys Fundraiser! Amazing bands will be performing such as: Lady and Gent, The Folka Dots, Grey Fiction, Hectic Hobo, &
... Foreign Fix. Local Vendors will be selling delicious food as well.
There will be bags and soap for sale that have been made by the women in Kenya and a station where you can design/print your own Kenya Keys t-shirt. There will also be a gallery by Steven Wood Photography with images from Kenya for sale. For a preview of some of the images please visit: www.stevenwoodphotography.com/kenya
$5 cash gets you in. We hope to see you there!
Event - 2011 Graduates Celebration Party with Sponsors -- Lake Oswego, Oregon
May
3,
2012 ~
Dave & Stacy Ainge Home -- Kenya Keys honored the sponsors of our 33 Kenyan Graduates, complete with African drummer, African cousine, and a specially designed presentation focusing on the life changing experience of not only going to school but graduating with the hope of going on further being a real door opener to opportunity. We are so grateful for the very special sacrifice each sponsor makes to support their student with school fees, letters, photos, prayers and well-wishes.
Kenya Keys (U.S.) Board Meeting and Workshop
April
4,
2012 ~
Kenya Keys board members will be following up on the assignments and ideas and discussions of the previous meeting in March. Short and long term strategies will be generated to assure the effectiveness of our efforts in supporting the education of students in Kenya.
Oregon spring 2012 Intern Orientation
April
14,
2012 ~
Brent and Rinda will be conducting a workshop to orient the Kenya Keys Interns who are departing from Portland this spring. They will receive focused instructions on trip preparation and their internship responsibilities. They will also be educated about the local Taru Community culture and what to expect and how to get the most from their time there.
Meeting - Final Utah Intern Orientation
April
01,
2012 ~
This will be the final workshop and orientation meeting for our spring interns before departure. By the end of this meeting the daily itinerary and internship assignments will be solidified and understood. This team will be ready to roll.
Event - Utah Women's Forum
March
28,
2012 ~
Rinda will be the keynote speaker at this special event. Rinda's mother, Emma Lou Thayne, and Rinda's daughter, Aliska Julian, will also be speaking. This 3-generation team of women will provide a special opportunity to spotlight the importance of educating girls and focusing on women to impact the economy and well being of a community.
Presentation - Parowan Elementary School learns about the Global Classroom
March
15,
2012 ~
In two assemblies, Rinda and Brent Hayes will lead a presentation and discussion with the Parowan students to learn more about the Global Classroom project of Kenya Keys. Using artifacts and videos and pictures from our Kenya Keys Service Area, the students will feel like they are there at a primary school in Kenya facing many educational challenges yet still being happy and grateful for the chance to learn.
Presentation - Eastwood Elementary, Salt Lake City
March
12,
2012 ~
Rinda and Brent have been invited to present their Global Classroom program to Eastwood Elementary. Using their 'travelling village', the students of Eastwood will be transported to a small village school in the service area, anxious to share their love and joy of a simple education in the midst of tremendous challenges. Yet they are so very happy!
Presentation - North Cache Middle School, Logan UT
March
9,
2012 ~
Through Kenya Keys' Global Classroom Project, So. Cache has been partnered with Fuleye Primary School, a very needy elementary school in the bush of Kenya. A very excited student body will be culminating their Global Classroom fundraising and awareness events with this special presentation in a major assembly. Through artifacts, video, slides and interactive discussions, the studentbody will begin to understand and feel what it's like to be a student at Fuleye Primary School, facing so many challenges yet being so grateful and happy for the chance to learn.
Albina Rotary Club, Portland OR - sponsorship award
March
8,
2012 ~
The Albina Rotary Club has been sponsoring a bright young Kenyan girl's high school education, Jabu. She graduated llast December. The Club has decided to continue sponsoring her into college. Kenya Keys will be present to receive the college sponsorship check.
Meeting - Orientation of 2012 Spring interns
March
04,
2012 ~
Rinda and Brent will be educating the interns departing from Salt Lake City on their internship. Trip preparation, internship objectives and scope, Kenya Keys sponsorship program and student interviews and evaluations, and a discussion about the local Taru cultures.
Event - 8pm at ComedySportz in Provo, Utah
December
14,
2011 ~
Laugh your stockings off! as Nate Jones, a clean and renowned standup comic known for his impersonations performs. All proceeds from the event benefit the Global Classroom Initiative of Merit Academy in Springville to sponsor the construction of a classroom and desks at Mtulu Primary School in Kenya. Click
here.
Event - Timberline Middle School launches Global Classroom Partnership
November
15,
2011 ~
The launching of the Global Classroom partnership of Timberline Middle School of Alpine, Utah and Mwembeni Primary School in Kenya. This exciting partnership will unite the students at Timberline Middle School with the bright and eager students with dire needs to improve their education environment. These students have keen minds but scant resource to build essential infrastructure. But to know an entire school will nourish their hopes and dreams is empowering to them.
Event - Return of Kenya Keys Fall 2011 Intern Team
November
9,
2011 ~
A very effective intern team returns home. They exceeded the expectations. More students were interviewed and evaluated than anticipated, Global Classroom selected Mwembeni Primary School to partner with Timberline Middle School. In addition we taught, distributed sanitary kits and made another strong impact on the schools we visited.
Event - In Kenya - Dedication and Handing Over of the Samburu Girls Dormitory
November
5,
2011 ~
After two years of fundraising and local planning construction and oversight, Brent Hayes and the local Educational and Community leadership of Samburu Secondary School will officially cut the ribbon and open the doors to the new Secondary School. This will follow a special ceremony of student produced entertainments and school management thank you's. This has been the largest project Kenya Keys has undertaken.
Presentation - at the home of Alicia Richardson.
November
3,
2011 ~
Hosted by Alicia Richardson and Angie Parkin, Rinda will be leading a discussion and Power Point presentation on The Power of Girls Education to friends and neighbors wishing to learn more about the special vision of Kenya Keys in sponsoring the education of girls in the bush of Kenya.
Meeting - in Kenya - Kenya Stakeholders in our Service Area
October
26,
2011 ~
The Area Chiefs, Area Councilors, High School Principals, and Chairs of High School governing bodies meet with the Kenya Keys Board of Directors to focus on the vision of Kenya Keys and discuss how Kenya Keys and these important stakeholders can further meet the challenges of education, especially the girls, in our service area communities: Mackinnon Road, Taru, and Samburu.
Presentation - at the home of Barbara Tanner.
October
26,
2011 ~
While Brent is in Kenya, Rinda will be leading a discussion and presentation to a group of friends of Barbara Tanner and others who are interested in the work that Kenya Keys is doing. The main topic: Change the World Through the Education of Girls.
Event - Departure of Kenya Keys Fall 2011 Intern Team
October
20,
2011 ~
The success that Kenya Keys continues to experience is founded on the effective visits of our interns. We are grateful for their volunteering spirit and sacrifice to be a part of our program.
Meeting - Utah Valley University Digital Media Dept
October
11,
2011 ~
Kenya Keys leaders, US Synthetic representatives, and UVU department head meet to explore the Global Classroom vision and the partnering of UVU with assisting to promote and document and provide marketing resources to further Kenya Keys and the Global Classroom vision of partnering schools in Kenya Keys' service area with schools in Utah Valley and elsewhere.
Meeting - Orientation of fall 2011 interns.
October
2,
2011 ~
Internship travel and service area preparation. Review the projects and focus areas for the interns. Sanitary-hygiene kits for girls, teaching anatomy classes with donated models of human torso and brain, primary school educational games.
Meeting - Ndohivyo Special Needs School committee.
September
25,
2011 ~
We will be discussing the progress and the most urgent needs of the Special Needs school, the fundraising sales of Entertainment Books, and the presentations that Bill and Peggy Self are making at schools to find sponsoring Special Needs Classes.
Presentation - Bloomington Elementary School, 2 assemblies.
September
20,
2011 ~
Rinda will be 'transporting' the students to Taru, Kenya, exposing them to the sights and sounds of classrooms in the primary schools in our Kenya Keys Service Area.
Presentation - at the home of Rene Bowen.
September
15,
2011 ~
An avid Kenya Keys supporter, Rene Bowen has invited close friends and neighbors to a discussion led by Rinda Hayes: The Power of Girls Education.
Presentation - Area Young Women Conference, Bountiful Utah
June
29,
2011 ~
Kenya Keys 2010 Intern Ali Tanner heads up a session of the conference titled: Make A Difference in Your World. Following the session the young women will be making educational teaching aids that will be going to Kenya.
June 2011 Intern Team 3 - June 18 to July 1
June
18,
2011 ~
Veteren intern, Aly Vislocky, returns as Team Leader of Team 3, comprised of Assistant Team Leader Elizabeth Webster, a counselor at Merit Academy High School in Springville, Ut. They have a team of 5 motivated high school girls from California. Their them is The Girl Child Project. They will be meeting with high school girls in focus groups to discover and understand the issues and biases hindering the education of girls and will conduct subsequent workshops to teach Kenyan girls principles of empowerment and character strengthening. They will also break ground for the construction of the latrines at Mtulu Primary School, part of the Global Classroom Initiative at Merit Academy.
May 2011 Intern Team 2 - June 4 to June 18
June
4,
2011 ~
Intern Team 2 will continue the good work of Team 1: Interviewing and evaluating the performance of sponsored students, teaching and working with teachers at primary and secondary schools, making village to village contacts bringing friendships between Lake Oswego citizens and villagers in Taru Town. They will also be visiting the 4 Kenya Keys' libraries and the other community libraries that are operating. We will also be evaluating the career plans of recent 2010 graduates.
May 2011 Intern Team 1 - May 18 to June 4
May
18,
2011 ~
After nearly a half year of preparation, our Team 1 comprised of 9 college interns will be in our service area studying the programs, interviewing our sponsored students, teaching bsic math skills in Primary Schools and health and anatomy lessons in Secondary Schools. We also we develop a LED study light program alleviating the need for unhealthy and expensive kerosene.
Presentation - Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA
May
23,
2011 ~
The Interact Club at Mountain View High School is hosting a special presentation from Kenya Keys' Deborah and Jacob Shimkus, Board members and former interns. They will lead the discussion on the best project for Mtn View High School students to have a positive impact on the lives of high school students in rural Kenya.
Event - Merit Academy, Springville, Utah FUNDRAISER
May
21,
2011 ~
Merit Academy is building a latrine for Mtulu School in rural Kenya in cooperation with their Global Classroom Initiative. Help us support our sister school by 'running for the bathroom.' It is a 5K race. Click
here
for more info.
Presentation - Madison HS, Portland OR
May
4,
2011 ~
Rinda and Brent Hayes will re-visit this amazing inner city high school where 2 social studies classes have sponsored a high school student in the rural bush of Kenya. Over 60 students each fund raise and pitch in to reach the $350 to keep their Kenya student in school for another year. They will receive an update on 
Rodger Ngao Nyae's progress, now in his senior year at Waa Boys High School. They will also get an update on their previously sponsored student, Daniel Ngome. He is nearly completed his Teacher College Education.
Presentation - Liberty High School
April
28,
2011 ~
Bill & Peggy Self accompanied by their son Brendon, will be visiting Liberty High School. They will discuss the work that they are spearheading alongside Kenya Keys to assist a special needs school called Ndohivyo. Ndohivyo is a unique special needs school serving a large area of rural eastern Kenya. The main goals right now are to provide electricity, water, mosquito nets and waterproof mattresses for the students.
Presentation - Beaverton High School
April
28,
2011 ~
Bill & Peggy Self have already been well received by Beaverton High School. For $150 the students there decided to sponsor a special needs student attending Ndohivyo Special Needs School. Bill & Peggy are returning to meet again with the students and thank them for their sponsorship and drop off a photograph of their sponsored student and answer any questions.
Presentation - Irvington Middle School
April
26,
2011 ~
Bill & Peggy Self will be presenting the school with a photograph of the Ndohivyo special needs student that they are sponsoring this year. They will also be discussing other ways of assisting the work Kenya Keys is doing for the largest special needs school in this large rural area of Kenya.
Presentation - Clark County WA Rotary Club
March
24,
2011 ~
Clark County Rotarians have invited Rinda and Brent to share their experiences in rural Kenya and present their Kenya Keys program of The Girl Effect and the importance and long term power of educating a girl. Specifically the need for sponsoring a bright, eager and needy high school student and the funding the Samburu Secondary School girls dormitory will be discussed.
Workshop - Intern Team 2011 - SLC interns
March
5,
2011 ~
At the UofU College of Nursing Conference room. This is a day-long training, planning, and readiness meeting for our May 2011 trip to Kenya with the interns originating from Salt Lake area. The interns will be familiarized with the rural Kenya bush history and culture preparing them for their internship and research work.
Presentation - Hawthorne Elementary School, SLC
March
2,
2011 ~
Rinda and Brent visit this dedicated school of students and teachers who continue a vibrant sister-school relationship with Bahakwenu Primary School in the rural bush of Kenya where they have no running water or electricity and yet they are a wonderful example of a community respectful and loving of education.
Event - Fundraising for Ndohivyo Special Needs School
February
28,
2011 ~
At The Horn of Africa restaurant in Portland - 6:30pm. The Ndohivyo Special Needs Schhol Committee have prepared an amazing evening of entertainment and educating invited attendees about the immediate needs of the school: sponsorships, mattress covers, kitchen stove, water infrastructure, and more. PCC alumna, Karen Gaffney, is the keynote speaker.
Presentation - LDS women's church group
February
9,
2011 ~
Alicia Richardson, Kenya Keys Board Member, will be conducting this special presentation. The goal is to organize a Book Drive for Taru Community Library. This very successful and small community library was initially built in May 2009. It is well managed by Taru high school graduates who volunteer back for having being Kenya Keys sponsored high school students.
Presentation - Girl Scout Troop, Beaverton Oregon
February
4,
2011 ~
Girl Scout Troop 40573 has invited Deborah Shimkus, Kenya Keys Board Director, to share her experiences in Taru Village when she served as an intern there in May 2010. The girls will learn about life in the bush through stories, videos, song and dance. They will have the opportunity to dress up in the traditional congas, eat food shared by by many families in Africa and join in 'touch and tell' with many items in our Traveling Village. The girls have collected DVDs and books in which they will write letters to the children in Africa before sending them to Africa with Kenya Keys this May.
Event - Merit Academy, Springville, Utah
February
2,
2011 ~
After an impactful school-wide assembly by Kenya Keys in January, the students will be launching their fundraiser in support of the Global Classroom Project - an Engineering for Good Project of US Synthetics. Guided by Aliska Kilgore, veteran Kenya Keys intern, the teachers and students at this high-performing Charter High School will select their support goals for the Mtulu and Mwambeni Primary Schools in Kenya. Both of these schools need latrines and classrooms.
Event - The Power of Girls' Education, Lake Oswego, OR
February
2,
2011 ~
At the home of Bob & Francy Heffernen. Francy and Shauna Krieger will be hosting this gathering. Rinda Hayes will be presenting a multimedia display and discussion of "The Girl Effect", the proven impact that is experienced when a family, community and nation focuses it's attention on educating a girl.
Presentation - Kenya Keys' intern Aly Vislocky - Newport, CA
January
31,
2011 ~
After 3 research and study visits to Kenya, Aly has a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of rural school children in Kenya Keys' service area. She will be sharing that with parents and high school students interested in participating and volunteering in a short-term internship, working in our Kenya schools and programs.
Meeting - Planning the Ndohivyo Fundraising Event
January
27,
2011 ~
The Ndohivyo Special Needs School Committee will be meeting to finalize the February 28th fundraising event. Much hard work on the part of Peggy Self and Elizabeth Wright is being fruit as they are leaving no detail unattended to make this a professional and wonderful event to raise needed funds for the special needs children.
Presentation - Thank You at the Tempest Home, SLC, UT
January
24,
2011 ~
Rinda and Brent Hayes will present a special and personalized presentation to the Tempest Family for the tremendous support of Kenya Keys. Their neighborhood and family's Fairy Festival event last fall raised over $10,000 to be used in the construction of a the Samburu Secondary School girls dormitory. Thank You!
Presentations - Global Classroom Initiative of US Synthetics - Provo, UT
January
19,
2011 ~
Jan 19,21,22. Kenya Keys is honored to partner with US Synthetics (an Orem, UT corp.), to create meaningful outreach from employees whose children attend primary schools in Utah Valley to primary school children in Kenya Keys Service Area. Brent's visit to Kenya in November visited two previously unknown primary schools with many needs (cement floors, classrooms, latrines, etc.). Employee volunteers will set up meetings with specific primary schools where Rinda and Brent will present their primary school program. The volunteers will then followup with the school to help raise awareness further and also to raise funds for specific progrems.
Presentation - The Samburu Girls Dormitory - Sun City, AZ
January
18,
2011 ~
Jeana Peterson, a loyal sponsor and fan of Kenya Keys, has invited Rinda into her home to discuss the importance and progress of our signature project, constructing a Girls Dormitory in two phases. Each phase will house 80 girls.
Presentation - Sun City, AZ - Women of Courage lecture series
January
17,
2011 ~
Rinda has been invited to both speak and be honored at this special event. A group of Sun City residents have selected Rinda to share her thoughts on the impactful work of Kenya Keys. Not just on the lives of women and family in Kenya but recipricative impact on lives of women and families in the U.S.
Presentation - The Power of Educating a Girl
January
13,
2011 ~
Patty & Ken Wightman are hosting this intriguing discussion, along with Gail Zimmerman. Rinda Hayes will be sharing her latest insights into and exploring the "Girl Effect": The important position Kenya Keys takes in educating a girl, primarily because of its long term impact on not just her life but her future children's lives. The health of the entire community can be attributed back to an educated 'girl child' as the Kenyans like to call her.
Meeting - Kenya Keys Board Meeting
January
5,
2011 ~
We will be holdiing our first board meeting of the new year at our home. We have come a long way since the 'birth' of Kenya Keys last March. We will be reviewing 2010's successes and challenges and how best to layout a way forward for our many varied educational programs. Many of our programs are taking on a life of their own, complete with true stakeholders (ie., Ndohivyo, Matope, Village to Village, Teacher Development, etc.)
Event - Intern Reunion & Holiday Gathering
December
28,
2010 ~
Alicia Richardson home, 2275 Parleys Terrace, SLC. In a festive celebration of thanksgiving and Christmas, Rinda and Brent want to greet past interns and reminisce on past experiences and see how their lives are now unfolding.
Event - Benefit Concert featuring Eric Rich on piano.
December
15,
2010 ~
The Nappi Clothing Warehouse, 2105 S. Main, SLC. In addition to Eric Rich performing, Steven Wood, a May 2010 Kenya Keys intern, will be displaying many of his amazing Africa photos. All proceeds to benefit Kenya Keys. Questions: aliska@kenyakeys.org
Presentation - Vislocky home - Report by Brent
December
5,
2010 ~
Brent presented many slides and discussed the highlights and miraculous updates of the progress being made on the many projects in our local service area.
Presentation - Albina Rotary Club of Portland
December
3,
2010 ~
Through a newly designed multimedia presentation Rinda and Brent shared their experiences and insights into the impact of and the consumate challenges faced by girls in gaining an education in the bush of rural Kenya. One veteran Rotarian commented, "This is one of the best presentations I've seen in 25 years!"
Brent & Interns, Merritt Cosgrove and Aly Vislocky return
November
18,
2010 ~
We witnessed several of our original 2005 class of high school students receive continued sponsorships into post secondary education, most becoming teachers. The Samburu Girls Dormitory is well underway, Aly's work with the Matope Girls Education group is very fruitful, and many other wonderful highlights and updates. Biggest event is the announcement of a Taru Girls Secondary School to be opened in 2012.
Presentation - South Weber Elementary School, Utah
October
4,
2010 ~
South Weber Elementary School is hosting two assemblies for the students to show them what going to school and living without electricity and running water in the African bush are like. This will launch student fundraising efforts to fill library shelves in the Primary Schools and libraries in our Kenya Keys' service area.
Presentation - Changing the World Through the Education of Girls
September
30,
2010 ~
7:00pm at The Clubhouse at Monterey, 154 Country Lane, St. George, UT. All are invited to attend this special presentation. After an update Kenya Keys projects and programs, Rinda Hayes will be discussing the importance of educating girls and what we are learning about educating girls in our service area in Taru, Kenya.
Presentation - training for US Synthetics
September
29,
2010 ~
Focused Kenya Keys training for Educational Outreach volunteers at US Synthetics in Provo, UT. After this training these volunteers will go to selected Utah Valley schools to put on presentations to raise funds and awareness of the educational needs in the bush of Kenya.
Event - meeting of Ndohivyo Special Needs School supporters
September
12,
2010 ~
The Ndohivyo Special Needs School supporters are making great progress as they proceed into year two of their growing support and caring of over 25 students of diverse special needs. They will be meeting at the home of Bill and Peggy Self in NE Portland.
Event - Fairy Festival
September
9,
2010 ~
7-9pm, 1812 Millbrook Rd. SLC, 84121. This wonderful family event and annual fundraiser is hosted by the Tempest family. It is full of magic and fun. All children come dressed as fairies and gnomes. To learn more, click here. All proceeds go to Kenya Keys in support of our education programs.
Presentation: John Hester - Kenya Keys Intern, May 2010
July
10,
2010 ~
In the home of John and Paula Hester. John is the first professional leadership and management trainer to intern in Kenya Keys service area. Last month, John immersed himself in the culture of the bush village. He will share the life-changing experiences of his internship and study, culminating in 32 area school administrators and teachers going through John's high performance leadership seminar.
May 2010 Intern Trip - May 20 to June 20
June
20,
2010 ~
After nearly a half year of preparation, Kenya Keys intern trip for 2010 became a month long reality. The participants had met in training sessions more than once to learn about this fascinating area in be bush of Kenya where they worked. Their areas of study and research emphasis became reality. The objective of taking a closer look at the many small businesses and the commerce of microbusinesses that provide income opportunites proved an exciting new area of adventure and understanding for our business interns. Our first graduating class of 9 secondary students provided a great blessing to village as they are now volunteering back by teaching and assisting at Bahakwenu and Magale Primary schools. They are a great positive example to the children, and a great reward to their U.S. sponsors, to whom we say 'Thank You'. Click on our blog to read more.
Presentation - Hawthorne Elementary School
May
3,
2010 ~
These students got a personalized update on their sister school, Bahakwenu Primary School. Rinda and Brent also got a close look at the large mural hanging in the foyer of Hawthorne that was handpainted by the students in Bahakwenu. And in turn they showed them pictures of the mural that Hawthorne students painted that is now hanging in the Taru Childrens Library.
Presentation - Portland, OR - Madison High School
April
23,
2010 ~
Rinda and Brent will be shared an update on their most recent visit to Kenya. Madison High students have been sponsoring a high school student in Kenya for 3 years and continued this great tradition as they donated sufficient funds to continue this great unselfish tradition to keep a bright and needy young man in high school. We appreciate their great effort.
Event - Meeting with Ndohivyo Special Needs School supporters
April
11,
2010 ~
Bill Self and his friends gathered at the home of Brent and Rinda Hayes to review the progress they have made and set future goals. Through their group efforts, attendance at Ndohivyo has achieved nearly 100% of the identified special needs students in the area, from 24 to 57 students.
Presentation - Lake Oswego, Oregon - LDS Lakeridge Ward Primary
April
9,
2010 ~
African Awareness. A hands-on experience for this group of children under the age of 12. They simulated sleeping under a mosquito net, they prepared basic ugali and flatbread in heat and darkness, and they tried to read and study under minimal light. They also be brought many books they've been collecting for the children's libraries Kenya Keys has built. They personalized some of the books by writing a message inside the cover and including a photo of themselves as well.
Workshop - Team 2010 Oregon Interns
March
23,
2010 ~
This training and planning meeting for our May 2010 trip to Kenya with the interns originating from Lake Oswego area familiarized them with the rural Kenya bush history and culture and prepared them for their internship and research work.
Presentation - St. George, UT - Sunset Stake Women's Conference
February
27,
2010 ~
A Bridge of Learning and Love - This group of women made over 900 female hygiene kits for women and girls in rural Kenya. Rinda spoke inspirationally to them and presented highlights to them of the way these amazing African women meet their daily challenges of providing food and water to their families. This group of LDS women are also spearheading a book drive for primary school libraries in the Kenya Keys - Samburu service area.
Workshop - Team 2010 SLC Interns
February
20,
2010 ~
This was a day-long training, planning, and readiness meeting for our May 2010 trip to Kenya with the interns originating from Salt Lake area. The interns were familiarized with the rural Kenya bush history and culture and prepared them for their internship and research work.
Presentation - St. Vincent School - Salt Lake City
February
1,
2010 ~
2:00pm - Assembly for St. Vincent School - Education Is The Light of the World. Kenya Keys - Samburu May 2009 interns, Brennan Williams and Jana Hooper, will be sharing fun and inspiring stories about their work in rural Kenya enhancing educational opportunities. St. Vincent students will be reaching out to assist schools in the Samburu service area of Kenya Keys - Samburu.
Presentation - Lake Oswego, Oregon - Lake Oswego LDS Stake Youth
January
30,
2010 ~
With local artifacts and slides and video clips, Kelsey Edwards, a May 2009 college intern for Kenya Keys, presents her experience of establishing two small rural libraries in the bush of Kenya. Hundreds of children now have access to books because of her volunteer efforts along with other college interns who accompanied her. Read more about it here.
Presentation - St. Andrew School - Salt Lake City
January
15,
2010 ~
2:00pm - St. Andrew School has invited Rinda and Brent to introduce the students to what it is like to attend school where there is no electricty and no running water. Life is so different in 'the bush' of Kenya, yet happiness prevails in the face of such challenges.
Presentation - Kearns-St. Ann School - Salt Lake City
January
15,
2010 ~
11:30am -- Kearns-St. Ann School will host a multi-media assembly presentation by Rinda and Brent Hayes. The lives of school children in the bush of Africa will be depicted where they have no electricity of running water and thrive on education and the opportunity for books and knowledge.
Presentation - St. John the Baptist School - Salt Lake City
January
15,
2010 ~
2:00pm - Assembly for St. John the Baptist School - Education Is The Light of the World. Kenya Keys - Samburu interns will be sharing fun and inspiring stories about finding happiness in rural life for the children of Kenya through educational opportunities. St. John the Baptist students will be reaching out to assist schools in the Samburu service area of Kenya Keys - Samburu.
MANY THANKS TO OUR RECENT MAJOR DONORS
December
,
2009 ~
- Lynn Woodbury Family - $10,000 matching commitment for the Samburu Secondary School girls dormitory project.
- Lakeridge High School - Lake Oswego, OR - is sponsoring one of our University students, Stephen Kabani - $750.
- Waluga Junior High School - Lake Oswego, OR - raised $590 for primary school infrastructure needs: concrete floors and desks.
- May Trucking Company - thank you Michelle Hinman and Scott Smith in HR dept. for spearheading the raising of $480.
Brent returns to Kenya
October
30,
2009 ~
Brent Hayes and Bill Self will be traveling to Kenya for a two week adminstrative and program oversight objective.
Presentation - Portland, OR - Madison High School
October
26,
2009 ~
Anthony Yama and Rinda Hayes will be speaking to the students about African history, and how that history has given rise to the serious problems facing Africa today. Mr. Yama will also share his personal stories about growing up in rural Kenya and choosing to become an educator.
Presentation - Lake Oswego, Oregon - Oswego Heritage House
October
24,
2009 ~
Anthony will be speaking to the community and Kenya Keys sponsors about the building of libraries in rural Kenya and how books and sponsorships are bringing hope to an area that was dying.
Presentation - Lake Oswego, Oregon - Lakeridge High School
October
22,
2009 ~
Anthony Yama will be speaking to the Lakeridge High School Model UN. He will talk about African history, the vast problems facing modern Africa, and the work Kenya Keys is doing in rural Kenya.
Presentation - Salt Lake City
October
18,
2009 ~
7:00pm 2350 S 2100 E (in building behind LDS chapel)
Rinda Hayes and Anthony Yama will be giving a joint presentation, sharing the contrasts of their worlds. Anthony will also share his story of growing up in rural Africa.
Presentation - St. George, UT - Bloomington Elementary
October
8,
2009 ~
Assembly for Bloomington Elementary School - Education Is The Light of the World. Rinda will be sharing fun and inspiring stories about finding happiness in rural life for the children of Kenya through educational opportunities.
Welcome Anthony Yama
October
,
2009 ~
Anthony Yama, the Kenyan director of Kenya Keys, has arrived to spend a month in the states. He will be speaking at several presentations and events while he is here. He is a fabulous speaker and will be sharing the results of our work from the Kenyan point of view.
Anthony’s Portland schedule is as follows:
Oct. 22, 2:00 – Waluga Jr. High
Oct. 22, 5:00 – Model UN, Lakeridge High School Rotunda
Oct. 23, 2:00 – Buckman Elementary School, Portland
Oct. 24, 7:00 – Presentation with Rinda Hayes, Lake Oswego Heritage House
Oct. 26, 10:15 – Madison High School
Oct. 26, 2:45 – Key Club, Lakeridge High School
Event - May 2009 Interns Travel to our Area
May
,
2009 ~
Our Team of 14 Interns will be arriving in three different groups, separated by a week's time. Click here to learn more about them. We are so excited as their time for serving is now finally here. Please click on the Blog to see updates. We are hoping for internet access via a cell phone connection.
Presentation - Lake Oswego Meeting at Marsee home
April
25,
2009 ~
An overflow gathering of friends and neighbors received the latest update. The day-to-day lives of the wonderful people of the Samburu community were brought to life through video, slides, and artifacts from the village. We all gained a better appreciation for the challenges they face and the great needs they have.
Presentation – Homer and Rochelle Warner home
January
8,
2009 ~
Information regarding the funding and construction of the Taru Regional Library and the career guidance center resources that are to assist sponsored students.
Event – Intern Training Workshop
January
7,
2009 ~
for all research Interns going to Samburu this May. They will receive special training and instructions to facilitate meaningful internships.
Presentation – Hawthorne Elementary School
January
2,
2009 ~
Rinda and Brent Hayes will greet the sister school to Bahakwenu Primary in a full school assembly to outline Mrs. Shelley Rich’s expedition to Kenya this May.
Presentation – St. George, Utah Library
April
1,
2009 ~
Rinda and Brent Hayes shared their latest rural Kenyan experiences with friends and family and answered many questions about the student sponsorships and the rural library construction project. Rinda's discussion of African history and multimedia presentation enlightened all with greater appreciation of the day to day challenges the students and families in the rural villages successfully face. The Community Room is a perfect venue and our evening together was the most successful and generous fundraising presentation we've experienced. Rinda and Brent thank everyone who attended!
Event - May 2009 Interns final meeting
April
5,
2009 ~
We focused in on individual internship ideas and travel plans. An anxious air of anticipation and excitement was felt by each of us as we realized that one month from today the first group will be in place. This group of interns is well-prepared and ready to go to work. Learn more about each of our interns here.