Light of Hope Kenya: Interview

Today on the blog we have the honor to introduce you to Light of Hope Kenya which is part of Lighthouse Ministries International of Africa. Co-founder, Sandy Karanja and her colleague Margaret Anderson filled us in on what they are all about!

Let’s hear from them!

RaiseUp – Hi ladies! Can you describe Light of Hope Kenya and what you do for us?

Light of Hope Kenya – We are a Christian based non-profit that has a home and school in Naivasha, Kenya and a home-base in Plymouth, MN. Our mission is to provide refuge, restoration and redirection for the lost and homeless girls in Kenya.

RaiseUp – Great, thank you! When people donate or raise funds for Light of Hope Kenya, what do the funds go toward?

Light of Hope Kenya – The funds help provide the basic needs for each girl, including education, housing, food, medical and the general operating costs of running the home and school. This includes the staff, security and administration.

RaiseUp – We love hearing highlights from each of the nonprofits because it helps us to see even more of what you do. Can you share a highlight that you’ve experienced while working with Light of Hope Kenya?

Light of Hope Kenya – We are really excited about the Leadership Development program that was introduced 3 years ago and has made a significant impact on the lives of our girls through improved self-esteem, confidence and positive outlook for their future. Example – the students are now paying it forward by visiting other schools and sharing what they have learned. They are envisioning themselves as leaders.

RaiseUp – That is a great highlight and I love the ripple effect that the program is making!

RaiseUp – Is there anything you can share to help us understand the severity of poverty?

Light of Hope Kenya – Girls in Kenya are highly undervalued and mistreated through abuse and neglect. Some are orphaned and some are abandoned and some have caretakers that are unable to care for them because of mental issues or lack of funds. All of the girls have a story to tell. Through Light of Hope Kenya, they feel love and care, and become part of a family. In addition, they learn to read and write and become educated, and for the first time in their lives, have hope for their future. Many have dreams of becoming professionals – doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc. and
plan to make a difference in their communities and beyond. There are many success stories, with some of the oldest girls attending Universities in Kenya.

RaiseUp – Undervalued, mistreated and abandoned are all heart wrenching words. It is great to know that you are going in to help these girls.

RaiseUp – Help us understand the impact you have been able to make already?

Light of Hope Kenya – We opened our doors in 2006 with 2 girls and 3 staff and a few temporary buildings. Today, we have a total of 115 girls that consider Light of Hope Kenya their home and school. We also employ 30 staff, which has had a positive impact on the surrounding community. The infrastructure has developed into a beautiful and self-sustaining compound that includes a brand new dormitory, classrooms, dining hall, medical clinic, farm, gardens, and library. The Kenyan government considers us a place of excellence and we have received an environmental award for being “Green”.

RaiseUp – Those statistics are wonderful! Keep doing the Lord’s work.

RaiseUp – Is there any current work you’d like to share with us?

Light of Hope Kenya – We are working to adapt solar energy, to become even more self-sustaining, as electricity is expensive in Kenya. We also have a goal to have our medical clinic building become a registered clinic with the Kenyan government to serve our girls and eventually local community.

RaiseUp – What else can people do to help Light of Hope Kenya?

Light of Hope Kenya – You can help us by volunteering, hosting a fundraiser, sharing about us on Facebook, or donate to us directly. They can also request a speaker to introduce Light of Hope Kenya to their church and friends or join us for a mission trip at the home and school in Kenya.

RaiseUp – Thank you so much for sharing ladies! We appreciate your time and love the big hearts you have.

If you like what you hear, you can register to support Light of Hope Kenya and their efforts with your regular online shopping with RaiseUp. Support them now!