Planning a career: newly hopeful students in Huruma
(Photo: © CMS Africa)More than 180 young people from informal settlements in Kenya – many of whom used to be addicts or criminals – are getting a life-changing education, and the whole community is transforming.
“As the youngsters studied, they met Jesus, their lives were changed – and the crime rate in the slum dropped to almost zero,” explains mission partner Trisha Wick, who works in South Sudan, and recently visited the New Dawn Education Centre in Huruma, Kenya.
Six years ago, this school didn’t exist. It was after attending a CMS Africa Samaritan Strategy Vision Conference that Irene Tongoi, married to CMS Africa director Dennis, decided to ask the people of Huruma what they needed.
They asked for secondary education, so a school was started in a church hall and has been growing ever since.
The school has officially been recognised by the Kenyan government. In 2009, the first form-four class graduated. More of its pupils are qualifying for university.
Hannington, a recent graduate, said, “New Dawn has nurtured me mentally, spiritually, physically and socially.” He plans to pursue his dream career in electrical engineering, and help eradicate poverty in Africa.
Alongside the school, income-generating projects, a farm and a clinic have also been started at New Dawn.
“The headmaster, Ben, took us on a tour of the area – the ‘village’ he now called it – not ‘slum’,” said Trisha.
“The vision of CMS Africa is manifesting – renewed minds in Christ leading to a transformed community.”
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