December Newsletter — The Geno Project

Dear Reader,

Welcome to your December newsletter.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas from the Geno Project.

Our Luo word for this newsletter is mich

It means gift. We believe this is a very special time of the year. It is full of joy, happiness and generosity. If you are looking to make a difference, why not donate to the Geno Project. It could also be an ideal Christmas gift donating on behalf of someone. We could issue you with a Christmas gift receipt.

In this newsletter we will

· introduce you to Jane, another one of our graduates. Jane is a very hard working and intelligent young lady who has been supported by the Geno project for a long time. We are very proud of her progress and are excited for you to read her story.

· tell you about the second annual Geno university student get together organised by Solomon and Roselyn in August. All current university students and alumni gathered for this two day seminar filled with presentations, group discussions and plenty of time to enjoy their company together.

The students at the Osika primary school have received their results for the KCPE (Kenya Certificate of Primary Education). We are very proud of the students, they have done very well in their exams this year. We received quite a number of applications for students to attend secondary school and are looking to support about 15 new students this coming year.

If you would like to support us with any of our scholarships you can donate by clicking the Donate button above.

We are also currently looking for a volunteer to drive our social media. If you are aware of someone who would be interested in taking this on a pro bono basis, please get in touch with us at the email provided below. We really appreciate all the assistance that the charity gets. As well as helping to make a huge difference to young people’s lives, involvement is also very rewarding for those who contribute.

To find out more about the Geno Project please visit our website at www.genoproject.co.uk. Here you can read about what we do, donate and find out how else to get involved. Alternatively you can get in touch by email at info@genoproject.co.uk.

Your Geno Team
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Jane

Hi,

My name is Jane and I am 25 years.

I am from Kogweno Kawuor, a sub location in the Rachuonyo district. I am the fifth born in a family of eight children, six girls and two boys. My dad passed away when I was in class two and my mum had to pass through thick and thin in order to raise us.

I had a dream since my childhood, I wanted to go to high school and later to university and be an important person who the society can count on. But I didn't know how because the situation back at home was not easy and mum had to struggle to even put something on the table. I didn't lose hope though, I kept on working hard and performed well in school.

When I reached class eight, I met the Macdonald family through Solomon. Paul was very impressed with the performance of Osika. In 2007 he promised to take the first two girls with the best KCPE results to high school. I managed to take the second position of girls despite the stiff competition, I had 326 marks and I was able to achieve my first dream, which again propelled my effort towards the second dream.

In 2011, I sat for my KCSE exams at the Dudi girls secondary school and passed with a grade of B plain and still, Paul didn't stop the support. He kept his promise and supported my studies in the university. I joined Pwani University in 2012 to pursue my bachelor degree in the field of Environmental Planning and Management. I graduated last September with Second class honours, lower division.

My four years at university has created ecological, political, social and cultural aspects of environment in me. I also pray that I may get a chance to take my studies to another level and I would like to impart it to the society because with environmental knowledge, we can all achieve sustainable development through solving environmental issues for both present and future lives.

I am so grateful to Almighty God for ever being my Ebenezer.

My regards also goes to Paul and his family for their great support to make me who I am today. Together with his friends, Leonard O’Brien and Murray Mathieson, may God bless you.

I also thank Solomon and Rebecca. They have taken me as their own daughter and I appreciate their advice that has kept me moving on.

May God bless you all.

Geno University student gathering

This August, the university students had their second annual get together party over two full days which included both current Geno university students and Geno university alumni. Their theme for this gathering was “Social interaction of GENO uni students for a better tomorrow”.

The first day started with Solomon welcoming the students and their invited guests. 22 students were in attendance this year. Rebecca had prepared lunch for all invitees and it was enjoyed by all.

After lunch, Solomon took the opportunity to speak about how the Geno Project started and how it has developed over the years. This was followed by a group discussion where the students were encouraged to discuss various matters and come up with ideas and solutions. They used role play exercises to help their creative flow.

At the end of the day, Roselyn used the opportunity to explain in more detail the requirements students have to meet to continue their support from the Geno project. We find it is important that there is open communication between us and our students.

The second day had an early start, 6am! Once again we can see how dedicated our students are to the Geno project. They were excited for the second day of this seminar. Two of the trustees had written letters to the students to be read out. Unfortunately, the trustees were not able to attend the meeting, so this was the next best option.

Two of our students, Willis and Eunice, prepared some very impressive presentations for the other students. They are now our most senior students as they proceed to their final year. It is a fantastic opportunity for our younger students to hear their stories and experiences and it grants the senior students an opportunity to share their experience and advice they have gained over the years.

The students explained how without the Geno project they would not be in these good schools equipped with facilities that enable them to make it to various universities and colleges.

On this day there were also a couple of guests invited who welcomed the opportunity to speak with our students and tell them about their own experiences.

The get together was a great success and we are planning another get together for next year.