The boy and His Farm - When Donations Pay Part One

 This is the story of Mathews. Its not a long one its just a short one of how one book can change a life. I have met Mathews and his brother Job. They live in a wooden house with two rooms. They often talk about their father and elder brother but I have never heard about the mother so I don't ask.

books donated to the library

I noticed Mathews because of his love for reading. He would come into the community library for the past two years pick a book sit on the floor and just read. Sometimes I would just have to tell him to go home.

kids who come to the library

The brothers did their exams for standard 8 and non of them did extremely well to warrant a school  past the district schools but this did not deter their spirits from pursuing a higher education. Now we noticed that the boys loved to read the agricultural section of the books. Its not big just under 10 but with very good information especially on planting gardens. And then it happened. Mathews invited us to go over to his farm (farm???) we were a bit surprised considering that many children and youth of today think farming is uncool.



Donations by AFK
 

I almost cried at what I saw. There is a lot of farming going on of vegetables. Infact we have started buying from the farm. I asked him what he does with the money and smiling both boys told me that it supplements what their dad gets and goes towards payment of school fees.He showed me a patch where he was experimenting with growing garlic having read a book I am almost considering his bible and even I will be interested in seeing the results.



Shelves done by AFK

Mathews and Job INSPIRED me in a different way. They did not let their circumstances dictate their lives. Anyone else would probably let poverty mentalities creep in. Instead they have learned to use their resources to their advantage. They may not buy a car now or be able to move into a bigger house but one thing I am confident of is that both boys will be able to make a better life for themselves and our prayer is that OLOI TRAVELS and its charitable arm INSPIRE will continue playing a big part in their lives.
We are also grateful to the American Friends of Kenya http://www.afkinc.org/ for donating books and helping us build our small library so that people like Mathew can have a bigger world to look forward to.

Oloi INSPIRE  community arm takes care of Occupational Wellness which focuses on those searching for something deeper than just a safari . Programs that help children like Mathews and Job achieve their dreams will see that you are able to contribute your unique gifts, skills and talents to some work that is both personally meaningful and rewarding. You'll will be able to convey your values through your involvement in activities that are gratifying for you.