Across the world, communities are impacted by poverty, disease, and political unrest. People of all ages feel the impact of these devastating conditions but it is children who suffer the most. Thanks to organizations like Wema Children, this is changing. Today we put a spotlight on our partners Wema Children and showcase the amazing ways in which they are making a difference.
Who are Wema Children?
Wema (“goodness” in Swahili) is a community-based organization founded in 2008 in Bukembe Village, Bungoma, Western Kenya. Located in an area with the highest poverty and HIV/AIDS rates in Kenya, native Kenyans Teresa Wati and Stephen Juma formed Wema Children’s Centre to give poor and orphaned children a home and high-quality education. Today at Wema, 540 children are provided with a loving home, three nutritious meals a day, and, most importantly, an education at one of Kenya’s highest-performing primary and secondary schools.
What is Wema Children's mission?
Wema Children’s mission is to “give poor and orphaned children a home and high-quality education.”
How does Wema Children make an impact?
Wema Children supports more than 500 students with schools, facilities, funding, and mentorship programs. Their major achievements span education, mentoring, and sanitation. Wema Children’s milestones include:
- the founding of a secondary school with 100% of students entering tertiary schools
- partnership with The School Fund to provide scholarships, a pen pal program to foster communications with American partner school students
- technology center to improve computer literacy for students
- a collaboration with Huru and Circle of Women to build a safe dormitory and provide reusable menstrual hygiene kits for girls.
Wema Children are making an incredible impact on the lives of these young people.
Why has FLIT Invest partnered with Wema Children?
This is a partnership that we hold near to our hearts. As part of our partnership, two of our co-founders, Alejandro and Richard, conducted a series of weekend workshops with the children centered around financial literacy. Some may know that FLIT is a play on “Financial Literacy.” Financial education is essential and can help set you up for your future, yet most people don’t learn about it in school. Empowering people with the skills to make sound financial decisions is important because it is an effective way to close the ever-growing wealth gap and set people up for financial freedom.
We were so happy to see that the students enjoyed the interactive sessions and feel lucky to be part of their journeys for their careers and future. We can’t wait to do it again!
How can you help Wema Children?
There are several ways you can support Wema to help improve the lives of children in Western Kenya.
Donate money to sponsor a student or donate resources on Wema’s wish list.
Volunteer your time at Wema Children’s Centre.
Mobilize support in your workplace or college campus to raise awareness.
Learn about Wema Children, their work, and the impact of these projects in tackling poverty, illiteracy, and disease.
