We are getting more and more requests from parents for assistance with school fees. Most poor rural families depend on seasonal farm work to support their families, pay school fees, rent, and provide food. Many of the vulnerable families we assist live in tiny two-room tin or mud houses with up to three generations under the same leaky roof. Imagine not receiving any income for months on end. Or in the current situation, years on end.  You are forced to choose between paying school fees and feeding your family. Unfortunately, it’s the daughters who are the first to be taken out of school. OftenRead More

I can’t express how proud I am of Antoinette and the team of volunteers who embarked on last week’s trip to the West Pokot and Turkana regions of Northern Kenya. East Africa has been devastated by the worst drought in 40 years. With little rain in the past five years, rivers and watering holes have dried up and people and animals are dying from a lack of water. It was a long and exhausting trip, but in every picture, everyone on the team is beaming with the joy of being able to give to those who are so desperately in need.Here is Antoinette’s unedited reportRead More

I’m landing in your inbox on the eve of the 10-year anniversary of International Day of the Girl (IDG), because I know how invested you are in creating a more equal world for girls. As you know, International Day of the Girl is all about shining a light on the unique challenges that girls face globally and celebrating their enormous potential to bring about change. Springs of Hope Foundation is dedicated to lifting young women out of poverty by providing vocational training along with life skills. One such young woman, who joined our tailoring course in August along with nine other young women, is Joy.Read More

For over two years now I have had to attend our graduations virtually. I’ve always said what a blessing our dedicated team in Kenya has been during these very trying times. I would like to introduce Antoinette, one of the newest members of our team along with Julia, (her name has been for her privacy), one of our recent graduates. Please read Antoinette’s full account of Julia’s accomplishments despite the many, many challenges Julia has overcome in her young life. It will bring some hope and joy during these very troubling times.Warmest regards,Jennifer Hughes-BystromFounder/CEOSprings of Hope Foundation Hello Everyone, My name is Antoinette. I joined the teamRead More

The increase in the cost of food over the past three months has been staggering. Maize, that for the 15 years Springs of Hope Foundation has been working in Kenya seasonally fluctuates between 2,500K/- and 3,000K/- for a 90 kg sack is now 6,500K/- if you can find it in the market. Beans have been around 6,000K/- for a 90 kg sack for many years. Last week we managed to purchase the last three sacks in the market for our food hampers for 12,000 K/-.  Our food hamper program is still ongoing, despite, or should I say, because of the staggering increase in the priceRead More