In the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro lie miles and miles of dusty red fields with the occasional farm or herd of cattle. While the scenery is idyllic, the socioeconomic situation to the north of the mountain is not. Unpredictable rain leads to cycles of bumper crops and lack of food; as a result, the children of nomadic herdsmen and subsistence farmers in this region of southern Kenya are unable to consistently receive education.
Reverend Johnson Wambua, who has spent the last fifteen years launching schools and churches across Kenya, recognizes this issue. In fact, he was raised by subsistence farmers and attended an elementary school in the Kenyan countryside throughout his childhood. Wambua began Lion of Judah School in 2017 to provide quality Christian education to children who would otherwise be destined to the same uncertain lifestyle as their parents--the lifestyle he was blessed to escape. Today, Lion of Judah educates forty-one students from preschool to third grade, and Wambua's vision for the institution includes a high school and boarding facilities for the students.
A significant obstacle to Lion of Judah's launch has been a lack of food to nourish the students. Wambua has requested for Welcome the Children to purchase the students' food--an expense of $500 per month--as he channels money into constructing classrooms. Therefore, we are asking all of you to help us raise $6,000 to provide Lion of Judah with a year's supply of food. If we succeed, we will ensure the success of the fledgling Lion of Judah and pave the road for Wambua's ambitious long-term vision for the school.
