The 1010 Project provides business training and seed capital that generate sustainable revenue for our partners; e.g. computers and sewing machines for Fair Oak College, a vocational school.

In this update Brown Chavaseki (the founder of Fair Oak) describes how they are now able to purchase their own computers and sewing machines with the income from the college. This allows them to expand their vocational training, as well as educate and feed 240 children at Fair Oak Academy.

15 Students in Tailoring & Upholstery

The tailoring, dressmaking, and upholstery department is doing very well. The number of students has increased to fifteen. We hope to purchase more sewing machines for training in the near future.

The computer training has become very helpful to the community. At the moment we have forty-four students. This year we had to buy six more used computers because of the increased demand for education.

We are going to have graduation ceremonies for both the computers and the upholstery students on July 18^th 2010

44 Students in Computer Training

Fair Oak Academy is doing well. We now have 240 pupils. They enjoy the class lessons. We still have a challenge with the classrooms because they don’t have windows. We also hope that in the near future we will build a toilet that can be used for the school population.

Recently we asked you, our supporters, to send words of congratulations we can pass along to Candlelight School. Thanks to your generous donations, Candlelight has a fully functional computer lab in the middle of the Matopeni Slum. Candlelight used local craftsmen to create a safe and secure facility that now provides essential learning opportunities for students, and a revenue stream as a cyber cafe for the community.

Here’s what supporters said; you can add your voice in the comments below!

From Lisa

To my friends in Matopeni:

Have fun learning about computers! They can be frustrating at times, as I’m sure you’ll find! Though by far the best thing computers have done for us is make it easier to contact friends, and to stay in touch through the years though time and distance may separate us! Good luck!

Ashley Smith expressed her excitement:

How incredible it is to see the power of Christ working through people’s hearts to give in order to support an amazing organization! What a blessing to the Matopeni community to have a such an awesome tool of knowledge at their fingertips. Way to go 1010project family!!

Cathy Cuttrell shared

This is awesome, Brian, to hear about the computer lab providing much greater access to knowledge to solve problems and train for the future….very excited for our Kenyan friends.  Hugs to all

From Kim Koole

Alice – your computer lab looks amazing!  I’m so glad that you’ve been able to continue on that project – and it sounds like a great way to generate additional revenues for the school!  We miss you and pray for you often!

From Kathy Harvell

How time goes by so quickly and so many changes in just one year!!  Our group from Northside Christian Church in Spring, Texas was in Niarobia last June just before the school and church were demolished.  The Lord has brought you a long way from those terrible and dark days.  From the few pictures I’ve seen, it appears you have made several very nice improvements!!  Praise God!!! The trip to Kenya was a life changing event for me, actually all of us.  You taught us so much about faith and true worship.  It was truly a pleasure to be in your presence and spend time with you and those beautiful children.  I’ll never forget the welcome song and smiles we received from the children and teachers.  I still talk about the trip and think and pray for you often.  I hope I can return someday and spend time with you again.  Did any of the trees we planted survive the demolition?

Sending our love and prayers, God Bless