The Favorite Book Project

In August 2008, I was privileged to move to the United States for college.  Obviously, God made it possible via Greg Gidman (former college soccer coach) who facilitated my studying in the US on a soccer scholarship.  Since God is never short of blessings, I joined Graduate School and will graduate in 6 months with an MBA in Management. 

Education is a gift that keeps on giving, and I want to honor that.  However, I can only do so much by myself. Great and wonderful things happen when people team up.  Additionally, success earned by a team is more joyous than an individual one.  I have a new challenge for you and me. 

The Need:

In December 2012, I visited home (Kenya) to see family and friends.  My compassionate Aunt introduced me to a Children Care Center in our neighborhood.  She suggested I do something for them if I could.  Most of these boys and girls lost their parents and relatives in 2007 post-election tribal clashes in Kenya.   

After the 2007 general election results were announced, some people were displeased and riots erupted.  The entire country was tense, especially in the outskirts of the capital city.  I recall praying every night before bed, and ensuring that I had a weapon underneath my bed just in case an intruder showed up.  Allegedly, more than 1000 lives were lost around the country and more than 100,000 people displaced from their homes.  That’s how most of the kids at the care center lost their loved ones. 

Ann King’ori, a very compassionate woman took the kids in and continues to nurture them the best she can. With the help of a few local donors, she provides food, clothing and shelter for them.  She also pays utility bills and provides them with school stationery.  It becomes extremely tough for Ann, when the kids fall ill and she doesn't have health insurance for each one of them, so she uses her savings to cater for their health needs.  Despite her amazing selflessness, it’s a taxing ordeal to nurture these kids and her biological ones too. 

By the way, she doesn't like calling them orphans.  She finds the term degrading and makes them feel less appreciated.  She is their parent, so they are not orphans!

During my visit at the care center, I gave away items that a few generous friends and I had collected in the US. We donated 60 shirts, socks and soccer balls (pre-owned but in good condition).  The children embraced our generosity and could not hide their joy. See the pictures on ‘The Favorite Book’ Facebook Page.    

Education is the most valuable asset you can give to anyone, especially a child who clings onto slim hope daily.  These kids need to successfully learn, and redefine their future.  However, the education system in Kenya is quite demanding and schools have inadequate learning resources. 

I attended primary and high school (Elementary-Middle school) in Kenya, and I know the struggles endured.  Sometimes dropping out seems inevitable. Frustration from lack of fees and inadequate textbooks caused some of my friends to drop out of school hence struggled to make it through hardships in life. 

On a recent phone call with Ann, the care center has added 10 more kids hence 70 in total. She has 39 boys and 31 girls.  51 kids are in primary school, 18 in secondary school and 1 in university. She is working diligently to promote their learning, but falling short in some areas.  Currently exercise books (books for taking notes) are the main challenge.  Most schools do not have computers, so students write until their notebooks, pens, erasers and pencils run out of space or dry.  Some of the kids’ uniforms are tattered and teachers won’t allow them back to school without new ones, so Ann has to buy them new uniforms for 2015 school year. 

It’s great that Ann feeds and clothes them, but promoting their education is the best thing she does for them.  If they successfully learn and achieve their ambitions, they will be able to give back to their home (care center).  Looking after home is the way of life in Kenya (Africa)!

THE CAUSE:

I know with our generous hearts we can provide textbooks, notebooks, new uniforms, pens, pencils, erasers, fees and many more, but let’s start by promoting their PASSION and gradually do more later. 

Each kid has a FAVORITE subject, and it would be appropriate to promote what they enjoy learning at school.  Their favorite subjects are based on their future ambitions and we should invigorate their passion hence solidify their foundation for achieving their future goals.  

I am sure we can raise more than $1000, but with just that amount, it would be enough to buy each kid a textbook for his or her favorite subject, and also a few other stationery 

US Dollar vs Kenya Shilling

$1= KSHS 89 (Kenyan Currency; Exchange rate on 10.26.2014) *Subject to fluctuation. 

70 Textbooks (1 per kid) x $6.7 each =$469.00
420 Notebooks (6 per kid) $0.56 each =$235.20 
210 Pens (3 per kid) $0.22 each = $46.20
210 Pencils (3 per kid) $0.11 =$23.10
140 Erasers (2 per kid) 0.05 = $7.00
Others (Ann to decide) $219.50

Super Moms-Kenyan Connection

1.      My Dear Mother, my only nuclear family.  She is grateful that I am educated and acknowledges that if someone was not generous to us; my future would not be as promising. 

2.      Ann, the Care center’s mother.  She wants the best for her 70 kids and willing to work with anyone who wants to help redefine their future. 

What’s in it for the donor?

1.      A Customized Thank You Note “Education Philanthropist.”

2.      The Joy of Giving-“More blessing to those who give than receive.”

3.      Updates on every major step

4.      Pictures and videos of every major step; Posted on ‘The Favorite Book’ Facebook page

 “We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.”  Philippians 4:13 

The Favorite Book Project's Motive

The main objective of this project is to promote education where it's dearly needed especially among the underprivileged children in Kenya. 

Born, raised and going to school in Kenya was very challenging for my mother and me.  As my only parent, she worked very hard in faith to provide for our family of two.  Luckily, I was able to imitate her diligence, earned good grades and received government grants to make it through high school.

Miraculously, I made it to the United States of America on a soccer scholarship and earned two college degrees.  Additionally, I worked extra harder and joined graduate school.  I will soon graduate with an MBA in Management.

Education is the best gift I have received and I would like to pass it along.  If I do not pass it along, someone who doesn’t have a mother to imitate may never redefine his or her future.

This project will help advocate the need for education, and garner resources to help furnish underprivileged children with school supplies, especially textbooks. 

Education is the way to a better future.

By Hesbon (Hezzy) 

Education Philanthropist

He always comes through....Believe me.

In spite of my sheer diligence in high school, it never seemed possible to graduate, but God came through. After high school, joining a LOCAL college seemed like a wishful thinking, but God showcased one of his many glorious expertise's (sole provider), and I made it to an OVERSEAS college. I did my best in college and earned two diplomas.

After college, I worked hard and prayed to make it to Graduate School and guess what....I am currently grinding the hardest in graduate school; teachers, family members and friends are loving it, and also God is still coming through. Only one year left and through faith, diligence and patience, I will make it successfully.

Please believe when I say that faith and hard work can lead to wonderful blessings.  They can also help discern how much you have to offer the world.

"To whom much is given, much is required." I am willing to give as much as I can for His glory. Help me Lord. #GodIsAwesome

P.S I was/still I am, raised by a single-mother whose most prized possession was and still is, FAITH. #BigUpToMoms especially single Moms. #grateful

Shared in Kindness, love and for the greater good, by Hezzy :)

Education is the Real Need.

Two years ago, I was privileged to visit home (Kenya, East Africa) and talk to my former high school's students.  I opened up my heart to them and proclaimed that it takes faith, purpose in life and diligence to succeed not only in school, but life in general.  Talking to them didn't seem like a big deal, but a few hours later a handful of students enrolled for the after school program.  Everyone was inspired and hoped for the best to come from the after school program.

Africans value availability more than material gifts.  A lot of social and hospitable communities.

Two years later, the high school has produced one of the best students in the country.  He got sponsored by a local bank, and he will attend college hustle-free.  I am sure he will inspire more to work harder too.  All the best to him in his college endeavors.

It's impressive that many people support Africa and other developing countries, and God bless their hearts (assuming they are sincere hearts). However, unless you will feed, clothe or treat ailments of the poor people forever, educate them so that they can sustain their families and future generations.

Please don't just 'give man a fish, but make him a fisherman too,' so that he can ensure perpetual growth in his village.

Support education in third world/developing countries and you won't have to send clothes and money to them, forever and ever.  Start with the upper level primary school and high school so that you can create room for the little ones.
~Written in sincerity

Bonjour Becks!

Darn it Becks! Beckham's gone and I am sure you know this. He was the highlight of the MLS and the most talked about footballer in the U.S for the years he had been in the league. He was a great asset to the league and now the big talents joining MLS from Europe have a big void to fill. The void is big because Beckham was not only a footballer, but also an economic boost. Becks had a good spell in the MLS.

Less worries and more pride to the MLS despite Becks departure. Most of the Stars from Europe come to the MLS to retire and they rarely go back to Europe to play. A good example is Thierry Henry who plans to retire after the MLS stint. Robbie Keane too came to retire and isn't planning on going back to Europe to play. Pablo Angel came from Aston Villa to New York Red Bulls and after his MLS stint, he went to Argentina and not Europe. Pele came to the US soccer years ago and after that he never went back to competitive football. Even though most players come to the MLS for pension, Beckham showed the better side of the MLS.

After winning two MLS cups with the L.A Galaxy, Beckham left for Paris St. Germain in France. PSG is one of the best football teams in Europe and currently challenging powerhouses like Barcelona, Man U, Chelsea, Man City and the rest. Beckham's move to join PSG shows that MLS can also help bring out the best in a player. Despite the age, Beckham still has his magical free kick touch and can compete with the big guns in Europe. MLS should be proud through Beckham and US soccer has a bright future!

Before we praise Becks too much, lets see how he will fare in Europe especially in the Champions League competition. Lets see if he can still bend and also sell underwear and apparels, another one of his magical touch! By the way, we can't forget he's an amazing parent to his family.

Good luck Beckham and I'm sure US is thankful but will always miss ya! Adios!

Shake it Up Sunday

It's 'shake it up' Sunday this weekend because two crucial matches will be taking place. Arsenal will be squaring it off with Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium, while Liverpool will try to exorcise the Red Devils at Old Trafford.

Different people have different titles for this Sunday. Some are calling it epic Sunday, super Sunday,  but I am calling it 'shake it up Sunday' in the English Premier League. I am calling it that because the standings will be shaken up, especially if Man U and Man City lose. The standings won't be shake up so much with Arsenal and Liverpool winning, although these two teams need to win more than Man U and Man City.

Over the years these four teams have been the common top ten teams in the EPL, although Liverpool has been inconsistent hence struggled to finish in the top ten for the last five years. Liverpool lost to Man U earlier this season at Ainfield, on a controversial penalty call against a Liverpool defender.

In tomorrow's game, Man U has the edge because it has been consistent and has many scorers including the lethal former Arsenal striker, Robin Van Persie. Also Man U is playing at home hence the twelfth man (fans) will be at work. Liverpool might be more motivated to exorcise Man U after a controversial loss at home, earlier this season. Liverpool has Luis Suarez who is among the top leading scorers in the EPL so far in the season.

Arsenal really needs to win tomorrow in order to stay in the hunt for the top prize. So far Arsenal isn't a serious contender because it has been inconsistent. A few things might work well and give Arsenal the edge to win tomorrow. Some key players might be back from injuries, Rosicky and Diaby. Also Arsenal is playing at home and the fans might play a big role is creating a 'hell' for Man City at the Emirates.

Man City is the defending champion, so they feel confident and have the fire power to gun down Arsenal. However, Man City will miss the services of key stars. Yaya Toure, their maestro midfielder in on an international duty. Samir Nasri is still serving a three-game suspension. Sergio Aguero, one of their main strikers is out with a hamstring injury. Basically, Man City has a weak squad compared to their usual first team line up. However, the team playing tomorrow against Arsenal might go 'bazooka' trying to secure a spot in Mancini's starting eleven.

In conclusion, Arsenal has a better chance of garnering three points at home. Man City will put up a good fight because they don't have their big stars to rely on, so every player has to play their best tomorrow.

Go Gunners! Come on Liverpool!

Spice Up your game

Happy new year of more football, especially the EPL football!

When the going gets tough in the fall, many teams die for January to arrive. Here we have it, the January transfer madness should be starting soon. It's the right time for some teams to spice it up by getting better players or extra players. For some teams, January transfer gives a good chance to rebuild. The rebuilding teams buy players that they believe would see them end the season on a good note and hopefully have an exceptional following season. Most teams need to spice up their squads after a rough fall of inconsistency. Some of these teams around Europe include, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Liverpool, AC Milan and outside Europe is the M.L.S.(Major League Soccer)

Real Madrid for sure needs to do something in order to save their reputation which is dented in the La Liga. Real has been inconsistent since day one. It's tough to be the main competitor to Barcelona FC which wins day-in day-out, while Real is losing, tying, and barely winning games. Painfully, Real might have to let Jose Mourinho go because he seems unable to keep up with Barcelona and he's had a few conflicts with the players. Despite having some of the best players in the world, Madrid still looks blunt and hardly scoring goals, obviously goals are the only way to winning trophies. Real has the players to dominate European football and currently the main issue might be the coach and also keeping some of the displeased players. After Christmas La Liga break, Real better start winning right away because Messi and Barcelona might pick up where they stopped, goals, wins and trophies.

Arsenal had an impressive end of the year but it was hard to stay consistent especially their defense and attacking. Arsenal needs to spice up their attacking because their center back is Theo Walcott whom despite being fast, he's not strong enough for the center forward position. Arsenal has the right team to grow over time, but lacks the right man for the right position in some parts of the team. In order to spice up, Wenger will have to be less stingy and spend on the players who can make immediate impacts to the team. It's good to have a player with a promising future, but it's better to get a player who is a finished product. Theo, Walcott, Wilshere, Gervinho, Koscielny, Gibbs and few more are all good for a bright future. Therefore, Arsenal and Wenger need to get a few more players ready to score more goals, win games and help with consistency.

AC Milan used to be a powerhouse, but of late it has taken a left turn and has been very inconsistent. Back in the day AC Milan was prominent in Europe, won accolades and had earth-shaking quality players. Remember, Pirlo, Inzaghi, Cafu, Dida, Paolo Maldini etc, all greats and caused tremors in European football. AC Milan had a good turn around few years ago by acquiring Pato, Robinho, and Ibrahimovich. Unfortunately, Ibrahimovich left for more money at PSG while Pato and Robinho have lost their football "mojo" and might be sold during the January transfer.  I think by letting the two go will be a sensible move but the club would have to get players who will bring immediate impact to the team.

Some clubs need to spice up their squads with salt and pepper in order to finish this season strong. One of these teams in Liverpool who has improved over the years but keeps sliding back to the recent woes. Suarez can score goals but he needs help in scoring more goals for the club. Their midfield hasn't been prolific in scoring so their attacking is blunt. Liverpool needs to get another striker as good as Suarez.

M.L.S has had an upward growth over the last few years because of the acquisition of David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane and few others. Unfortunately Beckham is done with the M.L.S.  With Becks out, the league needs another powerhouse football name to keep the media focused on soccer. Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane and few more won't keep the media talking enough about soccer in the U.S. I think it's about time for the M.L.S to either buy BIG from European clubs or patiently raise their best from the womb.

Hopefully I will come up with a T.V show to help soccer grow in the U.S by helping parents and kids connect through soccer. It would be a blessing to have a show focused on soccer, education, entertainment and charity. The show would be a good opportunity to give back to the U.S and Kenya through soccer, of course Kenya would get education because it needs it more than football (soccer).

In the meantime, happy new year and watch the January transfer unfold in Europe. Blessed 2013 and keep watching soccer/football!