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Dear partners, We write to you today with deep gratitude for your unwavering support, which has been instrumental in transforming the lives of our girls. Your generosity has ensured that they stay in school, complete their high school education, and transition to college, breaking down barriers that once stood in their way. Because of you, these young students are not only excelling academically but also building brighter futures for themselves and their communities. This year, 65 students received crucial financial assistance through our scholarship program, allowing them to remain in school and focus on their studies without the burden of financial instability. These students, ranging from Grade 7 to university level, received support for tuition, school supplies, and other essential needs. With the transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), there were no high school transitions this year, as Grade 9 students now remain within primary school. However, we are thrilled to report that all our other scholarship recipients successfully progressed to the next grade. Among them, 10 dedicated students are now in their final year of secondary school, preparing for their national examinations. Their resilience and determination are truly inspiring, and we eagerly look forward to celebrating their graduation and next steps into higher education later this year. We are especially proud of five students who completed secondary school in 2024 and are now preparing to enroll in colleges and universities this August. Their commendable academic achievements have opened doors to diverse fields such as engineering, healthcare, law, and business. Having been part of our scholarship program since primary school, their success is a powerful testament to the long-term impact of investing in education. To ensure they are well-equipped for the digital demands of higher education, these students are currently undergoing an intensive digital literacy course at our Akili STEMarts Academy, alongside 20 other youths. Through this program, they are gaining essential skills in computer literacy, programming, coding, 3D printing, Canva design, and Scratch programming; preparing them for the technology-driven world ahead. We continue to prioritize the well-being of our students through crucial life skills education. This year, in partnership with Mercury Phoenix Trust UK, we have expanded our efforts to integrate HIV/AIDS awareness into our STEM programs. By visiting marginalized rural schools such as Osiri Secondary and Oyiengo Primary, we are equipping adolescents with vital knowledge about prevention, stigma reduction, and available care. Many of our scholarship beneficiaries attend these schools, making this initiative even more impactful in fostering a healthier and more informed generation. We are excited to host our annual two-week STEM Camp this April, bringing together our scholarship recipients and other eager learners. This immersive experience will not only ignite their curiosity for STEM but also provide mentorship in life skills, mental health support, and personal development. This year’s camp will be particularly special as we introduce our students to artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, 3D printing, and coding; preparing them for the future of technology, thanks to life changing grants from North American Association of Environmental Education (NAAEE)/E-STEM and EDP A2E Fund grants. With the rapid advancements in AI, we cannot wait to meet these students at our STEM academy and watch them explore these groundbreaking innovations. press release SARE Designs Vocational Education and Training Center is proud to announce its participation in the Grades of Green Through its RISE CLIMATE SOLUTION CHALLENGE https://gradesofgreen.org/program-pathway/rise-climate-solutions-campaign/initiative, launching an innovative "Trash to Cash" program that repurposes textile waste from its tailoring shop into valuable products. The program transforms fabric scraps and remnants that would typically be discarded into fashionable accessories including tote bags, decorative pillows, and unique patchwork earrings. This sustainable approach not only reduces the center's environmental footprint but also provides students with additional creative design opportunities and entrepreneurial skills. "We're excited to integrate sustainability into our vocational training," said Nancy, Centre Manager. "By teaching our students to see value in materials that would otherwise be wasted, we're instilling both environmental responsibility and business innovation skills that will serve them throughout their careers." The initiative aligns perfectly with Grades of Green's mission to empower students to create environmental change. Through this partnership, SARE Designs students will learn techniques for sorting, cataloging, and creatively combining textile scraps into cohesive designs that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Products created through the "Trash to Cash" program will be available for purchase at the center's boutique shop and at local community markets, with proceeds supporting the continuation and expansion of the vocational training programs. For more information or to schedule a visit to see these sustainable creations, please contact [Contact Information]. About SARE Designs Vocational Education and Training Center SARE Designs provides comprehensive vocational training in fashion design, tailoring, and textile arts, equipping students with marketable skills for successful careers in the fashion and design industries. About Grades of Green Grades of Green is an environmental education organization that inspires and empowers students to take action for a more sustainable future through hands-on projects and initiatives.  We are thrilled to announce that we were awarded a transformative grant by EDP through their A2E Fund to implement the Sustainable Energy for STEM Education and Vocational Training project in Kanyawegi location, Kisumu County, Kenya. With this project, we have installed a solar energy system throughout the entire campus to provide consistent, clean power, ensuring uninterrupted learning, enhanced vocational training, and improved living conditions for staff and volunteers, while reducing energy costs and promoting sustainability. This solar project is a game-changer as it will enable our students to have uninterrupted access to technology, and girls gaining vocational skills can build livelihoods without fear. It is about equity and unlocking potential. This initiative marks a critical step toward bridging the gap between rural and urban education while addressing systemic inequalities faced by marginalized youth, particularly girls, in Western Kenya. Greenex Energy Limited’s technical expertise in installation.  The Riley Orton Foundation (ROF) has been selected by Pratt & Whitney and the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) as a winner of the 2024 Global E-STEM Awards. The E-STEM Awards bestowed grants totaling $250,000 to 14 nonprofit organizations in 11 countries, demonstrating remarkable commitment to advancing environmental, science, technology, engineering, and math (E-STEM) education programs for underrepresented students ages 11–22. Learn more about the Global E-STEM Awards: http://naaee.org/e-stem-awards
The project will also engage girls, typically underrepresented in Kenya's STEM fields. We will empower these young girls to explore and pursue STEM and environmental sciences careers, addressing the gender gap in these fields. Additionally, by engaging students in this critical age range, 12-20 years, we aim to influence their educational and career choices at a formative stage, promoting a new generation of environmentally conscious individuals. It will also engage 20 teachers and volunteers who will assist in training and potentially continue with the project beyond its duration.
By Monica Adhiambo
 In the dynamic realm of contemporary education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has emerged as a critical pathway for student development, particularly with the implementation of Kenya's innovative Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The rapid technological evolution of the 21st century demands a fundamental reimagining of educational approaches. The CBC curriculum acknowledges this paradigm shift by prioritizing skill acquisition over traditional knowledge transmission. STEM education has transitioned from being a supplementary educational component to a fundamental necessity for preparing students to navigate an increasingly complex, technology-driven global landscape. Our recent two-week STEM Mentorship and Life Skills camp, conducted in partnership with local organizations FABLAB WINAM, STEAM INTERACTIVE, and HEDSO, represented a strategic intervention in educational transformation. These organizations contributed their unique expertise, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to create an unprecedented learning environment for young innovators. The camp brought together 80 students from over 20 diverse educational institutions across Kenya, supported by 15 volunteer educators from schools around. This camp was designed to create a comprehensive learning ecosystem that transcends conventional academic boundaries. Through carefully curated activities including Scratch programming, 3D printing, application development, and Arduino projects, participants were empowered to transform theoretical concepts into tangible technological solutions. Students demonstrated remarkable potential by developing sophisticated projects such as anti-theft alarm systems, innovative smart bin designs, and interactive digital applications. The camp's approach extended beyond technical proficiency, integrating critical life skills. We focused on comprehensive health awareness, digital literacy fundamentals, structured STEM mentorship, and interactive educational engagement strategies. This multifaceted approach ensured that participants develop not just technical capabilities, but a sophisticated understanding of technology's role in addressing complex societal challenges. A significant challenge in the CBC curriculum's implementation has been educators' preparedness to deliver advanced technological content. Our STEM camp addressed this critical gap. One participating educator provided a compelling testimonial, noting a transformative shift from avoiding Scratch programming topics due to limited understanding to gaining the confidence to effectively teach these essential digital competencies. The emphasized active participant engagement, fostering advanced analytical reasoning, creative problem-solving capabilities, scientific inquiry skills, and collaborative interdisciplinary approaches. The camp demonstrated that STEM education is fundamentally about collective innovation and collaborative knowledge creation. By implementing group-based learning strategies, participants developed critical communication and collaborative skills essential in contemporary professional environments. Our STEM camp represented more than an educational program—it was a strategic investment in Kenya's human capital. By providing targeted resources, expert guidance, and innovative learning opportunities, we are transforming educational experiences from passive knowledge transfer to dynamic, inspirational journeys of discovery and innovations, The future of technological advancement in Kenya is being programmed, designed, and realized—one student at a time.
"The future of technological advancement in Kenya is being programmed, designed, and realized—one student at a time." by Monica Adhiambo
 The Sare Designs Vocational Education and Training Center celebrated a remarkable milestone on December 1st, 2024, marking a profound transformation of 30 out-of-school girls who have defied socio-economic challenges to reclaim their futures. This exceptional ceremony, strategically timed with World AIDS Day and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, represented more than an educational achievement—it was a testament to resilience, community support, and collective empowerment. From January to December, these young women underwent a comprehensive training program that was made possible through the collaborative efforts of multiple organizations, each bringing unique expertise to support their journey. We were honored to welcome the Sub-County Officer as our Chief Guest, alongside representatives from our partner organizations, including Spur Afrika, KUAP Pandpieri, Ajira Digital, and the Centre for the Study of Adolescence. Their presence reminded us of the collective effort it takes to drive change and empower young women. The graduation ceremony itself was a powerful demonstration of this collaborative approach. With over 200 guests, including community leaders, parents, and representatives from partner organizations, the event highlighted the collective investment in these young women's futures. The Sub-County Officer's presence as the Chief Guest underscored the broader community and governmental recognition of the program's significance. Timed purposefully on December 1st, the graduation aligned perfectly with World AIDS Day and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This strategic timing was no coincidence. By empowering these young women with skills, knowledge, and economic opportunities, the program directly contributes to preventing vulnerability and creating safer, more equitable community environments The graduation ceremony became a vibrant display of creativity and skill when the 30 graduates showcased their meticulously crafted projects. The highlight of the event was an extraordinary exhibition of beautiful Kitenge designs that celebrated African textile artistry. Each garment told a unique story, representing months of dedicated learning and creative expression. The graduates proudly displayed an array of stunning pieces - from elegantly tailored contemporary Kitenge fabric techniques.  The Riley Orton Foundation's vocational training program stands as a powerful intervention in the complex landscape of vulnerability faced by out-of-school girls. By providing comprehensive skills training, the program directly addresses multiple dimensions of social and economic risk. Economic vulnerability often exposes young women to dangerous circumstances, including early marriage, exploitation, and limited life choices. Through targeted education in garment making, business skills, and personal development, these 30 graduates now have a tangible pathway to economic independence. Each skill learned becomes a shield against potential exploitation, transforming vulnerability into opportunity. The program does more than teach a trade; it rebuilds entire life trajectories, giving these young women the tools to make autonomous decisions, support themselves and their families, and become active agents of change in their communities. As these graduates step forward, they are not just individual success stories, but living proof of how targeted educational interventions can systematically reduce the social and economic risks faced by out-of-school girls, creating ripple effects of empowerment that extend far beyond individual achievements. A story shared by one of the ladies is a testament to the impact we are creating through this program. Hello. “My name is Emmaculate Achieng, and I am a proud student at the Sare Designs Vocational Education and Training Centre. In 2022, I completed my Form Four studies. With financial challenges, furthering my education felt like a distant dream, and I found myself at home, simply waiting. My parents, particularly my dad, never gave up hope. He tirelessly sought ways to support my future, and one day, he came across the Riley Orton Foundation and its Sare Designs Program, which offered a training course in tailoring. From the moment we reached out, I was welcomed warmly, as though stepping into a new family. This program has been more than a class; it is a life-changing journey. With each stitch, I feel a sense of purpose grow within me, shaping my dreams into something tangible. Learning tailoring was like touching possibility itself. The feel of fabric under my fingers, the hum of the sewing machine, and the vibrant colors coming together in each design brought me a new energy I had never felt before. Each day, I tell myself, "I am not just sewing fabric; I am stitching together my future." This program has nurtured me, and I now feel ready to step out, creating and growing as I go. Joining this program last year felt like stepping into a new chapter. Sare Designs became not only my school but my second home, a place where every moment counts toward my future. I confidently create dresses and shirts, watching as colors and patterns come together under my hands. Soon, I’ll master trousers and shorts, the next pieces in my collection. Every skill I've gained, I owe to my dedicated teachers and instructors, who pour so much into every student. With their support, I feel equipped not only with practical skills but with the belief that I can teach others. My dream is to become a lecturer at a TVET institution, helping young women, just as I was helped, build strong foundations for a brighter future.” By Monica Adhiambo
 The consequences of poor MHM practices are far-reaching. They can lead to physical discomfort, infections, and embarrassment, causing girls to miss school. In our ongoing fight to empower girls and ensure their full potential, ROF recently participated in activities surrounding Menstrual Hygiene Day, which is internationally celebrated every May 28th. We recognized the challenges faced by many girls, particularly in rural areas where most of our beneficiaries are located. These girls often lack access to resources and education on proper menstrual hygiene management (MHM) The consequences of poor MHM practices are far-reaching. They can lead to physical discomfort, infections, and embarrassment, causing girls to miss school. This absenteeism can contribute to falling behind academically and even school dropout. Furthermore, a lack of awareness about menstruation can leave girls vulnerable to misinformation and unable to manage their periods safely. This can increase the risk of teenage pregnancy and even HIV/AIDS reinfection if girls are unable to negotiate safe sex practices due to menstrual shame. ROF's approach centers on mentorship and open dialogue. We partner with other organizations to deliver educational programs and mentorship sessions for both girls and boys. By fostering a supportive environment and educating youth about MHM, sexual health, and gender equality, we aim to break the silence surrounding menstruation. This empowers young people to make informed choices and creates a more inclusive school environment, ultimately contributing to a reduction in school dropout rates, teenage pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS reinfections. This year's theme for Menstrual Hygiene Day was #PERIODFRIENDLYWORLD. We aimed to raise awareness about the stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation. We strive to achieve a world where everyone can access the menstrual products, education, and facilities they need.  In the lead-up to Menstrual Hygiene Day, we partnered with other CSOs in Kisumu and reached over 100 adolescent girls with comprehensive MHM education through Nyalenda period festival. Additionally, on May 28th, we collaborated with Hope Rekindled Initiative and SPUR Afrika to conduct mentorship sessions at Sabembe Secondary School. Here, we engaged 272 students, including boys, in sessions focused on MHM, teen pregnancy prevention, and open dialogue. In both activities, students learned about: health and menstruation-Students learned about the biological process behind menstruation, empowering them to manage their periods with confidence. They gained knowledge about hormonal changes, physical symptoms, and what to expect during their cycles. Potential risks of poor menstrual hygiene management, The sessions addressed the dangers of improper hygiene practices, such as UTIs, vaginal infections, and RTIs. This knowledge encouraged the students to prioritize good hygiene and seek help if needed. Health risks associated with sanitary products and materials used for menstruation How to stay healthy during their menstrual period;We emphasized the importance of maintaining good health during periods. This included maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and managing pain safely. Period stigma; We tackled the negative attitudes and social stigma surrounding menstruation. By addressing myths and misconceptions, we encourage open communication and foster a supportive environment for both girls and boys. One of the most impactful aspects of the day was witnessing the students' willingness to engage in open dialogue and demos. By creating a safe space for discussion, we allowed students to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn from one another. This open communication is crucial in breaking down the stigma and creating a supportive community where everyone feels valued and understood. At the end, students were provided with menstrual products. We also issued a call to action for all stakeholders to participate in ending period stigma, period poverty, and period shame. By including boys in the conversation, we aim to foster gender equity and create a more supportive environment. Our goal is to break the silence surrounding menstruation and empower young minds through education. With a blend of entertainment, open dialogue, and mentorship, we can work together to create a world where every individual has access to safe, dignified, and #PeriodPositive menstrual hygiene management. Mentorship programs address the interconnected issues of HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence, all of which are exacerbated by period poverty. With a blend of entertainment, open dialogue, and mentorship, we can work together to create a world where everyone has access to safe, dignified, and #PeriodPositive menstrual hygiene management. This will empower girls to reach their full potential and ensure a brighter future for all  We're thrilled to share the success of our recent 3-day STEM camp, held from April 18th to 20th! At Akili STEMarts academy, ROFs premises. This exciting event brought together over 110 enthusiastic participants from various primary and secondary schools, fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the next generation. The importance of this camp extends far beyond technical skills. In partnership with local organization Bluecross Organisation they work to eradicate and reduce alcohol and drug use among youths, we kicked things off with a crucial topic: drug and substance abuse awareness. Our amazing mentors delivered interactive sessions, educating students on the dangers of these substances and empowering them with the knowledge and strategies to make responsible choices. Equipping young minds with this information is vital for building a healthier future for our communities. But the camp wasn't just about awareness! Students also embarked on a thrilling exploration of the vast world of STEM. Inspiring professionals from diverse fields like medicine, electrical engineering, and even alternative STEM areas shared their knowledge and opened doors to exciting career possibilities. This exposure can ignite a lifelong passion for STEM and pave the way for future innovators. For our younger campers, the fun came with a side of valuable skills! We introduced them to the captivating world of programming with Botely and Vex robotics. Imagine this: mastering the fundamentals of coding while navigating their robotic companions through engaging games! This playful approach sparked curiosity and ignited a passion for STEM right from a young age. The camp wasn't confined to the digital realm. Students got their hands dirty (in the best way possible!), learning about climate-smart agriculture and its role in food security. Through hands-on activities like sack gardening, vertical gardening techniques, and modern kitchen gardening methods, they gained a practical understanding of how science contributes to growing our own food. This knowledge, coupled with the promotion of sundrying fruits and vegetables, empowers future generations to be part of the solution for food security and healthier eating habits. Our ultimate goal? To ignite a passion for STEM, equip future innovators with the necessary skills, and cultivate a sense of social responsibility in these young minds. We're committed to fostering a love for learning and empowering the next generation to make a positive impact on the world.
 Our 3rd quarter newsletter is out! We are excited to share with you all that we have accomplished over the past few months (July, August & September). Click the link to learn more
 Our organization had the pleasure of hosting the Segal Family Foundation team at our location in Kisumu in August. This visit was an exciting opportunity for us to showcase the impactful projects that we have collaborated on and discuss strategies for the future. The Segal Family Foundation has been a crucial partner in our journey to provide holistic education and livelihood opportunities in our community. Their continuous support and belief in the power of local leadership has been instrumental in our efforts to create sustainable change. During their visit, we were able to highlight the tangible outcomes of our partnership. Together, we have been able to empower communities and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. From improved access to education to job creation and economic empowerment, our collaborative projects have brought about positive changes for individuals and families in our community. We are incredibly grateful for the Segal Family Foundation's support and for their recognition of the importance of localization. Their belief in the power of grassroots leadership has helped us to enact meaningful change on a local level. As we look to the future, we are excited to continue our partnership with the Segal Family Foundation and to work together towards creating even greater impact. Through our joint efforts, we are confident that we can continue to empower communities and create lasting change. Throwback to this memorable visit and the meaningful discussions we had. We are grateful for the Segal Family Foundation's support and look forward to the future impact we will create together. |
Riley Orton FoundationRiley Orton Foundation (ROF) provides holistic education and promotes gender equality in STEM education to ensure girls and a community with the agency to realize their full potential Archives
April 2025
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