All Categories - Riley Orton Foundation

APRIL ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE AWARENESS & STEM MENTORSHIP CAMP

4/25/2024

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.

ROF QUARTER 3 NEWSLETTER 2023

11/13/2023

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

ROF quarter 3 newsletter

SEGAL FOUNDATION FAMILY VISIT

9/29/2023

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.

ROF QUARTERLY NEWS UPDATE!!

9/15/2023

ROF QUARTER 2 NEWSLETTER(April, May, June

THE SUCCESS OF THE AKILI AUGUST STEM REVISION & LIFESKILLS CAMP 2023

9/13/2023

by Monica Adhiambo

The Riley Orton Foundation (ROF)held a three-week Revision and Life Skills camp STEM camp at Akili STEMarts Academy during the August school break, from 7th August to 24th August. The camp brought together 150 students from over 20 high schools and primary schools across Kenya, as well as 15 volunteers and ROF staff. The camp was a huge success, as it provided both students and educators with a unique learning experience that was both fun and educational.
The aim of the camp was to improve the knowledge, skills, motivation, and attitudes towards STEM among the participants. The students had the opportunity to engage in a variety of hands-on activities, games, and simulations that helped to equip them with technical skills in STEM subjects. The educators provided guidance and mentorship, helping the students to develop their life skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Before the start of the camp, a four-day initial training and planning workshop was held for 15 educators from 7th to 10th November. The training focused on how to deliver the STEM subjects in hands-on skills learning. They were trained in the use of PhET simulation, digital telling, physical activities, games, mentorship, robotics, and strategic planning of the camp, such as creating a timetable and lesson plans.
The skills gained by the educators enabled them to provide a unique and dynamic learning experience for the students attending the camp. With their newfound skills, they were able to provide an innovative and engaging experience for the students, which will no doubt have a positive impact on their academic and personal lives. Tr. Tracey stated “ As educators being introduced PhET simulation sparked more interest in other STEM subjects that I don't teach. Which has made me look to delivering different topic assured that my students will enjoy and understand every lesson.”
In weeks two and three of the camp we focused on intensive revision sessions for our student attendees. Our goal was to reinforce their understanding of key concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on experiences. To achieve this, we used various tools such as Phet Sims presentations, mathematical thinking, and digital storytelling activities. These activities allowed the students to visualize complex ideas more simply, making problem-solving applications easier.
In addition to the intensive revision sessions, we also provided robotics sessions and physical activity exercises. One of the highlights of our event was the STEM Mentorship Day. In addition to our students Sixty-five girls from WISE organizations also attended and were paired with mentors who were university-level students pursuing or already having a career in STEM subjects. The goal of this day was to provide a supportive environment for the girls to receive one-on-one consultations regarding study tips, best practices, passing exams, and career advice.
The Akili STEM Revision and Life Skills camp was a valuable experience for all those involved. The participants were able to improve their knowledge and skills in STEM subjects, and develop important life skills while cultivating positive attitudes/life skills essential for future success evidenced by certificates awarded on the last day testament achievements made possible due to diligence hard work perseverance dedication shown throughout entire program duration benefiting all participants/facilitators alike!
Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time, energy, and resources to make this camp happen. Your contributions and support helped us to create a safe, fun, educative, and enriching environment for all participants. We are grateful for your dedication and commitment to our mission.

Mannat Sethi Experience as a Marketing Intern.

9/7/2023

My experience as a marketing intern for Riley Orton Foundation (ROF) has been both enlightening and transformative. From the moment I joined the team, I was launched into a world where creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking converged to create meaningful impact.

One of the most striking aspects of working in the marketing department of a non-profit was realizing the pivotal role marketing plays in driving the organization's mission. It became evident that effective communication and outreach are essential tools for raising awareness, rallying support, and ultimately making a difference in the lives of the students that benefit from the organization.

Throughout my internship, I had the privilege of collaborating with David, Monica, and Phoebe who shared a common goal: to amplify the organization's message of student positive fulfillment and engage with the community on a deeper level. Working alongside talented and passionate professionals exposed me to a wealth of knowledge and expertise, pushing me to refine my skills and develop a more strategic approach to marketing.

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is the art of storytelling. Every success story, every testimonial, and every impactful statistic became a potential narrative to share with the world. Crafting these stories in a compelling way, weaving together emotions and data, taught me how to connect with the audience on a human level and inspire action. This skill, I believe, is transferable to any field and will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors.

Furthermore, I gained an understanding of the delicate balance between creativity and pragmatism in marketing. While it's crucial to think outside the box and experiment with innovative ideas, it's equally important to ground these ideas in data and measure their effectiveness. Learning how to analyze metrics and adjust strategies based on insights was a valuable skill I honed during my internship. This helped me make creative graphics of students on Canva and impactful videos through iMovie, while simultaneously updating the website and posting on ROOFs social media.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my experience was witnessing the direct impact of our marketing efforts. Whether it was a successful post of a scholarship recipient, an increase in community engagement, or a surge in interest in the student uniform program, seeing tangible results affirmed the power of effective marketing in driving positive change.

Looking back on my time as a marketing intern for ROF, I am filled with a sense of fulfillment and purpose. The lessons I've learned, the relationships I've built, and the challenges I've overcome have equipped me with a newfound confidence and a deeper appreciation for the role marketing plays in shaping the world around us. As I move forward, I am excited to carry the insights and skills gained from this experience into my future endeavors, with the hope of continuing to contribute to causes that matter.

HIV/AIDS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN NDIRU IN JULY 2023

7/6/2023

According to the recently released report by KDHS, there are 98 new HIV/AIDS infections every week among adolescents aged 15 -19 years. Some are unaware when they contracted the virus, transmitting it to other adolescents. On 6TH JULY, we had an HIV/AIDS awareness session at Ndiru mixed secondary school in Seme, Kisumu County on our on-going HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. The session was successful as information on HIV prevention, treatment, and care was effectively communicated while actively involving 170 girls in discussions. We also donated 2 bales of sanitary towels to the guidance and counseling department.

The session began with an introduction to HIV/AIDS and its prevalence in the community. The facilitators emphasized the importance of prevention methods such as abstinence, condom use, and faithfulness in relationships. They then highlighted the significance of regular HIV testing to know one's status and seek appropriate treatment. The girls were engaged in interactive discussions, encouraging them to ask questions and share their knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Many of the girls showed a good understanding of the disease, but some misconceptions misguided them and this was addressed and corrected.

The session also focused on the risks that increase the chances of contracting HIV/AIDS among adolescents, such as drug and substance abuse i.e. the negative consequences of these behaviors and how they contribute to the spread of HIV/AIDS. They emphasized the need for the participants to avoid such harmful practices and instead engage in positive activities that promote their overall well-being.

Treatment and adherence to drugs were other important topics covered during the session. The facilitators explained the different types of antiretroviral therapy (ART) available and stressed the importance of taking medications as prescribed to maintain good health. They also discussed the concept of opportunistic diseases and how they affect individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

In addition, students were then educated about sexual abuse, including different types of sexual abuse e.g. unwanted touching, rape or attempted rape, sexual exploitation, verbal or visual harassment, grooming, and molestation. Perpetrators: People who can abuse students including individuals known to them (family members, friends, or acquaintances), as well as strangers. What to do in case they are molested and reporting procedures.

We then briefly educated the girls on menstrual hygiene: managing their first period, capturing blood, disposing of used sanitary towels, keeping clean during menstruation, and managing cramps.

The objectives for the sessions were met as students were able to identify risky behaviors, understand prevention measures, and gained more understanding of the disease e.g. preventing stigma & treatment, differentiating myths, and the true information about HIV/AIDS. The girls later received sanitary towels.

Tailored for Education Visit

6/2/2023

AT ST PETERS WAGAI MIXED SECONDARY SCHOOL

We are excited to share the visit of co-founders Megan and Jessica from Tailored For Education org to our premises in Kisumu. Tailored For Education is an organization that provides school uniforms to students in need, and we are proud to partner with them in our mission to ensure that every student has the resources they need to succeed.
During their visit, Megan and Jessica had the opportunity to meet our talented local tailors at the Regional Uniform Center. These tailors work tirelessly to create school uniforms for students from our partner schools. The visit allowed them to witness these tailors' hard work and dedication and to understand their organization's impact firsthand.

Additionally, Megan and Jessica visited five schools in the region: Sidindi, Obambo, Simenya, and Wagai secondary schools. At these schools, they met and interacted with students who have directly benefited from our school uniform distribution program. It was inspiring to hear the student's stories of how having a uniform has helped them to feel more confident and focused in their studies.
We would like to express our deep gratitude to Tailored For Education for their continued partnership and support. Their dedication to ensuring that students in need have the uniforms they require is commendable. Without their assistance, many students would face unnecessary barriers to their education.

We would also like to thank everyone who has contributed to making this partnership possible. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, your support has directly impacted the lives of students in our community.
Together with Tailored For Education, we are committed to removing barriers and promoting local action for education for all. By working together, we can ensure that every student has access to the tools they need to succeed in their educational journey.

INCREASING ACCESS TO EDUCATION THROUGH BICYCLE DISTRIBTION.

6/1/2023

Access to education is a global challenge, in rural areas, it is even more challenging due to a lack of infrastructure and resources. Often, students have to travel long distances to reach school, which is not only time-consuming but also physically demanding. For young girls, this often leads to transactional sex, making them vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. In addition, students often arrive late to school, missing the beginning of lessons and falling behind. These challenges not only affect their academic performance but also their overall well-being.

One solution to this challenge is through the provision of bicycles to students, particularly girls. Last year, in partnership with The One Bicycle Foundation, we were able to donate 40 bicycles to students in rural areas who travel long distances to school. Providing this means of transportation to students in this area has had a significant impact on their daily lives. These bicycles not only make it possible for students to get to school on time, but they also reduce the risk of girls being exposed to sexual exploitation, especially when they have to walk long distances alone.

The impact of the bicycle donation is evident; here is one of the impact stories from our beneficiaries. Sixteen-year-old Syprose is a high-achieving student with a passion for Physics. With home quite far from school, she would not be able to manage her chores and arrive at school on time each day without her bicycle. This is what Syprose had to say regarding the impact of the bicycle on her academic performance,’’ last year the organization gave me a bicycle to cycle to school and it has really reduced my commute time helping me to arrive at school on time. Since I come from a remote area, getting to school on time was a problem, and my parents were unable to provide for my daily transport cost. I found it difficult to catch up with the dawn lessons hence it became very challenging to cope up with the already covered syllabus and this led to a drop in my academic performance from an A- to B-. After receiving the bicycle I am now at position 7 out of 253 students with a mean grade of B+[68 points]. My performance has improved since I am able to catch up with the dawn lessons I used to miss before.” These bicycles will make a real difference in students' lives, allowing them to access education and improve their opportunities.

The provision of bicycles to aid students in their daily commute to school is one of the many practical solutions that can be implemented to ensure that all children, especially girls in rural areas, have access to education. It is not a perfect solution, but it is a step in the right direction. Thanks to One Bicycle Foundation 40 students have access to education, which is vital for their personal development, growth, and future success.

We are committed to ending period poverty and promoting girls' education.

5/2/2023

At ROF, we are committed to ending period poverty and promoting girls' education. We believe that every girl has the right to reach her full potential, and we are proud to be working towards this goal. Our partners at Ndiru secondary school have seen a positive impact on its female students due to our free uniforms, sanitary pads and underwear distribution program. Many students come from low-income families that cannot afford menstrual hygiene products. This has led to challenges such as absenteeism, low self-esteem, poor academic performance, and risky sexual behavior. ROF's donations have helped to alleviate some of these issues and reduce period poverty, allowing girls to focus on their education.

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