KOP (Kenyan Orphan Project) is an invaluable organisation that was created by Nottingham graduates in 2001 and seeks to improve the lives of some of the world’s most desperate orphans and vulnerable children. It provides these children with healthcare, food and shelter but more importantly, with an education thus giving them a chance for a better future. In the last 12 years, KOP has made a huge improvement to the lives and communities of some of the most vulnerable children by building a hospital, a health clinic, three schools, two community-feeding centres and a support shelter for the many Kisumu street children. Every day the charity helps over 3,400 children.

What sets this charity apart from others is that students from the UK help to fund basic projects for Kenyan communities, who are then able to take the projects forward themselves, giving them room for self-development. One of the key objectives of KOP is to make long-term, sustainable change. The statistics about the area are staggering, for example, one in three children are orphaned as a result of AIDs in Western Kenya, and as such KOP’s work really is vital for saving so many children’s lives.

The reason why I have decided to fundraise for KOP is that all the money I raise will go directly towards these projects. I will be paying for the trip and the flights myself. The charity does not use any of the money raised by student volunteers like me for administration so every penny will have a direct impact on the children's lives. Generous donations from people outside of the student programme cover the admin costs which are in fact very small as the charity only has 3 people working at the head office. 

 

This year, some friends and I from Warwick University have taken up the challenge to raise as much money as possible for this charity. Last year alone, students raised £117,000 for KOP and this year we hope to surpass this. In August we will travel to Kenya to help with various new projects, teaching some classes, assisting at one of the feeding and health centres and most importantly, we will spend time with the children, showing them that they do matter and should not feel alone. This experience will be undoubtedly a life-changing one and will allow us to see first-hand exactly how the money raised will make a difference.

The minimum amount I hope to raise for the project is £800, which I hope to surpass so any donations will be much appreciated, and will make a direct impact. Not wanting to copy Tesco's slogan, but every little helps! So the question is Kenya donate?! ;) 

Thank you for visiting my page 

Max xxx 

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