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Kaye Jackson and CANRAD
Q&A with Kaye Jackson, Co-founder and Fund Advisor
In the district of Rarieda, in western Kenya, young girls are learning math, biology, physics, French, history, and agriculture at the Lwak Girls High School. They are also training to become leaders under the Canada/Kenya Rarieda Development Program (CANRAD).
How did CANRAD come to be based in Africa?
I went to Kenya and Uganda on an educational trip to visit schools, hospitals, clinics, and orphanages. I visited the slums of Nairobi and met with government officials, church leaders, doctors, social workers and teachers. It’s ironic because I declared I would never return to Africa after being totally overwhelmed by the poverty and disease I saw. I was also hospitalized for acute food poisoning. But back in Canada, I couldn’t forget the women, particularly the girls.
I then decided to try to raise money to give 5 girls an education. In a few months, I had enough to sponsor 11.
How much money did you start with?
$2,000 in November 2005. By 2006 we had raised $50,000. In 2009 we are sponsoring 49 students.
Why work with Tides Canada?
It’s unrealistic for a small project like CANRAD to set up and run its own charitable organization. We can concentrate on the girls in Kenya while Tides Canada takes care of the details. It’s been a huge bonus working with Tides Canada because they’re such a great source of advice and in-depth knowledge.
How does the project work?
We take in a minimum of 10 students per year and sponsor them for four years of secondary schooling. We’ll be doing this through to 2013. In return for the gift of their education, we ask the girls to offer 100 hours of voluntary service per year, either to their school or their community. They decide on what they wish to give back. The Leadership/Community Service projects are amazing.
Girls who had no status or self-esteem have blossomed and are now mentoring younger students, teaching biology or math. One girl has started tutoring 50 kids in her school. In 2007 alone, CANRAD girls gave back over 1,800 hours of service.
Why are the women in Kenya so important to you?
Because they are such extraordinary, incredibly resourceful, and strong people. With a chance at education, they can change and lead their communities.
Could you tell us about one of the girls you have helped?
One child I love to mention is an orphan named Millicent Obiero. She wrote me when she found out she had been selected. She was so excited that she is now aiming at the sky. Her marks have been very good and she wants to be a doctor. She has gained enough courage to stand and talk in front of people.
