From: Common Ground tcground@gmail.com
To: Holly Hoffman <hollymom@earthlink.net>, JON GREENSTONE <jsgreenstone@verizon.net>
Date: Jan 19, 2014 12:40 PM
Dear Dr.Holly & Rev. Jon
I hope you are doing well. We are all doing well at CGA and busy
distributing admission letters to our students who did 2013 Kenya
Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE). The kids at Pathfinder
Academy did very well in the national exam with the majority scoring
over 350 out the possible 500 marks, the highest scored 407 Marks.
Four of our best students registered for exams in public schools in
fear of discrimination in admission of students in national secondary
schools as the government favors public schools. One of these kids
(Brian Masinde Masibo) took position one in our County, scoring 427
marks out of the possible 500 marks.
There is nothing more inspiring
than meeting with the members of community and hearing their stories.
Despite their unbelievable challenges, it's remarkable to see the rich
spirit these women possess. They are feeding and educating their
children with income from their small parcels of land. Sending
children to Pathfinder Academy has been their greatest joy and seeing
their children join national is a dream come true.
The battle against poverty and disease is still an uphill climb, but
the connection we feel through deep values and rich culture is
stronger than ever. Family is the strong glue that holds people
together in times of joy and sadness in our population. Gardening has
been the greatest unifying factor in many families. This is something
I experience regularly and feel constantly from our Members – family
brings harmony, hope and spirit to day-to-day life. Income raised from
family farms is used to care for the less fortunate in terms of food,
medicine or school fees. Songs, dance and community work to keep the
culture strong and connected in such an incredible way.
There is a special saying we have in Kenya – “There is no way through
a home.” This demonstrates a gesture of open and inviting hospitality
to all visitors. The welcoming Kenyan culture is full of love and
unity that shapes the beauty and spirit of its people.
It is with this exact warmth and love that we welcome our newest
project Lenana Girls High School and invite you to join us on this
journey in 2014. We are recruiting 25 energetic, brilliant orphaned
girls spread across the nation. Their hands feel coarse at a handshake
due to strenuous work day after day, but their eyes shine with
unyielding determination and hope. Amongst the students that we have
recruited, the highest has 407 and the lowest student 327 marks.
Thanks for joining hands with us in the journey of a lifetime with
Lenana Girls High School!
With love and fresh spirit for 2014,
Joshua Machinga– Common Ground for Africa.
To: Shana Greene <shana@villagevolunteers.org>, JON GREENSTONE <jsgreenstone@verizon.net>, Holly Hoffman <hollymom@earthlink.net>
Subject: Good News
Date: Mar 30, 2014 3:34 PM
Dear Shana, Rev. Jon & Dr. Holly,
I hope this email finds in good spirits. I am happy to report to you that all your sponsored students did very well in the national KCSE exams.
All the three students (Sharon, Mbithe and Abigael) scored B (minus) and Pamela scored a B (Plus). All students have started revising their university courses based on the performance and subject points. I remember asking assistance from Rev. Jon and Shana to assist the girls revise the course to improve their chance of joining public university as regular students. The whole process will take US$ 370 per student.
I am not sure how they will be allowed to revise before the session is closed. Normally, it does not take long and the process started last week.
Finally, I would like to thank you for supporting the girls. It is only God that can reimburse you for what you have done.
Kind regards,
Joshua Machinga.