Why we want to help

In October 2023 we as Stichting Propria Motu participated in the Africa Classic, a 400km mountain bike challenge around the Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Amref Flying Doctors. During this trip, we submerged ourselves into the local culture and experienced how local communities in Tanzanie and Kenya collaborate and operate with the resources they have available. Their reliance on water wells, limited availability of food, the local education system and the support they rely on from local charities. Many of these facilities are multiple hours away from the villages, not only water wells but schools, hospitals and local doctors offices. Many of the children often have to walk miles to get to school, dont get any food at home and only get to eat at school and have to bring home water to provide for their family. Unfortunately, not all children, of which a large part young girls, get the opportunity to attend school as the parents arent able to pay the schoolfees or prioritize the education of their sons.

This made an impact on us, as we feel that everyone should have the opportunity to attend school. Seeing how Amref Flying Doctors plays an important role in driving this change inspired us. In Africa, education remains one of the mostpowerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty. However, access to quality education is still a challenge in many rural and underdeveloped regions.

By partnering with Rainbow4Kids, we aim to close the education gap in Ukunda, Kenya by providing the tools and resources needed for children to thrive. This includes providing resources to maintain their classrooms, improving access to learning materials, offering college scholarships for the brightest and most promising students, and supporting the development of their Talent Academy. Together, we aim to support Rainbow4Kids in creating an environment where children can not only receive an education and enjoy nutritious food, but first and foremost develop the skills and confidence needed to break the cycle of poverty.

The story of Rainbow4Kids

In 2000, kindergarten teacher Katrien Vermeersch visited Kenya for the first time. Like many other tourists, she enjoyed the stunning nature and the ever-present sunshine. She went on safari and had a wonderful stay. However, she also ventured beyond the confines of the hotel, exploring the surrounding area. There, she witnessed the challenging conditions her Kenyan fellow teachers faced. They taught in makeshift classrooms made of crooked clay walls with straw roofs that let in the rain, without any teaching materials, and with children who often came to school hungry. These are just a few descriptions that highlight the difficult circumstances.

Deeply moved by this heart-wrenching situation, she quickly made a decision: something had to be done. This realization led to the founding of the non-profit organization 'Rainbow4Kids' in 2006. By 2009, the organization had built a kindergarten and primary school in Maweni (Ukunda), a small village 30 km south of Mombasa. The school now includes: 1 nursery class, 1 baby class, 2 kindergarten classes, and 6 primary education classes. The on-site kitchen is used daily to provide breakfast and a nutritious lunch. Additionally, the school has a boarding facility where final-year students can prepare for their exams.