CrossroadsSpringsAfrica

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT Onward and upward! Students some of us met when they were in elementary school are now in uni-versity and other post secondary programs! Their determination and progress, despite life’s challenges, brings tears to our eyes. New secondary students are carefully selected every year, on the basis of need, character, and academic promise. Selected students now needing sponsors are featured in this newsletter; one may call out to you! You can help graduates accepted to university by donating to our Polly Fund. Everything is possible because of your support through donations, scholarships and attendance at fund raisers. Thank you for what you have done and will do going forword! - Alison Hyde

Charley and Simon “I learned that sponsorship is not only a way to give back to those less fortunate, it is also a way to provide hope to people who most deserve it.” I met Simon in the summer of 2014 when I traveled to Hamisi, Kenya for an eight week stay at Crossroads Springs. I had received a grant from my college to pursue a summer of service. Simon, an orphan, was a special friend to me always taking the time to explain things and I decided to sponsor Simon. While there, I developed a deep appreciation for the hard work required to survive and raise a family in this part of the world and also for the many ways people found joy despite such a difficult life.

Spring 2019

STUDENT AND SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT

JOIN US FOR A FUN EVENING AND A GREAT CAUSESaturday, May 4 from 4:30pm to 9pm

Knox Farm State Park Historic Main HouseEast Aurora, New York

$100 per person

We will be hosting our popular fundraising gala on the day of the Kentucky Derby. The event will take place at the historic Knox family summer estate Main House in Knox Farm State Park. The evening will include catering by The Roycroft Inn, a beer and wine bar, entertainment by John Martz and Band and a live viewing of the “Run for the Roses” as well as traditional Kentucky Derby festivities including mint juleps, a best hat contest, photo opportunities with live horses, silent and live auctions and other pre-race fun. Funds raised provide tuition fees, uniforms, books, school supplies, laptops, bedding, and travel expens-es. Tickets and sponsorships are available on our website or by contacting Michele Pellette at 716-400-4698. Donations, silent auction and/or live auction items are greatly appreciated! For more information or to purchase tickets visit crossroadsspringsafrica.org.

Simon and Charley

Simon Vwhalia

Today, Simon attends Senende High School

and is doing well in his third year of school

129 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS17 UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

2019

WELCOME CLASS OF 2022Our 35 first year high school students were selected by our staff in Kakamega, Kenya, and our local Hamisi,Kenya Board who visited the applicants’ homes and assessed needs, considered their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education 8th grade test results, and weighed qualities that indicated good character. Our students began the school year in January and have all been placed in high schools. Below are 10 of our first year students who would love to have a personal connection to a sponsor. If you would like more information on our students please contact Mary Klaus at klausmc29@gmail.com.

www.crossroadsspringsafrica.org

Japheth Mugera, aged 14, stays with his mother. He scored 361 marks in his KCPE exam and joined Vihiga Boys High School. His future ambition is to become a pilot. His father died while the mother sells vegetables and also works as a casual laborer.

Daisy Akoma, aged 15, stays with her mother. She scored 294 marks in her KCPE exam and joined Myra Girls High School. Her future ambition is to become a medical doctor.Daisy’s father died in the year 2009. The mother sells groundnuts on the streets.

Linda Javaya, aged 15, stays with her grandmother because there is not enough room at her father and brother’s house. Her mother separated with her father when Linda was one year old. Linda’s father has a house and 1/8 of an acre where he grows produce.

Raymond Ivusa, aged 14, years stays with his mother in a one roomed rental house. He scored 343 marks in his KCPE exam and joined Mbale boys High School. His ambition is to become a medical doctor. He has 6 siblings.

Shelton Inyonga, aged 15, scored 302 marks in his KCPE exam. He has three siblings, His father died two years ago. His elder sister got married right after class eight. The brother dropped out of school due to lack of school fees.

Esther Naliaka, aged 15, stays with her grand-mother. She scored 274 marks in her KCPE exam and joined Saint CaloriLwanga secondary school. Her ambition is to become a medical doctor. Her father died and her mother ran away afterwards.

Yvonne Khadenyi, aged 16, scored 301 marks in her KCPE exam and joined Goibei Girl’s High School. In 2012, Yvonne’s father was imprisoned because of prohibited drugs and theft. The mother then left her father. Yvonne was left with her grandmother who later died.

Silvanus Mboku, aged 16, stays with his parents. He scored 353 marks in his KCPE exam and joined Nyang’ori Boys High School. His ambition is to become a teacher. Silvanus has 6 siblings all staying in a 4 roomed semi-permanent house.

Brighton Miheso, aged 14, stays with his father. He scored 363 marks in his KCPE exam and joined Chesamisi Boys High School. His future ambition is to become a pilot.His mother died while the father works as a casual laborer.

Catherine Gwahala, aged 15, lives with her brother and an aunt. She scored 338 marks in her KCPE exam and joined Moi Girls High School, Vokoli. Her ambition is to become a teacher. Her father died while the mother is men-tally challenged.