By Belinda Bulla & Rachel Geesa
In a heartwarming journey that began in 2002, the Kenya Project has grown into a force for positive change in Kenyan communities. The Kenya Project is an endeavor aimed at assisting various communities in Kenya, with a primary goal to ensure that children (with a special emphasis on girls) have unhindered access to education. The program is led by Dr. Winnie Mucherah, Ball State Teachers College Interim Department Chair of the Department of Educational Psychology and Professor of Educational Psychology, who collaborates with the student-driven non-profit organization Delivering Education Supplies to Kenya (DESK) to extend support to the Kenyan community.
From its humble beginnings of donating 45 school uniforms, the Kenya Project now proudly boasts the distribution of 267 school uniforms to the Kenyan community. In addition to uniforms, the project provides essential school supplies (e.g., books, pencils, and pens) and pain-relieving medication. This initiative goes beyond providing school attire, as it has embraced sustainability by purchasing land for the school to cultivate their own food. Locally grown produce, harvested from the school farm, now fuels the students’ lunches, ensuring they have regular, nutritious meals during the school day. Moreover, the project also offers sanitary pads and feminine hygiene products to support girls as they navigate their period with dignity.
The Kenya Project’s impact does not stop there. The program has undertaken a crucial effort to raise awareness about sickle cell anemia in western Kenya. Through inter-disciplinary partnership between Teachers College and the College of Health, the facilitators are striving to make a difference by providing educational awareness and knowledge about sickle cell anemia. Their current mission is to secure funding, both internally and externally, for the establishment of the ‘Center for Excellence’ for screening, diagnosis, and intervention. This center holds the promise of preventing, controlling, and managing sickle cell anemia in Western Kenya, where the condition is notably prevalent.
This inspiring endeavor reflects the program’s unwavering commitment to improving education, health, and overall well-being in the Kenyan community. With donations, calendar sales, and dedicated efforts, the Kenya Project continues to light the path toward a brighter future for the children of Kenya and beyond.
In 2007, Ball State University and Kenya (Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology-MMUST) embarked on a transformative partnership, cementing their commitment through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU, a renewable five-year agreement last reaffirmed in the summer of 2023, has become a cornerstone for an enriching exchange of ideas and opportunities between Ball State University and MMUST. The collaboration has been nothing short of groundbreaking, fostering cross-continental connections, knowledge exchange, and academic advancement.
The MOU has facilitated an array of benefits, from research collaborations that bridge the gap between academic realms to the sharing of specialized resources that have contributed to the development of unique programs benefiting both parties. This accord has not only encouraged research studies in Kenya by Ball State University, but also opened doors for student exchange programs and faculty exchanges, enriching the educational experiences of scholars on both sides. While students from Ball State University have had the opportunity to explore the vibrant Kenyan culture and academic landscape, financial constraints have posed challenges for Kenyan students in reciprocating these experiences. Nevertheless, the MOU remains a powerful catalyst for academic growth, international collaboration, and the expansion of initiatives like the Kenya Project, furthering its growth and enhancing its impact. This landmark collaboration stands as a testament to the power of partnership and education in creating a brighter future for both Ball State University and MMUST, Kenya.
