Oprah’s Angel Network

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Evelyn (right) participates in one of her women’s groups.

Copyright Free The Children, International Programs

Evelyn knows the importance of education. As a single mother of six children, she takes on the work of her entire household, leaving her children free to attend school and complete their homework. Living in the Emorijoi community in Kenya, Evelyn works hard each day fetching firewood, cooking, cleaning and working her farm. But her responsibilities don’t end there.

Building the Community

Using a grant provided by Oprah’s Angel Network, Free The Children initiated an alternative income project in the Emorijoi community in 2005, and also rebuilt and relocated the Emorijoi Primary school in 2005.

A Safer School

The original Emorijoi Primary school was made of mud, sticks and cow dung, and was located far from the center of the community. In its remote location, one teacher always had to stand on watch for a herd of elephants that regularly passed by the school. While Evelyn knew how important education was for her children, she also worried about their safety. So when the opportunity arose, Evelyn was part of the committee that worked with Free The Children to move the location of the school out of harm’s way and into the heart of the community. Now 500 students safely attend school in the Emorijoi community.

Health and Sustainability

As a result of the alternative income project, there are now five women’s groups in the community working to improve life in the area. From building pit latrines for improved sanitation to creating rainwater collection systems, the 100 women that comprise the groups are helping sustain the community. So inspired by her own children’s growth at school, Evelyn was driven to become an advocate for women in her community. Not only is she a part of a women’s group—she’s the group’s leader. She also considers it her personal duty to visit the other group’s regular meetings to make sure all the women feel supported and encouraged in their projects.

Given the opportunities and resources, people have the power to change their communities—and Evelyn is proof that this is true.

So inspired by her own children’s growth at school, Evelyn was driven to become an advocate for women in her community.”