CES Family Gathering 27 May builds momentum

About 40 members of the CES family came together for the CES Family Gathering in Toronto on 27 May. They were able to learn about recent news at CES and plans for the organization, and to meet old and new friends.

CES Canada President Michael Frederiksen appeared by recorded video to talk about how the organization has developed over the years, and to thank many of the people who were present. Michael was in Europe at the time – recorded at a hospital in Amsterdam, where his wife Linda was undergoing unexpected medical treatments (click here to see Michael’s recorded presentation from Amsterdam). 

Charles Mayenga, board member and Secretary to CES Canada, gave an update on a project that CES is supporting – the Mama Truphena Nyangweso Mayenga Learning Resource Centre at Itumbe Primary and Secondary Schools, in Nyamira, Kenya.

Malik Khaemba, Patron of CES Kenya, appeared by recorded video (here’s a link), stating the Kenyan Board’s commitment to continue supporting the work of CES for between one and two more years (see here to learn how we will use this transition period for CES growth). Also appearing by recorded video were Melvin Wafula, a CES alumna who has put her education to good use in a business career; and Zablon Wanjala, now employed as a teacher.

Patricia Makori, Principal of the CES Kenya School of Continuing Studies and who was visiting Canada from Kenya, talked of how the Peer Mentoring Program has helped students transition from secondary school to university.

Mercy Nyakundi, CES beneficiary, who was brought to Canada for medical treatment by CES – and who is now completing her secondary school education in Canada, planning on university, possibly on an athletic scholarship (she plays wheelchair basketball).

David Feather, Chairman of the Peter Cundill Foundation, which has provided significant funding for the work of CES in Kenya. David talked about how he has enjoyed working with CES over the years, including his own visit to Kenya.

Carl Friesen, incoming Chair of CES Canada, talked about his own journey to working with CES, his three trips to Kenya to learn more about the realities our students face, and his hopes and plans for the future (see here for an edited version of Carl’s presentation).

Following the formal part of the event, participants were able to enjoy some East African spiced tea, and some traditional East African street food.

It’s important to note that in keeping with CES’s low-overhead policies and priorities:

• The space in the lower auditorium of Kingsway Baptist Church was provided free of charge

• Food for the event was generously donated by Mohamed Omar and his family (Omar is President of the Abbas Mosque in Toronto, and many of that congregation are from Kenya)

• Other supplies – fruit juice, name tags, disposable plates and cups – were donated by well-wishers including Pat and Bernard Simon

• Catering support came from volunteers