Scholarships for Kenyans - via Moldova

An organization in the central European country of Moldova generously provided support for CES students in Kenya.

Balti, Moldova lies 8,185 Km north of Kakamega, Kenya. Balti is the second-largest city in the Republic of Moldova, with a population of just over 100,000. Here, youth face similar challenges to those in Kenya. Economic poverty and high unemployment levels keep many young people in both countries from achieving healthy, future oriented, and productive lives.  

During the last decade, Vlad Litvinov has been involved in ORMOS, a non-profit Canadian organization that has supported the Fakel (Torch) Youth Center in Balti. This oasis of friendship offers a place for young people from 12 to 24 years to meet and participate in a variety of activities: music, arts and crafts, table tennis, board and outdoor games, soccer, volleyball, tours and hiking. The main goal is to involve children and youth in meaningful activities and keep them off the streets. One quarter of these youth come from troubled backgrounds, often with past conflicts with the law. 

Vlad has also been a friend of CES Canada, supporting our efforts to reduce poverty in western Kenya. Due to a number of circumstances surrounding Covid19, ORMOS had to cease its activities in Moldova. There were some remaining funds left in the Canadian charity account. Vlad then asked whether these could be utilized in a similar project like CES. As a result, CES now can offer secondary school scholarships for eight more students in Kenya. This includes school fees as well as a hot meal and tea breaks each day for an entire year. 

Funds from Canada earmarked for Moldova, now redirected to Kenya – an unusual way for humanitarian aid to find wings. Often when one door closes, another opens up. Huge thanks to ORMOS and to Vlad Litvinov for sharing their resources and good will to needy young people in Kenya.