BE MORE JOSIE

So where did it all begin?

The story begins 10 years ago in 2016 when I met David on a Christian Training Course in Kent. I heard the story of their young children coming home in tears after a day at school because their packed lunch had been stolen by those who had no food at all. Over the many weeks we shared our stories and a bond formed. I was touched by the stories I heard of children walking 2 or 3 miles to school with nothing but a flask of black tea to sustain them. Of children suffering from waterborne diseases. Of children who wanted to learn but who were too hungry.  I promised I would go and visit them in Molo, Kenya.

When did you first go to Kenya?

My trip was planned for November 2019, but tragically my middle daughter Josie died and I had to postpone the trip. Covid then intervened but I finally got there in January 2024! I met David and his wife Janet and their 5 children.

What were your first impressions?

I really was not prepared for the poverty I saw in Kenya and the state of the schools in particular Kirantich Primary School where David and Janet’s 3 youngest children attend.  But I fell in love with the head at the village school. She seemed to have the spirit of my Josie (who was also a primary school teacher overseas in Shanghai). This woman was strong, inspiring, resourceful and with a fierce love for the children, so like Josie.

So what happened next?

As we met and talked it transpired that what the school needed most was a feeding program;  As I said, children walk perhaps an hour to school and have with them only a flask of black tea for the whole day!  So a lot of parents keep their children home as why expend all that extra energy without food. How can children learn and concentrate if they are hungry? We set out to provide one meal a day for the 100 children at the school.

And that’s how BE MORE JOSIE started

So Josie inspired you?

Yes. I thought that if Josie hadn’t died at 25, she would still be inspiring many children every year. I’m alive so surely I can do something to get these kids to school, get them an education so they can get themselves and their families out of poverty.

What are the next steps?

Well since we started, more children have joined the school and there are now 180 pupils. We’re providing lunch and fruit every day thanks to the generosity of our supporters which is amazing. Thank you so much for all your donations. Please read our blog to find out how we spend the money.

Annie

 P.S. “BE MORE JOSIE” is in the process of applying for UK charity status