Mission Trips

2012 – A Brighter Future

Projects Completed:

Kijabe Nursery School

Projects Completed:

• Rebuilt the interior of the school, including desks.
• Painted walls and ceilings.
• Built and installed three doors for toilet rooms.
• Provided teaching and recreational supplies.
• Met with teachers, parents, director, and students to assess future needs.
• Coordinated with Pastor Alex to build a veranda and funded the cement slab before the team’s arrival.
• Post-trip: Provided monthly pay for teachers and the director.
• Coordinated uniform sewing by women from Lander, Wyoming.

Impact:

• Improved the learning environment with a renovated interior, furniture, and supplies.
• Enhanced hygiene and functionality with new toilet room doors.
• Strengthened community engagement through meetings with stakeholders.
• Continued financial support for teachers and leadership, ensuring ongoing education.
• Provided students with proper uniforms, fostering a sense of belonging and pride.

Naomi’s Village

Projects Completed:

• Led a Vacation Bible School (VBS) program with storytelling, memory verses, singing, crafts, and games.
• Built shelves and cabinets in the nursery.
• Worked alongside facility maintenance staff, sharing skills and developing relationships.
• Spent time bonding with orphans, witnessing their care and education.
• Welcomed a newborn orphan, Naomi, into the community.

Impact:

• • Provided spiritual, emotional, and educational enrichment through VBS activities.
  • Improved nursery infrastructure with new storage solutions.
  • Strengthened teamwork and skill-sharing between volunteers and facility staff.
  • Deepened connections with the children, reinforcing the importance of love and care in their lives.
  • Witnessed and celebrated the impact of Naomi’s Village in providing a safe, nurturing home for orphans.

2013 – Expanding Our Reach

Projects Completed:

• Constructed a cement slab and veranda to protect students from the elements.
• Supplied handmade uniforms for all students.
• Provided shoes and sweaters to all students and staff.
• Installed a metal locker for security.
• Supplied a generator for powering tools.
• Built playground apparatus using local materials.
• Established a permanent feeding program.
• Funded salaries for teachers, a cook/cleaner, and the director of Naomi’s Village.
• Sponsored both new and returning students.
• Provided monthly wages for teachers, the director, and support staff.
• Supplied food to sustain the students.
• Coordinated with Pastor Alex to lay the foundation and brickwork for a standalone kitchen (planned for the third trip).
• Applied for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
• Developed a website.
• Presented JCAP activities to local groups in the U.S.
• Planned and coordinated with the JCAP Board.
• Conducted Vacation Bible School and carpentry projects while the orphanage director was in the U.S. for fundraising.

Impact:

• • Protection & Infrastructure: The veranda and cement slab provided shelter from the elements, improving the students' comfort and well-being outside the classroom.
  • Education & Security: Supplying uniforms, shoes, and sweaters improved student morale and provided a sense of equality. The security locker enhanced safety for belongings.
  • Resources & Sustainability: The generator enabled essential work, while the playground encouraged physical activity and recreation.
  • Nutrition & Well-being: The feeding program ensured students had regular meals, improving their health and ability to focus on studies. Providing salaries for staff stabilized the learning environment.
  • Long-term Development: Laying the groundwork for a kitchen, securing nonprofit status, and launching a website strengthened the program’s sustainability and outreach.
  • Community Engagement: Presentations in the U.S. and coordination with the JCAP Board expanded awareness and support for the initiative.
  • Faith & Enrichment: Vacation Bible School and hands-on carpentry projects provided both spiritual and practical learning experiences for the students.

2014 – Building Hope

Projects Completed:

Kijabe School

• Constructed a standalone kitchen and store room to improve food preparation and distribution.
• Provided new student uniforms made by a women's group in Wyoming.
• Established a student sponsorship program.
• Conducted home visits to understand students' lifestyles and needs.
• Supplied teaching materials and personal clothing for preschool students and staff.
• Provided science lessons and teaching supplies to Naomi’s Village orphanage.

Naomi’s Village

• Conducted a Vacation Bible School (VBS) focused on biblical stories, memory verses, crafts, and outdoor games.
• Led a science experiment, “Plane Sense,” for older students to explore aerodynamics.
• Engaged preschool children in math activities using teddy bear manipulatives and crafts.
• Spent a morning in the nursery, bringing activities and toys for young children.
• Delivered suitcases full of requested supplies to the orphanage.
• Spent extra time with children at the orphanage through crafts, games, and personal interaction.

Impact

Kijabe School

• Enhanced the learning environment by separating kitchen activities from classrooms.
• Provided students with proper uniforms to support their education.
• Laid the foundation for long-term student support through sponsorships.
• Gained insights into students’ living conditions to guide future assistance.
• Strengthened educational resources for both students and staff.
• Expanded educational outreach to Naomi’s Village with science lessons.

Naomi’s Village Mission Trip 2014

• Strengthened the spiritual and educational foundation of students through VBS.
• Provided hands-on science learning, fostering curiosity and engagement.
• Enhanced preschool learning through interactive math and creative activities.
• Brought joy and developmental support to nursery children with engaging activities.
• Delivered much-needed supplies to improve daily life at the orphanage.
• Deepened relationships with the children, creating lasting emotional and educational support.

Both initiatives contributed to the well-being and development of children, reinforcing educational opportunities and fostering a nurturing environment.

2015 – Growth and Sustainability

2016 – Strengthening Foundations

Projects Completed:

1. Four-Unit Apartment Complex – Successfully built to generate rental income for the operation and maintenance of the school.
2. Vacation Bible School – Planned, funded, and conducted as part of an ongoing tradition at Naomi’s Village.
3. Economic and Physical Well-being Grant – Secured a $10,000 grant from Samaritan’s Purse to supplement the school’s feeding program, which has been successfully implemented. A farming project involving ten student families is in progress, aiming for sustainability within a year.
4. School Computer Program Expansion – Added more computers, improved the power supply, and extended the program to community involvement through evening and weekend classes.

Impact:

• Education Sustainability – Rental income from the apartment complex ensures long-term operational support for the school.
• Community Engagement – The continuation of Vacation Bible School fosters spiritual growth and community bonding.
• Student Welfare & Economic Growth – The feeding program enhances student well-being, while the farming initiative seeks to create sustainable economic benefits for families.
• Technology & Learning Enhancement – The upgraded computer program improves education quality and provides digital literacy opportunities to the broader community.

Unexpected Blessings:

• Individual team members collaborated with local people to support the success and growth of youth-centered initiatives.

2017 – Empowering Through Education

Projects Completed:

1. Classroom Expansion – Built an additional classroom to accommodate student growth from 8 to over 70.
2. Farm Rentals for School Lunch Program – Evaluated and successfully implemented two additional farms to support school meals.
3. Vacation Bible School – Continued planning, funding, and conducting the annual Vacation Bible School at Naomi’s Village.
4. Family Farm Initiative – Evaluated ten new farms aimed at increasing family self-sufficiency; discontinued lower section farms due to environmental and logistical challenges.
5. Apartment Project Review – Assessed last year’s apartment project, which successfully funded school operations; initiated research on adding four more apartments.
6. Grant Application Program – Evaluated grant success for supplementing the school feeding program; committed to exploring sustainable grant opportunities.
7. Needs Assessment – Conducted family visits and discussions with teachers and the school director to determine priorities.

Impact:

• Education Growth – Classroom expansion enabled continued enrollment growth and improved learning conditions.
• Sustainable Food Support – Additional farms strengthened the school’s lunch program, though more food is still needed.
• Community & Spiritual Enrichment – Vacation Bible School continued to provide valuable religious and social engagement for students.
• Economic & Agricultural Development – The family farm initiative identified challenges but set the foundation for future sustainable farming solutions.
• Financial Sustainability – The apartment project successfully covered school operational costs, prompting plans for expansion.
• Improved School Nutrition – Grant application efforts helped supplement food supplies, with a focus on sustainable solutions.
• Targeted Support – Direct engagement with families and staff helped identify and prioritize student and school needs.

2019 – Renewed Focus

Projects Completed:

• Constructed four additional apartments to enhance the financial sustainability of the Kijabe Preschool.
• Built a four-room chicken coop to support both the nutritional needs of students and the financial stability of the Preschool.
• Provided six laptops, donated by members of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church in Tucson, AZ, to supplement the technology needs of teachers and students.
• Conducted home visits to better understand student needs and contributed to the medical and financial needs of specific families.
• Assessed the productivity of JCAP farms through an on-site visit.

Impact:

• The new apartments contribute to the long-term financial support of the Kijabe Preschool.
• The chicken coop enhances student nutrition while also serving as an additional source of income for the Preschool.
• The donated laptops improve access to technology, benefiting both teachers and students in their education.
• Direct engagement with families allowed for a deeper understanding of student needs and provided critical medical and financial support.
• The assessment of JCAP farms informs future strategies for productivity and sustainability.

2020 – Adapting to Challenges

Projects Completed:

• Growth in Education:

  • Added Another Classroom: Expanded educational facilities, increasing the capacity to accommodate more students and enhance learning opportunities.
  • Painted Mural on Front of Three Classrooms: Improved the visual appeal of the school, creating a more welcoming and inspiring environment for students and staff.
  • New Mural on Side of New Classroom: Further enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the new classroom, fostering a positive and engaging atmosphere for learning.

• Nutrition and Sustainability:

  • Over 100 New Dresses Sewn by Ladies of Tucson: Contributed to community engagement and empowerment, providing practical clothing for students while strengthening local connections.

• Maasai Entrepreneurship:

  • Maasai Investment Program and Donation of 55 Goats: Created a thriving herd of 88 goats in less than a year. This initiative not only provided a sustainable food source for Maasai students but also supported the payment of teachers, ensuring continued education for the community.

• COVID Support:

  • Continued efforts to support the community during the pandemic, ensuring that health and safety measures were in place while promoting education and local entrepreneurship.

2022 – Building Brighter Futures

Projects Completed:

1. Playground Equipment

   • New playground equipment was added to the school.
   • Impact: This enhancement improved the school’s recreational facilities, benefiting the children by providing safer and more engaging play opportunities.

2. Security Fence

   • A stronger security fence was built around the entire school grounds.
   • Impact: This increased the safety and security of the school, helping protect students and staff from external threats.

3. Security Entrance

   • The school’s entrance was strengthened and labeled.
   • Impact: This improvement made the entry point more secure and identifiable, enhancing overall safety and organization at the school.

4. Parsonage and Visiting Missionary Dwelling for Pastor Alex

   • A new dwelling was built for Pastor Alex, providing a home and community meeting space.
   • Impact: This project supported Pastor Alex's ministry and fostered greater community involvement by providing space for gatherings and outreach.

Ongoing and Year-Round Activities:

• Emergency and Educational Support

  • JCAP continued to provide emergency funds during the COVID-19 pandemic and supported educational needs such as scholarships.
  • Impact: These efforts helped families and individuals through difficult times and ensured continued educational opportunities for students.

• Maasai Tribe Projects

  • JCAP supported the Maasai tribe by working to improve the preschool and develop economic opportunities, such as enriching the goat herd and establishing a jewelry marketing system for Maasai women.
  • Impact: These projects aimed to improve the community's economy and educational resources, benefiting both the Maasai people and their future prospects.

• Academic Assistance

  • JCAP provided scholarships to students in need.
  • Impact: This assistance helped support the academic success of many students, ensuring they could continue their education despite financial challenges.

• Naomi’s Village Initiatives

  • Kay Mason and her team continued to implement academic and recreational activities for the children at Naomi’s Village, working closely with local directors and teachers.
  • Impact: These activities enhanced the children's educational and social experiences, contributing to their overall development.

2023 – Progress and Unity

Projects Completed:

1. 1. Conversion of Chicken Coop to Classroom:

• 1. • Project: The JCAP team, with the help of local craftsmen, converted a chicken coop into a fifth classroom for the youngest students.
     • Impact: This project addressed the growing school population, providing additional space to meet the special needs of young students.

  2. Enhanced School Grounds Appearance:

     • Project: Improved and added to the gate graphics and built a new fence surrounding the campus.
     • Impact: Enhanced the school's visual appeal, contributing to a more welcoming environment.

  3. Uniform Distribution to First Graders:

     • Project: 52 students entering the first grade received full uniform sets.
     • Impact: Provided students with the necessary attire for their education, helping them feel more prepared and integrated into the school community.

  4. Graduating Class Support:

     • Project: Members of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church supplied the graduating class with complete public school uniform sets.
     • Impact: Helped the graduating students transition smoothly into public school with the necessary uniform sets.

  5. Vacation Bible Schools (VBS):

     • Project: Administered three separate VBS events, including lessons, skits, crafts, and fun activities.
     • Impact: Offered engaging educational and spiritual activities for children in multiple locations, fostering community involvement.

  6. Community Work Projects at Naomi’s Village:

     • Project: Coordinated community work with the directors and team members at Naomi’s Village.
     • Impact: Strengthened community relationships and supported ongoing local development.

  7. Furnishing a Nearby School:

     • Project: Sent funds to furnish a nearby school where students were previously sitting on the floor.
     • Impact: Improved the learning environment by providing desks and chairs for students and teachers.

  8. Free Screening Medical Camp & Health Awareness Day:

     • Project: Sent funds to establish a free medical screening camp and health awareness day.
     • Impact: Provided essential health services to the community, contributing to overall well-being.

  9. Educational Sponsorships:

     • Project: Team members continued sponsoring Kijabe students for high school, vocational school, and college tuition.
     • Impact: Enabled students to pursue higher education and vocational training, improving their future opportunities.

  10. Naomi’s Village Activities:

      • Project: Organized and led various activities such as VBS, devotions, church services, family visits, and an ice cream party.
      • Impact: Strengthened bonds with the children and families at Naomi’s Village and provided both spiritual and emotional support.

  11. Kijabe School and Community Engagement:

      • Project: Led VBS for all classes, built and decorated a fifth classroom, completed home visits, and worked on special projects with families.
      • Impact: Improved the school infrastructure, provided additional learning space, and supported families within the community.

2024 – Empowering Through Growth

Projects Completed:

1. Apartment Project (Ongoing)

   • Project: Construction of four apartments to finance Maasai school.
   • Impact: The rent from these apartments will help improve the physical environment of the school and support educational upgrades.

2. Kijabe Preschool Roof Repair & Rain Water System

   • Project: Repaired the original Kijabe preschool roof to match two new roofs, installed a rainwater conservation system, and equipped all rooms with electricity.
   • Impact: Improved the school’s infrastructure, including better roofing, a sustainable water source, and reliable electricity, enhancing the learning environment.

3. Team Educational and Service Projects

   • Project: Conducted Vacation Bible School (VBS) and various activities at Kijabe School, Leap School, and Naomi’s Village, with the team staying at Naomi’s Village.
   • Impact: Provided educational and service support to the schools and the community, fostering partnership in education and sustainability.

4. Feeding Program Enhancement with Goat Herd

   • Project: Started a goat herd with one or two goats to support the school’s feeding program, which has now grown to over one hundred goats.
   • Impact: The goat herd provides a reliable source of income for the school and contributes to the sustainability of the feeding program.

5. Rain Water Project Completion

   • Project: Completed the rainwater conservation project.
   • Impact: The completed rainwater project ensures a sustainable water source for the school and community.

6. Fifth Classroom Construction

   • Project: Converted a chicken coop into a fifth classroom in 2023.
   • Impact: Expanded educational space, improving the learning environment for students.

Educational and Service Project Areas:

• Partnership with Education: Focus on strengthening education through infrastructure, teacher support, and classroom development.
• Partnership with Community: Collaboration with local communities to enhance resources and services, such as the goat herd and feeding program.
• Partnership in Sustainability: Efforts to ensure long-term benefits, including rainwater systems and sustainable income sources for the school.

Locations Involved:

• Kijabe
• Naomi’s Village
• Maasai Mara