In 2002 while Irene Mbari-Kirika was visiting Kenya, her aunt invited her to visit the school she founded. Irene's aunt was confident that she could make a difference in the lives of the children with a small monthly contribution. While visiting the school, Irene encountered children who had very little but the best smiles to offer. She was shocked to discover the dilapidated condition of the school. However, it was considered one of the best in the village. Most children came from such poor backgrounds that a meal during lunchtime was a luxury. Irene’s aunt told her about one of her students, Kamau, a 12-year-old boy who left his home each morning before daylight to go to school. He walked the long distance just to secure a favorable reading space in which to do his homework, prior to the start of class. With a lack of basic amenities, such as electricity, and tending to farm chores every day after school, his home life was not conducive to reading or learning. Kamau’s story struck a chord. It reminded Irene of her own upbringing in difficult conditions. She realized that time may have moved on, but for so many people, the economic conditions of 20 years ago remain unchanged.
