Our co-ordinator Rieder has just landed back in Kenya after a wonderful 3 weeks here in the UK. We asked him to write a brief update for the website to share his experience and some of his highlights from his trip with you. 

"I was happy to see Amy and Rich on my arrival, despite being a long journey. Amy and Rich managed to organise a lot of training for me and that was really important in my work. 

I learnt a lot of new things I can use in my job from each training and also met some of the sponsors, which was really good for me to share with them about the kids they sponsor and their families.

I had good times throughout my stay in the UK for those three weeks. I was really pleased to see how people were kind to me. ” 

While he was here in the UK we were able to organise the following training courses for Rieder, all with qualified professionals or specialist organisations. All were excellent teachers and all provided fantastic opportunities for him to grow and develop:

• Building Resilience with vulnerable families

• Adolescent relationships, Contraception and Sexual health

• IT - maintenance and troubleshooting

• Safeguarding Children

• Organisation and Time Management

• Group Dynamics and running a successful youth group

• Working with vulnerable young people

• Education and non-traditional learning styles and techniques

• Business mentoring and developing a Business Plan

• Play and Interaction with 3-5 year olds

THANK-YOU to all the contributors and everyone who made this training possible for him - it will have a hugely beneficial impact on Milele in the years to come.

Rieder speaking at the 10 Year Celebration Ball

“The 10 year's celebration of Milele Program was one of my best memories I will ever keep. It was amazing to see how people supported Milele in every way they can to make it successful. 

As I travel back home, I know saying goodbye is always hard, but I am more confident and well equipped with knowledge which will help me transform the loves of our kids and ensure they have a brighter future ahead. 

Thanks to everyone for being welcoming towards my visit. I really appreciate everything you have done for me throughout my stay in the UK. 

I will always do my best in my job and help all the kids

Byeee!!!"

Ahead of the big 10th Anniversary Ball next Saturday Emily (one of Milele's wonderful trustees) thought it would be a nice idea to have a more informal event for sponsors to be able to meet up with Rieder and hear about how their sponsored children are getting on over in Kenya. So we hired Leire village hall, baked some cake and invited sponsors along to meet Rieder and get a sneak preview of the photo boards being prepared for the ball.

The event was a big success with lots of sponsors who are unable to make the ball getting to meet Rieder for the first time . Rieder was able to regale stories about the children and tell their sponsors just what a difference they are making. When he returns to Kenya he'll be able to tell the children how kind their sponsors are and how passionate they are about education.

It was wonderful to see Rieder come into his own whilst interacting with the sponsors during the event. His confidence has grown immensely over the course of his trip and he was also able to share with sponsors more about his role & responsibilities in Kenya, which enabled them to understand just how vital his role is to Milele.

We're now back into ball preparation mode and putting the finishing touches on what is set to be a great evening for all involved.

Don't forget to check out our star auction item and make sure to tell anyone you know who us going to Kenya (or nearby) before October 2019 as you can bit even if you're not there on the night.

See you on Saturday!

Mahali Mzuri

We are honoured that Virgin Limited Edition have donated a once in a lifetime 3 night stay at Mahali Mzuri, Richard Brandon's safari camp which will be sold at auction to raise money for Milele.

Escape to Mahali Mzuri a 12-tent safari camp in Western Kenya located in the Motorogi Conservancy with 13,500 hectares of bush to explore along with the neighbouring Olare Orok Conservancy. Against the backdrop of a valley and sprawling plains as far as the eye can see, visitors to Mahali Mzuri can expect exciting game drives with experienced Guides, delicious meals, a cosy and relaxing atmosphere at our camp and in a uniquely designed, spacious and luxurious tent.

This is our star auction item and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a safari like no other. It will be available for bids both on and before the evening so even if you can't make the ball. You can bid on this incredible item and help us send children to school whilst also enjoying a wonderful holiday!

It's win-win!