I arrived in Kenya 4 weeks ago, with the intention of preparing for the United States National Triathlon Championships. Inspired to spend my time in a small village of Iten, "The Home of Champions", where many of the best distance runners go to train. I quickly realized that this place is not only the Home of Champions, but it is also home to poverty, pain and despair.

I had a feeling that I was being lead here for something more than running. But why? Why Africa? Why Kenya? In truth, I can run anywhere and over the next few weeks, it became clear. There was a deeper seed that hadn't yet shown itself to me.

As soon as I arrived, I noticed children of all ages, walking the streets in school uniforms. Smiling and laughing. Seemingly excited for school? An anomaly in the United States. As conversations and experiences unfolded, I was invited to visit a few schools nearby. It was here where I began to notice a certain pride and priority to educate the kids here in Kenya. Outside of running, receiving a high level education is the other pipeline out of poverty. Many are looking for a way out. Many are looking for change.

Many schools here are "funded" by the government. Unfortunately, the amount is inadequate to fairly support the school systems and provide resources and materials for both students and teachers. Every school is different and most children and their families scrap together all they can to pay their "tuition".

As I visited some of these schools, I was blown away by how little they had. Yet, still making it work. With smiles on their faces. They were doing the best they could. A testament to the teachers for showing up and getting the children to "sign up", for what is obviously (from an outsider point of view) an extremely difficult and uphill road for each and every one of them.

I was feeling called to support this broken system. But how? I asked the universe and God answered. Through a serious of "coincidences" I was guided to a small school of 360 students overlooking the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. Just 10Km (6 miles) outside of where I've been staying in Iten. This small school is Chepkogin Primary, and this is their story:

Lead by Headmaster (Principal) Ethel, Chepkogin Primary houses 362 students, ages of 3-16 and 12 teachers. Built in 1986, this school sits along the rim of the beautiful Rift Valley that stretches almost 7,000km (4,000m) in Eastern Africa.

(Chepkogin Primary from above)

Both students and teachers make their way into school each day, by foot, because they do not have access to transportation. Some of which have to journey 10km (6miles). There is no plumbing systems or Wi-Fi. They receive their water from rain collection systems, stored in tanks and the rest is piped down the hillside by a gravity fed system sourced by springs. The "kitchen" is an enclosed space outside with stones and wood to heat small pots of food for teachers only. They do not have the funds to provide food for the children, so many go home for "lunch" and return with empty stomachs.

The funding is broken down as follows:

Chepkogin receives 320 shillings per "registered" student per term. There are 3 terms in a year and that adds up to a whopping $6 per year per student. Just imagine that for a moment...now take into consideration that only 142 of the 362 students are registered (for various reasons). The numbers do not seem to be in their favor.

Each student must pay 20,000 shillings ($140) per year, which may not seem like much, but once you understand the average family here in Iten does not make more than $4 per day, it changes things a bit.

("Library")

Their biggest needs are writing materials, updated books, lockers, toys, musical instruments, a printer, but most importantly...FOOD. To me, nutrition is THE vital ingredient to learning and retaining information. The fact Chipkogen is ranked 6/22 in the region for test scores and sent an astonishing 60% of its students to university, had me both inspired and bewildered. I asked myself, what were the possibilities if they had even a fraction of what "we" have in our systems?

("Restroom")

As we toured the school, I was really taken back when I visited their "restrooms" which were nothing more than outhouses with a hole in the floor. The conditions of this school had me so curious to how they were able to do what they've done. There seemed to be something magical in the air and I've realized that it's hope.

One of the lessons of traveling that I have been opened to, is the vast differences of "worlds" we live in. Always returning back to the United States with a greater sense of appreciation and motivation to make the most of the gifts I've been given. Because that's what my life is. A gift. An opportunity to access resources and a lifestyle that many (most) other human beings do not possess.

It's been important for me to understand we didn't choose the "cards we were dealt". I didn't choose to be born into a white middle class suburbian family in the United States. I didn't choose to be given the privlidges of an athletic and educated male in a society that favors this demographic. Yet, what I do have the power over, is HOW I choose to use these opportunities and resources I have been given. I believe we are here to leave this world in a better place than we entered it. We are here to serve and support each other, because we are all in this together. We are one. Regardless of cultural, social and political preferences. History has shown us what the result of living in a mind of separation and selfishness can create. It has been enlightening and uncomfortable at times to witness the state of Africa, but what hurts more, is not doing anything to support it when I know I can.

I am ready for something different. I am ready for change, but collective and systematic change cannot be done alone. I ask you to join me in supporting my sponsorship of Chepkogin Primary School. Help me create opportunities for the generations who follow. Help me build a Home of Champions, with bricks of hope. I am now putting this into the hands of the universe and the human spirit.

My intention is to use this crowdfunding platform to open the doors of possibilities to not only the kids of Kenya, but to you. To offer you an opportunity to contribute to a cause that may seem distant, but in the space of mankind, is closer than you realize. If you feel called or inspired to share this with friends, family or anyone you think would be interested, I encourage you to do so.

Email: Bakerfitness18@gmail.com

Please contact me (Caleb) if you have any questions about this project. Also, if you feel more comfortable to send your support through another platform (paypal, venmo, etc.) that is also possible.
(Soccer "ball")

I return back to the United States on the 8th of March, and would absolutely love to conclude my trip to Kenya with a gift to Ethel, Chepkogin Primary, teachers, students, their families and all the little ones who haven't come into this Earth, but will sit at these desks at some point in time. Any donations offered after the 6th of March will be sent directly to Ethel and the administration of Kepchogin Primary. I will keep this page open for donations throughout the year of 2024!

I dream of a day when I return to Kenya and visit Kepchogin, to get another tour and see the changes they have made.

After reflecting on my stay and conversations with the locals, it has become quite clear that the system that supports them is fractured. Imbalanced. Even the educated are not promised opportunities here. In my eyes, supporting systematic change begins at the elementary level. With the children who will grow into the future policy makers. Let's build a future and change some lives, together.

UPDATE!!!

As of 3/1/24, just 72 hours after the birth of this fundraiser, we have raised close to $5,000. I am speechless...and I give all my thanks to God and the human spirit. It's inspiring to see what we can do when we come together. I have met with Principal Ethel to update her and her jaw dropped in amazement. She sends her deepest gratitude to all of you. We further discussed the details of how/where your support will be distributed throughout the school. Here it is:

-15 students in greatest of need will receive uniforms/shoes.

-Food (lunch) will now be served to both students and teachers, along with an upgrade in kitchen supplies and staff.

-Writing materials and updated books, 3 desktop computers with new learning software and Wi-Fi.

-Processing of tree to make desks, lockers and shelves.

-Athletic equipment and musical instruments.

-Repair old bathrooms and build a new one

-Purchase a second cow (for fresh milk) and upgrade cow shed.

-Purchase a small bus for teacher transportation and student emergencies.

-Form a health care budget to provide care for both students and teachers.

-Gift all teachers with a "bonus" as a gift of gratitude for their dedication and commitment.

4-2-24 UPDATE

Wow, words cannot describe my excitement and gratitude for all those who have contributed and opportunity to support these children, teachers and community. We have raised $7,770 to date and I have received an update from Principal Ethel and Chepkogin Primary.

This is what they have purchased thus far:

New Printer (first for the school)

New and Updated Books

New shoes for the shoeless

New kitches supplies

New athletic uniforms

You can feel the joy through the photos, but nothing touches my heart like this video of the kids eating lunch at school (for the first time)

Thank you, again, from the bottom of my heart. This has been an amazing journey and opportunity to serve this community. To change the lives of others and support this world. Many blessings to you 🙏🏼💙

-Caleb Charles

Kids n’ Kenya 🇰🇪

By Chepkogin Primary School

Kids n’ Kenya 🇰🇪

Let’s Support Chepkogin Primary School, Together