BRIEF HISTORY: When officially notified of our non-profit 501(c)(3) status on January 26, 2018, we began a journey to help Children in Especially Difficult Circumstances (CEDC) in Lumakanda, Kenya to break the cycle of poverty.  Three years have gone by and through the passion and determination of our US-based Board of Directors and our Lumakanda based Advisory Council as well as the generosity of countless donors, friends and family, the shared vision to provide shelter, food, education and health care to Kenyan children became a reality!   The initial project was officially dedicated on December 7, 2019, with a ceremony led by Board President, Doug Pierce and Advisory Council Facilitator, Mark Okello.  The celebration included more than 200 community-based people in attendance.  Being “rooted in community,” is an important part of our mission, so this was incredibly gratifying.  

Prior to this, in 2017, much work was accomplished.  An exploratory committee was formed that eventually morphed into the first US based Board of Directors.  Countless meeting led to us: becoming incorporated, establishing by-laws and filing for our non-profit status with the IRS.  All this took much time.  In Kenya, Mark Okello was also busy.  First, identifying and selecting members for an Advisory Council, who would guide the project.  Second, applying for a Certificate of Registration of Community Based Organizations (CBO) which was granted by the ministry of East African Community, Labour and Social Protection.  Third, selecting a local architect to draw up preliminary plans for a shelter.  Fourth, looking for land where this shelter could be built and selecting a general contractor who would oversee the construction.  Fifth, identifying staff and creating a process for selecting children.  Throughout this lengthy process, the Lumakanda based Advisory Council oversaw and continues to oversee the project, under the watchful eye of Mark Okello.

Back in the United States, there was much planning to do as well as several fundraising efforts which would allow the project to proceed.  There was time spent on developing an organizational plan consisting of Objectives, Goals, Strategies/Actions and Measures, or our OGSM, as we affectionally named it.  This plan would serve as a steady guide during this chapter of our vision’s development.

All of this, and much which has been left out, culminated in the opportunity to welcome six boys and six girls (who were in severe poverty and especially difficult circumstances), to be welcomed into a brand new building.  This happened on December 23, 2019.   The building, which was first designed by a local Kenyan architect was sent to Design Group Three, a Milwaukee architecture firm, who redesigned the building, as a pro bono project, researching building design and available materials in Kenya.  It was then sent back to the original Kenyan architect to adapt the plans and submit them for the necessary approvals and permits.  Construction of the building began in August of 2019 following a ground breaking ceremony.    Excessive rains slowed the construction down, but general contractor, Meshack Shiundu, and his crew of well over a dozen local workers, were able to finish in time for the early December dedication.

In January 2020, the 12 children started attending Sunrise Valley Academy, a private school nearby.  Because education is crucial to break the cycle of poverty, the choice of a good school and the support of a capable and gifted staff who could reinforce good study habits was important to our mission.

So many people have helped us along the way; volunteering their time, expertise, encouragement and yes, strong financial support.   “It takes a village…” is fitting to our story and future success.  Together we hope to do our modest part to help break the cycle of poverty in Lumakanda, Kenya one child at a time.  In the process, we strive to help some children whose future looked bleak, instead realize a future full of possibilities and consistent with their hopes and dreams. While this is our initial project, we hope to offer grants in the future that will allow the OKOA TOTO footprint in Lumakanda to extend beyond the initial project.  

Finally, we are pleased to announce that we will soon be a destination for an international internship experience through the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s International Internship Program.  Internships typically run between 6-12 weeks and can include 1-4 students who will receive academic credit for their involvement.  Currently, during COVID summer internships are virtual, but everyone is looking forward to when onsite visits are possible.  The Advisory Council, Mark and Kevina will be overseeing and supervising the students who apply and are accepted as interns.  

The Okoa Toto Project a place where love, laughter, hopes and dreams are making a difference!  Won’t you join us in our efforts to transform lives?