LIVING STONE GLOBAL FOUNDATION

We have embraced empowering collective action from the community to overcome urban poverty. Our efforts are focused on changing the very culture of our community. We believe in our people and their desire for a better life for their children and themselves. Through creating a healthy culture, filled with opportunity and hope, we can reach our goal.

Our strategy is to address the root causes of urban poverty rather than simply treat the symptoms. We begin with providing education for the youngest children. As of January 2019, we will have 181 children in preschool and grades 1-3. We search our community for the most vulnerable children who would otherwise not have an opportunity to obtain an education. We offer them free education, health visits, a daily nutritious meals, fresh water and most importantly the love and caring of Christian teachers and staff. Our community also has a high rate of illiteracy among adults. We also provide adult education to those in the community who would like to learn to read and write.

Economic empowerment is a key strategy. Through education and development of employable skills we assist community members in getting a job.

Prior to our efforts, our community rarely accessed healthcare on a preventative basis. They only went to a doctor or hospital when it was an emergency situation. Through access to doctors and nurses, community members have the opportunity for better health which means they won't miss work and can earn a wage to help their families.

Our peace initiatives are aimed at reducing the violence and abuse that occurs in our community. By educating our community of proper behaviors and providing opportunities for them to be together through sporting events and community functions, we can create a more peaceful environment.

We have an amazing staff in Kenya. Over 50% of our employees live or grew up in the dumpsite or surrounding slum. We have a unique understanding of how our community functions and are the perfect partner for other organizations who are looking to assist the Gioto community. We currently work with government agencies, such as the health department, business networks like Rotary, Churches and other non profit entities.

We began our work in this community by partnering with a Kenyan organization in 2010. At first we worked in harmony, serving the children of the squatters living at the dump. But as time progressed, the Kenyan organizations mission changed from serving all the children living at the dump and they wanted to serve a select group of students. They wanted to charge the students school fees and create a for profit entity. We withdrew our financial support in October 2013.

This created a dilemma since the students we loved couldn't afford school fees. So in November 2013 we started over. We purchased land and opened a preschool class with 18 children in January 2014. Since then we have grown to a school with 181 students from preschool to grade 3.

We have served over 150,000 meals to hungry kids. We've also provided medical care to over 2,000 patients.

2019 will be a breakout year for us as we have formally introduced a Community Care and Empowerment department. Our first official program will be to begin adult education classes.