Wonders Achieved

Together we celebrate the remarkable milestones that have changed lives and brought hope to the community.

The First Wonder

The Wonder of Building a School

This is the story of how the Gifted Hands Educational Center was transformed. In January 2018, the school was rebuilt thanks to the amazing kindness and generosity of the Gilroy community, especially New Hope Community Church. Many of you gave from your hearts and some even came to help in person. Because of your love and support, the children and staff now have proper classrooms, running water, and working toilets — things that most of them do not have at home.

That year, many children were also sponsored so they could stay in school. In July 2019, Niko and I had the chance to visit the school and meet the sponsored children in their homes. The visit was deeply emotional. We listened to their stories, prayed with their families, and saw firsthand the powerful impact of your giving. It reminded us that small acts of love can truly change lives.

The school now serves around 220 children, from preschool to grade 8. It relies fully on school fees and donations to keep going. Parents are asked to pay $10 per month for each child, but that amount is often more than 20% of their total income. For many families, this is a real struggle. Even though the fees are used to pay teachers, maintain the school, buy supplies, and feed the children, many parents are unable to pay consistently. This means children are sometimes sent home, missing important days of learning.

Teachers give their all, even with the little they receive. They earn between $50 and $120 per month, but this money is not always paid on time. Some teachers only get paid for eight months in a year. Because of this, many leave to find better opportunities, which makes it hard for the school to keep stable and experienced staff. This affects the quality of learning and the emotional connection between teachers and students.

Even with these challenges, the Gifted Hands Educational Center remains a place of hope. Every brick, every desk, every smile in those classrooms reminds us of what love can build. Thank you for being a part of this wonder.

The Second Wonder

Providing Teachers’ Salaries and School Supplies

In late 2019, Wonders of Hope received a donation meant just for teachers’ salaries. That year, all teachers were paid well and on time. For the first time, many felt truly supported and honored. Their hearts were full of gratitude.

Then the pandemic hit. Schools closed, and many lost income. But by God’s grace and our donors’ help, we kept paying our teachers. They were able to feed their families and stay strong.

With your support, we also gave food to families who relied on school meals. A gift of $50 fed a whole family for a month.

Later, when two exam classes reopened, schools needed to meet health rules. Your giving helped buy thermometer guns, water tanks, and supplies. Our students felt proud, and they passed their exams with joy and confidence.

These small steps created big impact. Together, we brought peace, provision, and new strength to Gifted Hands School.

The Third Wonder

Growing Children and Supporting Families

Thanks to child sponsorships and one-time donations, Wonders of Hope has been able to support both children and their families. Through these gifts, children have gone to leadership camps, character-building sessions, and educational field trips outside the slums. These moments open their eyes to new possibilities and help build their confidence.

Life in Kibera, one of the largest urban slums in Africa, is not easy. That’s why a short time outside the slum can bring huge joy and fresh hope. With help from our sponsors, a group of teens aged 12 to 17 attended Fearless Camp. They enjoyed sleeping in rooms with hot showers and learning about setting goals and achieving them. Their joy was clear, and their video messages of thanks were heartwarming.

Younger children were taken to the National Museum of Nairobi. Each wore a Wonders of Hope t-shirt and enjoyed a van ride, fun games, a museum tour, and a special treat—fried chicken and fries. Their smiles said it all, and on the way home, they were so tired from the fun that they all slept. It was a day filled with laughter and learning.

These trips are more than just fun. They help children dream bigger, grow braver, and see that a brighter future is possible. This impact is all thanks to our sponsors and donors. Together, we are changing lives, one child at a time.

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The Fourth Wonder: Christmas Blessings and Family Support

For Christmas, our wonderful sponsors came together and gave from the heart. Each child received a brand-new outfit and their families enjoyed a full Christmas meal, including chapati, which is a special treat in many homes. As you can see in the photos, both the children and parents were filled with joy, knowing they were remembered and loved.

Every sponsored child also gets a new school uniform each year. This helps them feel proud and confident, and also takes pressure off their parents. We also provide food supplies every few months, giving families relief from constant worries about feeding their children.

These Christmas gifts, school uniforms, and food supplies are more than just items. They show the families that they are valued and not alone. All this is possible because of our generous sponsors and donors. Together, we bring real hope and joy to families in Kibera.

The Biggest Wonder Yet

In the spring of 2022, we were thrilled to host our first in-person fundraiser. Our goal was to raise $20,000 to build a community center, a space where we could offer programs not only for the children but for the entire community. Thanks to God’s blessings and the overwhelming generosity of so many in Santa Clara County, California, we exceeded our expectations, raising more than double our initial goal.

Because of this incredible support, we now have a beautiful community center and church in Kibera. This space allows us to provide vital programs and resources for the children and families of Kibera, helping us fulfill our mission of igniting and nurturing the God-given potential of every child. The community center is more than just a building; it is a beacon of hope, a place where families can come together, grow, and thrive.

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and generosity of our donors and supporters. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of the children and families in Kibera, empowering them to build a brighter future.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
— Psalm 127:1

May this center shine as a light in the darkness, and may every life touched through it rise with courage, faith, and purpose.