Abdi Lidonde and Tom Maher spoke to us today about their vision of starting The Beverly School of Kenya.  Abdi came to the US from Kenya about 25 years ago.  He left his family of 25 siblings in their two bedroom house and hoping to find a better life.  He landed in Worcester with $20 and almost gave up hope and considered going back to Kenya when he was given a chance to work at The College of Holy Cross.  Abdi has been very resourceful and successful and has been able to bring many of his family members to the States.  A couple of years ago, Holy Cross published an article in their alumni magazine about the possibility of starting a school in Kenya for orphans and poor children.  Abdi’s mother (named Beverly) died seven years ago, and thus the name of the school Abdi and Tom are starting.

Tom Maher, alumni of Holy Cross, picked up on the story, and the rest is history.  They have purchased a 40 acre parcel 90 minutes outside of Nairobi, and plan to build a dormitory, classrooms and a guest house.  Already, they have drilled a well which provides clean water for the community, which was not available previously.  On the property will be a 12 acre farm, providing food for the school.  The plan calls for 75 students, of which one half are orphans and the rest from very poor families.  They hope to grow the school to 300 students, to include high school.  Kenya provides all grammar school students with an education, but only 48% go onto high school and just 3% go to college.  Please consider a donation.  Their website is:  www.beverlyschoolofkenya.com.

Tom Maher, Abdi Lidonde and Frank Firacano.