Kenya

When you hear about Kenya, what comes to mind? For me, it was safaris, rhinos, and giraffes. A place full of natural parks and incredible culture. Growing up as a teenager, I always dreamt of lands far away; maybe it was because I was born in a foreign land thousands of miles away from North America. Or perhaps I was just a teenager curious about the world. I used to worry less about others and more about what my future would look like, the next party my friends and I are going to, and of course girls… I mean at 17 that is all I could think about.

So why am I talking about my teenage years? Well, I recently met a teenager from Kenya who has been doing some remarkable work at the age of 17 and has dreams and aspirations to change lives around him. He is not your average 17-year-old. His dedication to helping others and mentoring young students is amazing! His name is Langat Kevin and he launched his organization back in 2016 called Tunza Community Based Organization.

His CBO aims to provide school uniforms, sanitary products, and mentorship to kids who cannot afford them. It is government mandated for students to have uniforms simply to attend schools in Kenya, and Langat is aiding students who cannot afford the very basics. I still cannot believe he is 17 years old and has already helped five schools. When I asked what inspires him to do it, he answered, “I feel like it is our duty to help others and everyone should get a chance at education”.

I When he talked to me about the challenges and issues they are facing regarding funding, I knew we had to do something. So, we teamed up and helped reach even more students and schools. I personally think Langat will do wonders as he completes his schooling and grows.

You must have a special heart that is selfless in order to think and help the way he does at 17 years of age. I hope his story inspires us all, young and old, rich and poor, close and far. One person can make a change, one little step at a time. Every child deserves a chance at school and chasing their dreams, and more people like Langat are what this world desperately needs for tomorrow’s generation.