Cornstalk Project
Make a gift to the Cornstalk Project
We help Kenyans in need achieve a better life
We have accompanied Kenyan students who grow into university graduates with careers. Even though public schools are “free” in Kenya, in reality schools charge for lunch and require fees to take exams. These fees amount to $100-$250 per year, which can be insurmountable for the poorest of households surviving on very little cash. And even small disruptions can be devastating to households who already live on the edge of subsistence during “good” times. We provide support these students need to continue their education. And our support of elderly widows and widowers includes bringing them groceries directly, such as charcoal, cooking oil, rice, corn meal, fruit and vegetables.
Support children’s education
Exam and lunch fees, uniforms, school supplies, books ($100-$250/year)
Families are expected to help as much as they can
Cornstalk committed to support students through high-school graduation
Course and exam fees for university students nearing completion of their studies
For the elderly, provide comfort and relief
Recognize we cannot “do it all” but will “do what we can”
Model our decisions based on actions of extended family.
The Cornstalk Project helps Kenyan students by providing funds needed for school fees to continue their education. Most of our recipients have lost their parents to accidents or disease, including AIDS. We also provide financial relief to elderly widows and widowers, some of whom are responsible for their orphaned grandchildren.
We were inspired to help by the generosity of Bartholomew and Ruth Miheso, who are from a village named Magada, which means “cornstalk.” We help families in Magada, Nakuru, and the surrounding communities. The families represent several different religions and tribal affiliations in those areas. Adelphi Friends Meeting in Adelphi, Maryland, USA, originally launched this effort, and the Cornstalk Project became an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2013.