Visit to Catherine Kabaire’s project

DSC00169Monicah Nyambura, PATHWAYS alumni and Outreach Coordinator, accompanied by third year scholar Eunita Akim and first year scholar Vivian Achieng, visited first year scholar, Catherine Kabaire’s project in Nakuru.  Her 10 member group, Imani Women’s Group, has several projects aimed at improving their income and economics of the community.   These projects include poultry, farming, a merry-go-round which is a small savings and loan, bead making, shoe polish and body oil.  Monicah says, “Catherine’s projects are viable and have a great potential to grow. The main challenge has been a market for the products, proper packaging and a shortage of water in the area. We will work to advise Catherine on how best to solve the issues.” See photo of Catherine, Imani Women’s Group member, Vivian and Eunita displaying beaded purse at left. Catherine and her group are off to a tremendous start.  Well done!

Marilyn Nyabuti’s project

Marilyn brickMarilyn’s community project involves brick making.  The business has gone so well that from the sale of the bricks, the group was able to purchase a motor bike.  This provided an employment opportunity to one of the group members and also an additional income generating activity for the group. They were also able to incorporate the sale of timber in the project as most of the customers who purchase the bricks also needed lumber.  In addition, the group has started a construction business to help interested members to build houses. The construction has provided employment for 3 youths in the community.  Marilyn says, “The group members are really grateful for the support PATHWAYS has accorded to them. It has transformed their lives and livelihoods.”

2013-14 New Scholars and PATHWAYS Orientation Meeting

DSCN5066The annual meeting to introduce and orient new scholars was held on October 12, 2013.  In attendance were Deb Gust, President; Mbaabu Mathiu, Vice-President; Catherine Kaimeni, Student Coordinator, Monicah Wairmu, Alumni Coordinator; along with the current scholars, alumni Ken Otieno and Nafisa Ayuka, and invited guests. In addition to the new scholars orientation, the meeting provided an opportunity for discussion of current status and future directions, plans for the alumni group and the presentation of awards for accomplishments over the past year.

There was an outstanding set of applicants this year, so five students were selected to
begin as scholars in the fall semester. This is the largest class in PATHWAYS history.
The new scholars are: Catherine Kabaire who will study Medicine at the University of
Nairobi, Vivian Achieng who will study Sociology and Psychology at the University
of Nairobi, Shadrack Shitseswa who will study Education at the University of Nairobi,
Kevin Obede who will study Actuarial Science at the University of Nairobi and
Eric Lemungesi who will study Environmental Health at Kenyatta University. The
PATHWAYS community welcomes these scholars and looks forward to productive
association with them.

The following awards were presented: Brian Kilonzi was chosen as PATHWAYS
Scholar of the year based on excellent performance in all areas during the past year,
Dennis Magiri Mutwiri, Michael Murigi Njorige and Alphonce Oginga each received
an award as Role Model Scholar, Jemimah Peters was identified as the Most Improved
Scholar, Eunita Akim was named the Outreach to Sponsor Scholar, Marylyn Nyabuti
was honored as the Outstanding Initiative Scholar, Hussein Abdhallah was selected as
the Writer/Communicator Scholar, and Justus Salach and Martin Mwiti each received a
Special Incentive Award in recognition of outstanding first year accomplishments.
The meeting highlighted the many accomplishments to date, outlined plans for future
activities and the group departed with renewed enthusiasm for the coming year.

PATHWAYS Alumni Association Lauched 12October2013

DSCN5034With kind assistance and expert consult from Mr. Otieno and Mrs. Kaimenyi, the PATHWAYS Alumni Association was officially launched at a gathering of current scholars, graduated scholars, and leaders of the PATHWAYS organization.  It was quite an auspicious occasion as the launch was the culmination of much discussion of its structure and mission.  PATHWAYS alumnus, Alphonce Oginga, effectively presented the mission and bylaws of the PATHWAYS Alumni Association and greatly impressed and motivated the interested group.  Monicah Wairimu, the most senior alumnus, will serve as the Chairlady.  The first project of the PATHWAYS Alumni Association will be the creation of a PATHWAYS microfinance institution. Pictured from left to right are the PATHWAYS alumni present at the launch, Alphonce Oginga, Ken Otieno, Monicah Wairimu, and Michael Murigi cutting a ribbon to commemorate the beginning of this group and its journey to improve Kenya.