TKP’s most remote campus, Oltikampu, sits in an isolated mountain bowl. The 245 children who attend preschool and primary school here have no other early education options, yet the community has flourished in partnership with TKP donors. Because of its rural location and minimal access to roads and resources, Oltikampu is particularly susceptible to the negative effects of droughts, even with rainwater collection tanks on campus. Lack of clean water at this campus quickly escalates to intestinal illnesses and more absenteeism among students—serious problems that put a damper on individual children and the community as a whole.
photo by Jason Bradley
In 2015, a group of donors in northern California recognized the severity of the problem and began strategically fundraising among friends and colleagues to drill a well for much needed access to clean water. The donor group came together when TKP board member, Ger Horan, introduced his friends, Scott and Tina Gattey, to the critical water need at Oltikampu. With a shared passion, the Gattey’s and Ger and his wife Sherri, began securing funding for a well by tapping into their networks to raise more than $40,000. Thanks to their efforts, drilling began in May 2016. “I’ve been interested in access to clean water in Africa for many years,” said Scott Gattey. “As a family, we felt led to fund a well in rural Africa, and were looking for an organization that we not only trusted, but where we could see the impact first-hand. With Oltikampu and The Kilgoris Project, we were able to find the ideal combination of a cause we believe in and an organization we know and trust.”
This year, the total investment in Oltikampu has exceeded $115,000. In addition to the well, many donors (both longtime supporters and new friends) have funded capital improvements at the campus, including eight new classrooms, a kitchen and choos (bathrooms). The impact of investment goes beyond the school campus. Healthy, educated children with daily access to clean water have a ripple effect on the community.
photo by Jason Bradley
“Clean water will be transformational for this community,” said David Ole Sopia, an Oltikampu parent and school board leader. “At Oltikampu, a true partnership exists between the community, parents and the TKP team. We work together to meet the spiritual, educational and nutritional needs of our students; and our community is privileged to celebrate the new well and continued investment in our children. ”