In Her Own Words
In January, Yvonne was one of 500 students from 20 countries who gathered in Geneva for Model UN. It’s an amazing opportunity to expand our children’s exposure to the world, and helps to engage youth in current international issues. Here is a brief report of her experience.
The Model UN was an incredible and memorable event. The food and the snowy environment to me was fantasy! I enjoyed the cold breeze of the then-beginning winter and even went snowshoeing (shown left with her teacher Betty)! I was very privileged to attend and I got to know many people and interact with many cultures, especially from Africa. I learned that many high schools worldwide learn through the internet. Students are allowed to use laptops and phones for learning.
I represented Germany on the Fundamental Human Rights Committee. Our main concern was child abuse and domestic violence, which affects Germany sorely, as well as Kenya. We split into groups where everyone had an opportunity to put their ideas on the table. Each group was expected to submit solutions that were put into two different resolutions, which we debated and finally amended.
Model UN clearly proved that with the right support, young people worldwide have the strength and the capabilities to lead. Through it, many built their confidence, personal growth, and development. We gained the power of channeling diversity and connections we can—and must—make for an informed and empathy-driven progressive future. This experience has greatly motivated me to start a Model UN club in my school, as it would be a beneficial experience for my fellow students.
Obviously, all this would not have been possible without all the donors, IPI, Dr. Karambu, Naomi, Abdi, my teacher and escort, Ms. Betty, my host home who made me feel so welcomed, and many others who made this a success. I humbly send gratitude for your generosity and care. You are all very special to me.
Growing Nyumbani Update
We asked and you answered! We set an ambitious fundraising goal for our Growing Nyumbani campaign. We haven’t yet reached our goal, but we’ve made so much progress because of your generous help! We built the study tables (shown left) and the children are enjoying the new, expanded study space! Our outdoor kitchen was in disrepair and we were able to construct new walls and create a safer space for preparing meals.
Our indoor cooktop was in immediate need of replacing, and we were able to do that, too! Your partnership means our children have a wonderful place to be fed—educationally and physically—for years to come!
We still have some other items that we’ve not been able to provide yet. Would you consider a gift to help us provide the mattresses, bedding and washbasins we still need to purchase? Please consider helping us reach our goal today!
National Geographic Exhibit: “Women a Century of Change”
We are excited to share that a photograph of Dr. Karambu was selected to be part of a traveling exhibit created by the National Geographic Society entitled “Women: A Century of Change.” The photo (shown above) taken by photographer Greg Davis, was originally featured in the 2019 book, Women: The National Geographic Image Collection.
The traveling exhibit has been on display worldwide, and is on display now at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls, Iowa until June 30. More information about the exhibit can be found on the Washington Pavilion’s website.
The exhibit features pictures of 57 women who have driven change in locations around the world over the last nine decades. Given all that Dr. Karambu has accomplished, her inclusion in this exhibit is clearly a well-deserved honor.
Tiriji Spa Open for Business
IPI is always looking for opportunities to generate revenue to help support the Kithoka Amani Children’s Home and other IPI programming. The newest endeavor is the Tiriji Spa!
Located in Meru Town, the spa is a training ground for graduates of the IPI Polytechnic beauty school. The spa caters to men and women, offering haircuts, braiding and nail services.
Felicity (shown above) manages the training program and is doing an amazing job also running the spa. The spa opened in March 2024 and sees a steady stream of customers! Older KACH children, like Betty (shown above right) help at the spa and are learning about how to run a business.
Asante Sana!
IPI-U.S. Board of Directors: Mike Beerntsen (Board Chair) Timothy Ehlinger (Immediate Past Chair), Fredah Rajab (Vice Chair), Angie Phetteplace (Treasurer, Ex-Officio), Eamon Aloyo (Director of ICSP), Michael Steinback, Naitore Gitonga, and Bridghette Parker
IPI-U.S. Advisory Board: Ralph Ogden and Nancy Martin Ross
IPI-U.S. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports IPI-Kenya, which manages all Kenyan operations. IPI envisions a world where violence, poverty and disease no longer exist and every individual lives in dignity and with integrity.
