“This amazing beloved project has lowered student absenteeism, boosted moral for students and staff, lifted self-esteem, and made our community proud,”
—Noel Olweny and the Masogo Community
A Progress Report by Dennis Augustine on behalf of the McAllister Family:
Grief opens our hearts to empathy and compassion, guiding us to give generously in honor of those we’ve loved and lost. Through the tears of grief, we discover the profound healing power of giving, and keeping alive the spirit of those we hold dear.
Since the tragic loss of my dear niece and goddaughter Selina on her daughter Zaila’s 13 th birthday, December 28, 2023, my brother-in-law Joe and family provided the funding to launch the Selina McAllister Computer Classroom in loving memory of his and my sister Josie's daughter approximately six weeks after she was laid to rest. Why Kenya? In 2006, when he, my late brother Michael, and I went to Kenya on a camera safari, we met a young man named Noel Olweny, a young guide at the Kenya Safari Club. Joe stayed in touch with Noel, and returned to Kenya with Selina the following year—as a gift for her graduation. Joe became a mentor and good friend to Noel and offered to help fund his post-graduate education in Land Management. As the years went by, Noel became a respected leader in the Masogo community. He currently serves on the County Assembly Service Board of Kisumu. Joe continued to fund some projects to help Noel's community, including preserving the natural habitat in the area.
Inspired by what Joe had accomplished and wanting to participate in honoring my niece, Cecile and I decided to provide funding to further advance the completion and modernization of Selina’s Computer Classroom and other related needs for the children and community. Upon receipt of our donation, Noel wrote, “Thank you for your kind open hearts that will positively impact the students and wider Masogo community.”
By helping to provide 40 Chromebook laptop computers to secondary-grade students, Joe’s generous and heartwarming efforts will not only give them access to technology and educational resources but also honors the memory of Selina. It's a powerful example of turning personal tragedy and grief into a force for good and promoting education as a pathway to personal growth and future opportunities. Joe also arranged with a third party to have 80 Jerseys shipped to Masogo for the girls and boys soccer team in time for the inter-school competition that will take place in the second term.
As you observe these photos and the students two short “thank you videos" sent to us by Noel, you’ll see enthusiastic and joyful children, express their gratitude. On some level, they understand the power of pencils, books, and computers. Noel, Joe, and I know all too well that getting an education with these new resources will change their lives and allow them to lift themselves up out of poverty.
For those who missed it, here is the link to my original story dated February 20, 2024:
