by Dr. Dennis Augustine
It has been six months since the loss of my niece and goddaughter. Some of us find solace and meaning after a loss by creating a legacy of love by helping others in need. My brother-in-law Joe Mcallister, my sister Josie, and family accomplished this by creating the "Selena Mcallister Computer Classroom" at the Masogo School in Kenya. Thanks to the Mcallisters, other family members, and family friends (Justin Stallard & Jack Broadnax), the program has expanded thanks to a long time friendship with Noel Olweny, a respected community leader whom Joe helped fund his masters degree in Land Management back in the day.
In the last several months the program has expanded, providing food subsidies for the school as well as an abundance of high quality school soccer jerseys, boots, socks, nets, balls, etc. In a most recent significant development, Joe provided the funding for sports uniforms and cleats for a visiting school, a commercial lawn mower to maintain the soccer fields, food, drink, and supplies to cover a celebration between the schools, teachers, and other members of the community. The following is an edited version of an updated report by Noel—whom I met with Joe at the Kenya Safari Club in 2006—on how the programs have grown and impacted this impoverished community.
"JAMBO ALL! Warm greetings from Kenya. Today is a 'Day of Days' to be remembered by many with long-lasting positive impacts. We had 160 visiting students from the Onong’no community and 322 from our Masogo school district including teachers and community members who came to witness the creation of the Selena McAllister Computer School. It all began with a staff meeting from the Masogo School and our visiting Onong'no School.
“We want to thank you all for making it happen. The JERSEYS were received with Immeasurable LOVE AND HAPPINESS.
“What a wonderful feeling it is to be in this state! From passing out the gifts, music playing continuously, dancing, enjoying watching the two friendly and spirited matches between schools. What a wonderful bonding event between staff, students, and the community as a whole. It is indeed the talk of the Kisumu district today. In Swahili, we refer to this experience as "KULIWAKA MOTO MOTO NA FURAHA KENYA,” (English translation: FIREWORKS OF HAPPINESS), to welcoming the Jerseys, and gifting the guest school who never in their dreams expected this level of generosity. We were able to feed over 500 people.
“Though my mama could not make it, as her body was not in the right shape, she prayed that everything went well, that the kids were happy and had enough to eat?”
“ASANTENI SANA.. MUNGU ABARIKI WOTE. May the Almighty bless everyone together with your families. Please share with your friends and family our LOVE.
“This reminds us that we are not alone in this world, we feel loved by beautiful people with selfless compassion and care that Selina Mcallister left us with.
“Noel's family, Masogo & Onong’no Schools and community at large in Kenya.”
