Tom Conant – keen (and key) supporter of CES
Tom Conant is one of a kind, a free spirit, generous, witty and wise. In Kenya they still talk about him. Quite remarkable given it has been nine years since Tom was there. “How’s Tom?” and “What’s he doing these days?” are common questions. I try to answer best I can, but it’s not so easy. The fact remains that this outstanding young Canadian comes at life from many perspectives. An IT specialist, entrepreneur and freelance operator with a huge heart for others in need is one way to describe him. Here’s Tom in a nutshell - he sees a need, takes notes, begins a plan of action and then delivers. He enjoys life to the fullest, as you can see in these photos.
Case in point - the 2007 Kenyan elections created a humanitarian crisis never seen before in Kenya. With 300,00 displaced persons and 1,000 killed in the violence that followed, it was clear that a peaceful election in 2013 was critical. Tom was the key organizer along with CES Sports Ambassador Gilbert Kiptoo to create a 140km triple marathon “Peace Run” starting in Kericho and ending in Kakamega with a Peace Rally. This was a world first, one that created a huge buzz in Kenya. The logistics were unbelievably complicated - the results, a peaceful election.
Case in point - in 2013 Tom was instrumental in organizing a medical humanitarian outreach program that included 50,000 children in 132 public primary schools in western Kenya. This de-worming project included work at national and county levels along with local chiefs and school principals. The schedule took place over a two week period involving dozens of volunteers.
Case in point - during 2012-13, Tom spent an entire year in Kenya over two separate visits. He lived in spartan quarters that most westerners could not imagine. In comparison, a two star hotel would be a luxury for him. He spent time principally teaching and supporting two CES associated schools - St Mary Goretti Girls SS Shikoti and Bishop Sulumeti Girls HS. Tom saw that the library at BSGHS required significant renewal. He began first planning the project with the school librarian. At the same time he was raising awareness funds in Canada to build the school library.
There was a need for classroom texts written in Swahili and applicable to the school curriculum. He noted that many of the texts were donations from western sources, not always relevant to the needs of the students. The photos below are from 2013 when the library was practically non-existent.
Here CES President Michael Frederiksen congratulates Librarian Mdme Dorothy who knew Tom from his days in Kakamega.
Before leaving for Canada, Tom created a new library that was named the “Oasis of Learning.’ The Oasis of Learning Library is known by some as “Tom’s Place” Library.
Recently, Tom’s original contributions were recognized with a plaque and a brief ceremony of thanks for his efforts to begin what is now a very fine learning centre. What’s so good to see at the entrance to the Library are the words “PEACE - FRIEDE” - Tom’s Place - a zone for peace.
Since then, a new library was built with support from a secondary school in Germany.
Tom Conant has since 2014 been a Director and he sits on the Board of CES Canada. His work in publishing the Harambee Report and managing the CES Canada website is further testament to his resolve - to do his part in creating a better life for youth in western Kenya.