Introducing: Under the Acadia Tree - The story of CES

Our soon to be released book telling the story of the first 15 years of CES -- as told through the stories of those impacted by our work in rural Kenya.

Finally, the long-awaited ‘Under the Acacia Tree’ - exciting stories of some incredibly strong and courageous people living in rural Kenya. For nearly two decades, CES Canada has been passionate about one thing — alleviating poverty and providing hope through education for marginalized and orphaned youth living in Kenya.

The story begins in 2003 and it includes accounts of life transformation, stories of personal tragedy and triumph, moments where miracles are the only explanation — all seen through the lens of the Kenyan experience.

This book will introduce you to Kenyan youth who through their own stories, share how much our work has affected their lives. You will hear from parents, community members, teachers and school administrators, about how their students now can look forward to a better future.

‘Under the Acacia Tree’ is a powerful series of prose and poetic writings, created by the belief that everyone has a right to an education, all youth have a voice and their lives matter. The reality of children unable to attend school because they cannot afford the fees or buy a school uniform, will emphasize that our helping these ‘Orphan Kids of Kakamega’ is both relevant and critical to their well being.

Enjoy an excerpt a chapter entitled ‘Iron Girl’:

Kanana (‘little one’) is eleven years old. She is the eldest of eight children, four boys and four girls. Her parents, like most people in Kenya, have no reliable jobs. They do casual work to make ends meet. There is never enough to go around. From the age of eight, Kanana learned how to cook, and she soon had the responsibility to prepare food for her younger siblings. Kanana’s goal is to become a lawyer. The road ahead will not be easy.

“I once witnessed my school desk-mate being sexually abused by a neighbour. I had to appear in Court to account for what happened. I watched the female lawyer and knew that fighting for justice was what I wanted to do. I know my parents cannot raise my school fees, but I will do anything to change our situation.”

 As the firstborn girl-child, Kanana is expected to cook, look after her younger siblings and tend to the garden. She has never “stolen an eye” (travelled) into even a small town. She comes from the bush. That is how the rich describe children living under poverty. Her home is fenced with poisonous thorns. There is no electricity, only an empty tin lamp with no paraffin. It remains standing in a dark corner in her grass thatched house. When the sky is clear, she is able to do homework under the moonlight outside their house. Her thighs have become a working table.

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