About Under the Acacia Tree

Since 2003, Community Education Services has touched thousands of lives – students, parents, educators and volunteers. This book tells the story of the first 15 years of CES, as told by those most impacted by it.

This book holds the inspiring story of friendship and collaboration between two groups of people - in Kenya and in Canada. They saw how many bright young people in Kenya were denied a chance for an education due to family poverty - and did something about it.

‘Under the Acacia Tree’ - describes the lives 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 reality of children unable to attend school because they cannot afford the fees or buy a school uniform, describes the desperate need of these ‘Orphan Kids of Kakamega’.

The book includes accounts of life transformation, stories of personal tragedy and triumph, and 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 in 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.

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"Under the Acacia Tree" opened my eyes to the power of hopes and dreams. This book encompasses the goodness in mankind. Even when faced with insurmountable hardships, be kind to one another, give without expectation and the possibilities are endless. A dream, in collaboration with like-minded people created a sponsorship program for the needy, impoverished, children of Kenya, so many of which have been left orphaned by HIV/Aids. Community Education Services (CES ) Canada elevated thousands of children's lives by providing access to post elementary education. Goodness can prevail, every child does count, and education can be accessible to all, regardless of gender or wealth. These true story accounts fill me with joy and hope for the future.”

- Gisele Ritchie

“This highly readable book will introduce you to the day-to-day challenges faced by the Third World, and also to realistic, on-the-ground solutions that groups like CES have made possible.”

— Bernard Simon, former correspondent, Financial Times, Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto

“Under the Acacia Tree reveals how partnership and design mixed with love and com-passion can free Kenyan families from acute poverty.”

— Sarah Awinja Ayumba, Sub-County Director of Education, Navakholo

“This book tells the story of Kenyan youth locked in by barriers of poverty and gender bias and are now free through the power of education.”

— Mary Stella Maloba Chitechi, Former Principal Bishop Sulumeti Girls HS, Kakamega

“Canada has played a huge role in the development of education and community health in Kenya. Part of that legacy is the work of CES Canada in western Kenya.”

— HE Simon Nabukwesi, Former Ambassador, Kenya High Commission to Canada