The Weingartz Family Foundation in the United States awarded the International Samaritan (IntSam), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), a Ksh270 million ($2.2 million) grant to expand its scholarship program in Kenya and Uganda.
Making the announcement on Monday, April 24, International Samaritan President Mike Tenbusch stated that the grant would provide scholarships for 200 youth over the following three years.
Further, the President noted that the NGO would give scholarships to families living in communities surrounded by dump sites to help them escape extreme poverty.
“According to the World Health Organization. The average life expectancy in these communities is 35 due to rampant disease, injuries, and the lack of clean water,” he stated.
Tenbusch added that the garbage dump in Nairobi was among the largest dumps in the world with more than 1 million people living in surrounding slums and that is why they were beginning with youths in Kenya.
The President noted that the support would begin in April in Nairobi, Kenya, and Kampala, Uganda, and would issue up to Ksh419,895 ($3,100) scholarships annually for each student.
The scholarships will cover the student’s education from primary school level through college and will cover their tuition fees, uniforms, books, supplies, transportation and food for their family.
“Students with the greatest need and highest potential are sponsored to attend school from elementary through college and trade schools.
“Funding each student's education costs about Ksh419,895 ($3,100) annually, including tuition, uniforms, books, supplies, transportation, and food for their family,” the president added.
Dan Weingartz, a member of the family, stated that the move was inspired by the work the NGO had done in Ethiopia to impact families.
"International Samaritan has a beautiful mission of helping the poorest. I observed how hope exists among those we serve in garbage dump communities.
“I experienced how our scholars and families have faith in God, their families, and their communities. The seeds we are planting in Africa will bear fruit for generations,” Weingartz stated.
