Mission Complete! 

 Recent Projects...

Thanks to YOU

Project Thrive creates programs that help communities help themselves, with solutions that pay for themselves time and time again, support that (as one recent recipient said)"Runs ahead to make tomorrow easier."

 3560 Washable Days for Girls Feminine Hygiene Kits

Sawdust burning stove (cooking fuel savings add up to more money for food) for a large orphanage in the slums of Kenya/

 A cow for milk (Friesian, 20 liters a day) for an orphanage of over 1200 children.

 Goats for two orphanages in Kenya.

Chicks for eggs and protein, retaining some for breeding stock. Saving some of the proceeds from sale of broilers for obtaining more breeding stock.

Sawdust burning stove so kids could stop waiting in line until midnight for dinner.

Bunk beds, mattresses and linen.

Bakery trade school / food resource for the Academy of Hidden Talents.

Develop crops in Kisii, Kenya

Science lab supplies

Sewing business with three sewing machines, fabric and supplies, providing income, trade training and uniforms for the school.

Solar cell phone charger microfinance business funding "African Sweet Melodies" Street Boys program. 

575 Days For Girls Kits for New Generation Ministries Haiti orphanage.

Acquire land for Kisii project

Fund first buildings *Thanks to the BEDDOE FAMILY

  Innovative, Pleasant and Effective Campus Design 

Special thanks to Chunsheh Teo Assoc.AIA , LEED AP, Architecture for Humanity

Up Next:

• * Install Solar waterpump and water collectors

• * Plant further crops to feed the children and trees for food and shade

• * Build Biodigester

• Build new kitchen

• * Build Family Homes for newly formed family units on campus (10 children and an adoptive mother)

• Build Playground

• Setup Health Clinic

• Setup "Mama Sana" Grandmother's sustainable trade opportunity

• *  Build library, arts and sports facilities

• * Build trade school

What is visiting the Centers like?

Quotes from visitors:

"The image that comes back to me is not the landscape or the animals of Kenya, but the children’s faces looking up at me. Their happiness and joy despite so many hardships in their lives.  I got to experience total love just because I am a person, appreciation… and bigger words than I can even express.  You feel appreciated, accepted and admired, not because of who you are, or what you give, but just because you are.  As soon as you meet these children you want to give, but being there gave me a bigger gift than I could ever give them.” – Sandy B. April 2008 Expedition

 "I expected to see desperation in the eyes of the children I met at the orphanage academy. Abandoned, so near the slums of Kibera, what else would I expect?  Instead, I saw and felt unexpected emotions: Gratitude and Hope.

The Thriving Talents campus is dedicated to creating a safe sustainable home for kids while creating a model that proves we can build a community center, owned and overseen by the local community, without spending a lot, and with sustainable elements that makes it possible for many communities in impoverished nations to duplicate the model and bring their children home from the exploitation possible in large centres in the slums.  With this model they can create with sustainable programs for consistent food, supplies... and a safe new home! 

When we waved goodbye to the children, we knew we had to help. While the children focus on building their talents and new family units, we are putting ours to work to create a sustainable model.  Please join us. We could use your talents too!  I encourage you to visit beautiful Kenya with us and while there experience the center for yourself.  In the meantime, please join us in making this self-sustaining orphanage a reality."  

             -  Celeste Mergens    Director of Project Thrive

What Staff and Volunteers say:

The harsh reality is that some orphanages are a means for children to be exploited sexually and financially as a means to an end, rather than solely for the benefit of the child.  By partnering with local communities and giving them complete stewardship over the Centers we can better ensure the safety of children.  Children are placed in new family groups of 10, where they can forge new relationships as they grow within the opportunity of the Thriving Talents Children's campus. 

Ways to Support Project Thrive:     

• Monetary contributions
• Supplies, clothing, educational materials (though shipping can be difficult)
• Visit the center and volunteer to teach, read to children, etc. There are many opportunities to help.
• Be an International Talent Team member
• Help make the Center sustainable by donating to the Campus Fund.

Our team travels twice annually to the Center, thanks to the Clay Foundation.  We can take a limited amount of supplies, though purchasing supplies in Kenya is generally more practical.  Center supply needs include:

    * Food and cooking supplies

    * Clothing and shoes

    * Instructional materials - educational textbooks, reference books, magazines, literature, etc.  Topics include: Science, Math, History, Social Studies, Geography, English, Computers and Music

    * Basic school supplies - notepads, paper, pencils, pens, tape, staples, paper clips, etc.

    * Medical supplies - bandages, first aid kits, antiseptic, etc.

    * Laptops (more energey efficient), accessories, and computer parts and educational dvd's and computer programs

    * Sporting good supplies - soccer, baseball and basketball supplies, etc.

Come meet the children, sit in or help teach a class, tour the Center, and see the facilities and conditions first hand. Whether you join us for a special service expedition, or are simply passing through Nairobi, feel free to contact the center to volunteer for weeks, days, or only a few hours. You are always welcome. Email support@clayforearth.org for contact information.

Upcoming  Events:

Fall Building Trip- Volunteer to travel with us and build a new playground, help distribute Days for Girls kits, and more.  info@projectthrive.org

You can help leverage support for the project of your choice.  Email to propose a project.  Donate to the project of your choice.