Blair Kenya Student Exchange and School Growth
Connection, Opportunity, and Growth
This spring has been full of exciting moments for Blair in Kenya—from student exchanges and school milestones to preparing for important work ahead this summer.
These moments remind us that education is not just about classrooms. It is about connection, opportunity, and building futures
Blair Academy Students Visit Kenya
In early March, as part of Blair Academy’s Intersession program, 16 Blair Academy students traveled to Kenya to spend time at both of our partner schools.
The experience gave American students the opportunity to connect directly with students, teachers, and staff, strengthening the bond between our communities and offering a firsthand look at the impact of education in rural Kenya.
A special thank you to Libby Russell, Class of 2025, who created a three-minute video capturing the journey and the relationships formed along the way.
Michele Jelimo, in grey shirt center of picutre
A Sponsored Student’s Journey Comes Full Circle
One of the most meaningful moments of the trip was spending time with Michele Jelimo, a student at Blair-Serem Academy who has been part of the Blair in Kenya sponsorship program for the past 11 years.
This fall, Michele will begin a new chapter—she has been admitted to Blair Academy for the fall of 2025.
This is an extraordinary moment.
We are deeply grateful to the generous donor who has made her tuition possible, and we are incredibly excited to watch Michele’s continued growth and success as she joins the Blair Academy community.
Michele’s story is a powerful reminder of what long-term sponsorship can make possible.
Kelvin Serem Returns to Speak at Blair
Kelvin Serem—Blair alumnus and Director of Blair-Serem Academy—will return to Blair Academy as the featured speaker for the weekly Society of Skeptics lecture on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:00 PM.
Kelvin’s story is deeply connected to the mission of Blair in Kenya and the growth of Blair-Serem Academy.
For those interested in learning more about Kelvin’s remarkable journey, we encourage you to read his 2015 feature in The New York Times.
Basketball Program Reaches New Heights
About ten years ago, one of my college friends generously donated basketball courts to Blair Educational Centre.
At the time, basketball was largely unknown at the school.
Today, that has changed.
Last week, the team advanced to the semi-finals of a county-wide tournament—an exciting accomplishment and a sign of how far the program has come.
We are incredibly proud of the players and hopeful this marks the beginning of a lasting tradition of basketball excellence.
Blair in Kenya Returns This June
Our Blair in Kenya team will return to Kenya this June, and we are especially excited about three major initiatives.
Opening the New Computer Center
Thanks to the generosity of many donors, the new computer center at Blair Educational Centre is ready for installation.
During our June trip, we plan to complete the setup and officially launch the center.
This project will bring technology access, digital literacy, and internet connectivity to hundreds of students.
A Blair in Kenya Documentary
Acclaimed documentarian Rawn Fulton of Searchlight Films will join us in Kenya to begin filming a documentary on the story of Blair in Kenya.
The documentary will explore how the organization began, the lives it has impacted, and the vision for the future.
We are excited to share this story more broadly and bring greater awareness to the communities we serve.
Supporting the Health Clinic at Blair Educational Centre
The health clinic at Blair Educational Centre continues to serve as a vital resource for both students and the surrounding community.
Led daily by our medical assistant, Eunice, the clinic cares for more than 30 children each day.
The clinic provides treatment for:
Malaria
Asthma
Playground injuries
Burns and wounds
Infections
For many families, this clinic represents the only accessible healthcare available.
This June, our medical team—led by BIK board member Bobbie Monaco—will return to provide care and support.
But we need help.
Funding is urgently needed to:
Purchase medications
Sustain Eunice’s salary
Hire a Registered Nurse
Secure government licensing for the clinic
Your support helps ensure that children and families continue receiving the care they need.
Construction Updates
Blair-Serem Academy Completion
The main academic classroom block at Blair-Serem Academy is now complete.
What an incredible milestone.
A huge thank you to Kelvin Serem and the generous donor who helped make this possible.
Even more exciting: Blair-Serem Academy was recently ranked #1 school in its district.
Blair Educational Centre Expansion Continues
Construction at Blair Educational Centre continues to move forward.
The new academic building now includes:
Two completed nursery classrooms
A teacher lounge on the ground floor
This week, roofing will be installed on the middle floor, creating space for five additional classrooms.
In the coming months, plans are underway to complete the top floor, adding five more classrooms.
Blair Educational Centre is currently ranked #2 in its district.
Growth continues.
Opportunity continues.
Child Sponsorship Remains Essential
As we continue growing, our Sponsor a Child Program remains the foundation of everything we do.
It allows us to educate over 1,200 students and employ nearly 100 teachers and staff across our schools.
For just $200 per year—or $18 per month—you can help change a child’s life.
And through that child, strengthen an entire family and community.
Please continue helping us spread the word.
Your support makes all of this possible.
Thank you.
— Quint Clarke
