We are delighted to share a moment of great pride and hope for our community. We recently had the honor of welcoming H.E. Governor Gladys Wanga for the official opening of the Ageno Special Learning Centre, also known as Ageno Community—a landmark achievement for the families we serve and everyone who has supported this journey. The opening of the Ageno Community Centre marks more than the launch of a building; it represents opportunity, dignity, and a shared commitment to empowering children, parents, and the wider community. In her remarks, Governor Wanga emphasized the importance of community-driven spaces that nurture education, wellbeing, and social development—values that are at the heart of Ageno’s mission. News of Ageno Community’s impact in the lives of children with special needs spread like wildfire across Kendu Bay and the wider Homa Bay County. This growing recognition caught the attention of the Governor, who expressed a strong desire to see the work of Ageno for herself. On the day of the opening, despite having a Governors’ meeting scheduled, Governor Wanga made the deliberate choice to attend and officially open Ageno Community. During her speech, she shared that she had made the better choice by coming to Ageno—a moment that deeply affirmed our mission and work.

Perhaps the most powerful symbol of the day was seeing our stars—our children—seated with the Governor on the podium, visible, celebrated, and heard loud and clear. This is something that would not have happened before. It was a profound statement of inclusion and dignity. Ageno Community has given children with special needs a platform to be recognized as valued members of society, not hidden, but honored. This school will serve as a safe and vibrant hub for learning, mentorship, parental engagement, and community programs. For our children, it is a place to grow and dream. For parents, it is a space for support and connection. For the community, it is a symbol of what can be achieved when partnerships and goodwill come together.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Governor Gladys Wanga for her leadership, humility, and encouragement, and to our donors, partners, parents, and friends whose generosity and belief made this vision a reality. Your support has laid a strong foundation—one that will positively impact lives for years to come.

As we look ahead, we invite you to continue walking with us. Together, we can expand programs, reach more families, and ensure that the Ageno Community Centre remains a beacon of hope, inclusion, and transformation. Blessings, Lydia

To God Be the Glory

I can hardly believe that just one year ago, we opened the doors of Ageno Community to welcome our very first students with special needs. From the very beginning, I have called them stars—because they shine so brightly and continue to teach me more than I could ever imagine.

Over this past year, our stars have blossomed. They have made friends, built meaningful relationships with God and with others, woven beautiful mats, cooked, cleaned, laughed, made soap. Most importantly, they’ve enjoyed the gift of simply being children. Watching their joy and growth has been a blessing beyond words.

Ageno’s program has been offered to parents free of charge, and we thank God for His faithfulness. Through your prayers, encouragement, and generous financial support, we have seen the hand of God guiding us each step of the way. Truly, we would not be here without people like you standing with us.

But Ageno doesn’t just cater to the stars. We go above and beyond to understand both our children and their parents. We carry out home visits, because we believe knowing a child means knowing their family story. Teacher Joyce and I recently visited one of our stars’ homes, and not long after, we returned with two mattresses and a comforter set. We took the opportunity to bless this family, and it reminded us that Ageno is more than a school—it is a community of love and care.

As we celebrate one year, we also look forward with hope and excitement. We know there is still so much room for growth, and we trust that the best is yet to come. Please take a moment to Click Here and enjoy this short video we’ve prepared—and as you do, may you be reminded that He is Lord, the One who gives hope. In the Luo language, “geno” means hope, our stars can proudly say Ageno – I Hope!

Our stars are back—excited, energetic, and ready to shine! This term is short, but there’s so much to cover as we wrap up the year.

Before lessons began, we held a wonderful parents’ meeting to connect, plan, and pray together for our children’s success.

We also took time for training on important tools like the gait belt and others—equipping ourselves to serve our learners even better.

We are truly grateful for the generous donations from Angie, Carter, Sherri, Hellen, Cyndy, Gina, Sidney, and Dorothy Oloo. God bless you all!

Our prayer is for a fruitful, joyful, and successful term ahead! Would you pray with us?

Saying goodbye to my grandsons was so hard—we played, read, swam, cycled, learned, and sang together. We did it all! But duty called, and it was time to come back and prepare our stars for school.

When I returned, I called teacher Joyce, and together we drove right into work. And as we worked, I couldn’t help but thank God for one thing that has truly transformed our space: our perimeter wall.

I remember how exposed our children with special needs once were. Strangers would stop and stare, and our little ones felt shy, fearful, and vulnerable. We prayed and prayed for a wall that would give them the safety, privacy, and dignity they deserve.

Then came a team of angels—Robin, Tim, Steve, and Rob from St. Michael and All Angels, Dallas TX—who turned that prayer into reality.

Today, our stars play, learn, and grow without fear. We work late into the evening with peace of mind. And the gift of privacy and protection has become priceless to us.

From our hearts—thank you for building more than a wall. You built a safe haven.