Leah Wangui Ruiru:  (Updates at bottom of page)

Leah commenced a Diploma in Social Work and Welfare in June 2013 at the Kenya Institute of Social Work and Community Development. She needs your help to have enough funds to complete her program.  

Photo:  Leah Wangui Ruiru

Hello, I am Leah Wangui from Kagwe, Kenya.  I graduated with a certificate in Social Development Work at the Kenya Institute of Social Work and Community Development.  I am very happy to be now studying in a joint Diploma program and it is my dream to eventually complete a Degree in Social Work.  

I am inspired to work with the community and participate in giving solutions to issues affecting them. Education is the key to success and a brain sharpener.  To be most productive in community development, I need to study to a higher level to acquire more knowledge and develop skills that will foster positive attitudes that bring change.  It will also enable me to carry out proper research in areas that require transformation.

Through education, I will become empowered and well equipped with information to perform efficiently and effectively within the society, for example:  training members, educating, mobilizing, motivating, encouraging teamwork, and participating in various community development and social work sectors.  I will be able to manage the sustainability of community based projects that need competent and confident people who believe in and support self-reliant development.

I need to raise $778.75 for my Diploma program starting June 2013 as broken down below:

1st semester:     19,300 Ksh ($241.25 at exchange of 80 shillings per dollar)

2nd semester:     23,000 Ksh ($287.50 at exchange of 80 shillings per dollar)

3rd semester:     20,000 Ksh ($250 at exchange of 80 shillings per dollar)

These amounts are exclusive of my transport to and from the school, my accommodations and food which I will be able to raise even though it is challenging with the cost of living rising dramatically.  It is in this light that I seek support from well wishers to support the tuition fees which would be needed as soon as possible.

My future goal is to further the Diploma into a degree while initiating community projects in social work.  I am optimistic that I will get some support to enable me continue with my studies.  Any support will be highly appreciated. Thank you so much.

Family History

I am the second born in our family with an elder brother and younger sister. Both my parents are small scale farmers. They work at our family farm where they grow different kinds of vegetables and tea. My elder brother works as an administrator with the police while my younger sister is currently at home after completing the Canada World Youth program (in March 2013). She is hoping  to join college. My parents’ income is not enough to support both myself and my younger sister.

Canada World Youth background:

I completed a six month exchange and international education program with Canada World Youth.  For three months in Sudbury, Ontario I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.  During the stay I completed ecomentor training and delivered classroom visits educating children on conservation of the environment.  The following three months took place in Kimende, Kenya with KENVO (The Kijabe Environment Volunteers).  Here, I volunteered in tree planting, irrigating nursery beds, making presentations to the community e.g. climate change and I also organized community cleanups.

All these experiences had a great impact in my life. I developed independence and learned how to be responsible, have good time management, be in control as well as cope with challenging situations.  I continue to be involved with Canada World Youth by engaging in their activities with their partner organizations in Kenya.

Photo: Left to right:  Leah’s sister, Leah Wangui Ruiru, Leah’s mom, Leah’s dad, Dave Cuddy (EIP founder) PROGRAM INFORMATION:

Certificate in Social Development and Diploma in Community Development (3 years)

NAME OF THE COLLEGE:

KENYA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL WORK AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: (This program is recognized by Kenyan Universities for a joint degree program) COURSES: SEMESTER ONE CSD 3001: English CSD 3002: Communication Skills and ICT CSD 3003: History and Government of Kenya. CSD 3004: Social Development Work, Theory and Methods. CSD 3005: Social Policy and Administration. CSD 3006: Social Research Methods. SEMESTER TWO CSD 3007: Project Development and Management. CSD 3008: Human Growth and Development. CSD 3009: Sociology. CSD 3010: Law in Social Development. CSD 3011: Kiswahili. CSD 3012: Management and Administration. SEMESTER THREE CSD 3013: Community Health. CSD 3014: Economics. CSD 3015: Project CSD 3016: Field practicum. The courses for the Diploma program are: SEMESTER ONE ENG 999:   English (Optional) DCD 1101:  Communication Skills and ICT DCD 1102:  Introduction to Community Development DCD 1103:  Social Work Theory and Practice DCD 1104:  Economics DCD 1105:  Community Based Organizations DCD 1106:  Entrepreneurship DCD 1107:  Community Capacity building and Partnerships DCD 1108:  Resource Mobilization and Fundraising SEMESTER TWO DCD 1109:   Project Management DCD 1110:   Advocacy and Lobbying DCD 1111:   HIV/AIDS and other Pandemics DCD 1112:   Statistics DCD 1113:   Legal Aspects in Social Development DCD 1114:   Resource Management SEMESTER THREE DCD 1115:   Transformation and Social Marketing DCD 1116:   Community Development Methodologies DCD 1117:   Management of Community Concerns DCD 1118:   Community Leadership DCD 1119:   Gender and Development DCD 1120:   Project paper DCD 1121:   Practicum (part 1 before module two and 2 before module 3

REASONS FOR CHOOSING TO PURSUE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ( Leah Writes)

I am interested in continuing with my studies but it’s impossible due to financial difficulties, so when I heard that the program Education is Power is looking for a female student, I just felt that now my prayers have been answered and I am going to achieve my dream. In 2007-08, I participated in the six month Canada World Youth cultural exchange and international education program.  Here I worked as a volunteer in different communities, encountering many social problems and gaining incite and inspiration to help others in my country. My education will allow me to overcome the gender discriminatory attitudes that are based on stereotypes and gender roles, which affect girl child education.  Most cases end up in low level jobs which are lowly paid thus making them live in poverty or  they can only depend on a mans support to survive, and therefore he dominates her, abuses and forces her to be a submissive housewife.  It’s through the power of education that the gender gap will close in terms of levels of participation access to resources, rights, power and benefits\salaries. I will also learn ways to handle our fragile ecosystem including environmental evaluations, rules and regulations practiced by community governments or any other groups to protect the environment.  I will be in a position to monitor and evaluate programs as well as implement them.  As well, I will gain a knowledge base for addressing youth unemployment problems and other unfortunate circumstances that afflict youth. This program will help one achieve a sense of accomplishment that will give an individual the confidence towards his\her goals and abilities.  In addition, I will build effective leadership skills, critical thinking skills, and learn to be in control and have an enthusiastic attitude.

Ultimately, I will secure an opportunity to get a job with good salary that will support my parents and my younger brother and sisters.

I will be very grateful for your assistance.

HOW THE COMMUNITY WILL BENEFIT FROM ME TAKING THIS PROGRAM. ( Leah Writes)

I will bring about change by expressing quality leadership, seeking choices in ecology, economics and ethics that will provide a sustainable future through eliminating ignorance, eradicating poverty and saying no to violence.

Public awareness and education will be enhanced through organizing clubs and associations to learn about HIV\AIDS, environmental education and entrepreneurship as well as establishing sustainable livelihoods projects.

(Leah Writes) I will:

– Offer training, which is the most important component in disaster management that will incorporate prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

-Encourage participation (volunteering) in rehabilitation areas e.g. the forest, home care to underprivileged and the suffering to promote their personal dignity, education, self-determination and self-sufficiency.

-Help to eliminate constraints that may hinder project developments and foster a sense of ownership and willingness of the community to take over projects and sustain them.

-Provide targeted business management and technical skills to enable youth to develop viable business plans. -Provide equal opportunities for youth to realize their full potential, particularly among marginalized groups in society by giving them chances to facilitate programs and activities. – Help establish youth recreational facilities in order to overcome idleness. -Educate family planning methods to control population, sensitizing parents on the dangers of child labor, mobilizing members for commercial work to ensure food sustainability among others. -Assist in writing proposals and borrowing soft loans towards income generating activities\projects. – Network and collaborate youth groups to share ideas, experiences with an aim of empowerment and exposure that will help in character development. To ensure gender equality between girls and boys that is based on the concept that all human beings are free to develop their personal abilities without limitations.

Background of College Kenya Institute of Social Work and Community Development (KISWCD) is a Community focused development and training Institution without any Governmental, Religious or political affiliation.  KISWCD was initiated in 1997 and incorporated on 22nd June 2000 as a private company limited by guarantee.  The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology registered it on 22nd August 2002 as a training Institution.

The institute is managed by Board of Governors who are experienced in the areas of social work, educational institutions management, business management, human resources management, finance and accounting, psychology, environmental health, counseling and law among others.

KISWCD is a member of a number of International organizations and Associations and an examination center for KNEC, ICM UK, AQA UK, ABMA among others. The Institution offers Certificate and Diploma courses in Community Development, Social Work and Welfare, Project Management, Community Health and Counseling among others. A number of short courses and consultancy services are also available. In the last 10 years, the institution has distinguished itself as a center for excellence; drawing students from virtually all major NGOs, government departments and the private sector.  Foreign students from Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia are among those who have enrolled at KISWCD. It is located at Nairobi, Kenya.

For more information you can visit their website: www.kiswcd.co.ke

Updates

Photo:  Leah with her new baby boy “Eyan” in February 2013.  Leah decided that she will be ready to recommence her studies in June 2013.  At this time her baby will be old enough to by babysat while she commutes to her studies in Nairobi, Kenya.

Photo:  Leah makes a explains how important Education is Power for her and others.  February 10, 2013