Maasai women of Kenya saw the need for education for themselves and young girls. After a safari trip in 2000, Loanna and Jon Day, retired teachers from Kitsap County, WA, began working with a small group of volunteers to help first one young woman, then a second woman with funds for school fees.
In November, 2005 MWEEP Kenya became an official CBO (Community Based Organization) formed with a cost/share philosophy to help families provide that education. In 2008, MWEEP USA became an official 501(c)3 to provide the needed funds with Loanna Day as founding President.
MWEEP educates Maasai girls and women through cost-sharing scholarships and training programs. Funds help to offset the cost of Secondary School, Post Secondary, and Empowerment classes. MWEEP supports women who are working to start their own businesses and/or becoming community leaders. Whether a student or a budding entrepreneur, these determined ladies become independent, successful women.
MWEEP USA is managed by a board of 8 volunteer women from Kitsap County, Washington. All are devoted to helping women become educated.
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS!
Since MWEEP USA became an official 501(c)3 in 2008, we have provided more than 850 years of school for young girls and women in Kenya. Girls are given an opportunity to attend secondary school and also post-secondary opportunities such as university, colleges, and vocational schools. MWEEP Kenya selects applicants and sends funds directly to the schools. This is a cost/share program that insures once a girl begins school she will not be sent home because of a lack of school fees. MWEEP USA and MWEEP Kenya are all volunteers so 90% of every dollar donated goes toward providing education
Many girls attend more than 2 years of secondary school and the majority complete through Form 4. Upon completion of secondary school young women see the advantages of going to post-secondary colleges, universities and vocational schools. In 2013 alone, MWEEP assisted 24 women in post-secondary education.
Today, MWEEP continues to enjoy support from its many generous donors. It is through these “Gift of Hope” donations that so many Masailand girls and women achieve their dreams of education that improves their lives. Every year, MWEEP works diligently to use 90% of funds donated for education purposes in Kenya.
MWEEP Board USA
Front Row right to left: Barb Stark, Barb Coffey, Sandy Lewis, Peggy Iversen
Second Row right to left:: Pat O’Rouke, Cheri Paulin, Betty Brownley