Education is the Key to the Future

How You Can Help

Charlie Martin

8/1/20242 min read

I’m excited to tell you more about my new campaign, Fields to Future, which is dedicated to making a lasting difference by supporting education and creating opportunities in Kenya. This campaign is all about helping someone who has already done so much to support his community, despite facing significant challenges himself.

Let me introduce you to Patrick Wesonga, a remarkable individual who has been the heart and soul of our previous campaign, Seeds of Hope. Patrick comes from a humble farming family in Bungoma, Kenya. Despite the hardships he’s faced, Patrick is determined to make a better life for himself and his community. Here’s what he shared about his journey:

"I come from a humble family whose economic activity is farming. I attained my education up to the high school level through the help of well-wishers. I have lived with my old mother since the death of my father in 1998 when I was 7 years old. I support myself through farming, but I could not manage to pay for my own fees due to the adverse poverty in my family. A degree will help me much in terms of supporting my mother and contributing to my community. Moreover, I want to study Swahili and history since it's easier to get a job as a teacher. I want to help those in need."

Patrick’s dream is to become a high school teacher—a goal that will not only uplift his own life but also inspire and educate future generations in his community. Unfortunately, due to the economic challenges he faces, Patrick hasn’t been able to pursue higher education.

This is where Fields to Future comes in. We’ve already made a start—I saved up my allowance and sent Patrick $60 to cover the admission fee for the Ministry of Kenyan Education and to pay cyber charges for uploading his academic documents, passport photo, and Kenyan National Identity Card online. But there’s still a long way to go.

Here’s what we need to make Patrick’s dream a reality:

  • Kababii University tuition fees: $800 per semester for 8 semesters

  • Laptop: $400

  • Essentials: $200 for internet for online classes, data, a power bank for backup charging, writing materials, and travel expenses

In total, we’re looking to raise $7,200 to cover Patrick’s tuition and essentials for the next four years. This doesn’t include living expenses like food or housing, but it will provide him with the foundation he needs to succeed.

As I’ve said before, I know I can’t make a difference for millions of people, but I can make a difference for one person. And I believe Patrick, as a future teacher, can make a difference for many more people in his community. If I could work and pay for these costs myself, I would. I’m willing to do any job you might have to help raise the money, and I’m committed to spending the next four years working hard to gather as many donations as possible.

Will you help? I will provide all receipts and make sure every penny goes directly to Patrick’s education. Your support will not only change Patrick’s life but also plant seeds of hope for an entire community.

Thank you for considering this important cause. Together, we can create a brighter future for Patrick and the people of Bungoma.