With your gift of God’s Word, you’re equipping schools and bringing hope to children in Kenya.

The end of a thing is better than the beginning. Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV

The writer’s words in Ecclesiastes ring true in Ruai, a small suburb on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya. There in East Africa, Angaza Daima School started small but today stands as a beacon of hope for spiritually needy children. The name of this private community-based institution means “Shine Always” in Swahili, one of Kenya’s two official languages along with English.

It was cool and cloudy on the day I visited Ruai. It rained the previous night, the ground was moist, and an army of black ants was out to play. Turquoise, blue, and black iron sheets form the walls of the pre-school to Grade Nine classrooms, exemplifying order in a vast, arid compound. A packed yellow school van and green shrubs add color to the dry grass and gloomy sky.

Humble Beginnings

Smartly dressed in a black suit and bow tie, Salome, the school’s director, can’t help but share her journey. “Don’t despise humble beginnings,” says this petite lady. Her sharp ensemble accentuates her authoritative presence, contrasting the rigid sheet metal classrooms with dull concrete floors.

She began the school in 2017 with a prayer, $31, and borrowed chairs. It now has 500 kids, the majority of whom are underprivileged, including 44 sponsored students.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” Zechariah 4:10 NLT

Most of the children come from single-parent homes, don’t have Bibles, or don’t attend church. Single-parent homes are on the rise in Kenya. The 2019 Kenya National Census found that such households account for 38% of the population. Early pregnancies, absentee fathers, and gender-based violence, among other things, contribute to single-parent homes in Kenya.

Grounding Children

“I already had the vision and thirsted for more; the training was additional knowledge. You were a godsend.”

Before learning about Bible League, the school used PPI, the Programme of Pastoral Instruction. Part of the school curriculum, PPI focused on developing the students’ social, emotional, and behavioral skills. For one hour every Friday, a local pastor, community leader, or teacher tutored children about God and spirituality. But it often wasn’t structured and lacked Bible materials.

A woman with a passion for evangelism, Salome notes, “I spread the Gospel everywhere I go.” But she didn’t have what she needed to teach her students—God’s Word. She knew that the students needed the truth of Scripture in their hearts and hands. Guided by the need to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), Salome was determined to bolster her students’ spiritual foundation and shape their character with the Gospel.

“We didn’t have Bibles before. They’re expensive,” she says.

She only needed the right tool to make an impact on her students and realize her vision. As she waited, she kept her heart and spirit open for a breakthrough.

That’s why Salome was excited to hear about Bible League’s Bible study program through Pastor Charles, a local church leader. She reached out to Bible League at once. She and the other teachers at the school soon received training—and the Scriptures Salome had longed for.

They launched the Bible studies in 2024. Now, every child has a Bible of their own to study. “The study materials are simple and well-analyzed for the child to understand,” she says. “God’s Word is grounding the children and improving their reading skills.”

Salome explains that one of the challenges in the area is that many people are not encountering God in church because churches aren’t reaching their communities. Parents are often busy trying to make ends meet and don’t go to church. But Salome notes that because the school is teaching the children about Jesus and how to pray, they in turn are evangelizing their parents. God’s Word is making a difference.

Giving Hope

“We’re the go-between for the church and home. We give hope to the children who confide in us because economic pressures overwhelm their parents,” she adds.

With 15 years of experience, Salome teaches languages. “Teaching is a calling,” she says. “We have captured the children at a critical age of 7 to 16 years. We have seen the fruits of the program.”

Salome reveals that students have changed, accepted Christ, and are attending church and praying during morning devotionals. Parents, too, attest to changes at home. Children are now loving and obedient, and unruliness and fighting have ceased. They’re also reading and memorizing Scripture.

Transforming Lives

One changed student is Anne, a 16-year-old in Salome’s Grade Nine class. Salome notes, “She joined the school in Grade Six and was spiritually weak. When she joined the Bible study, she gained interest. Prior to that, Anne didn’t believe in God and stated it openly. But now she loves God, sings, and leads Bible studies.”

“Here, we offer love and treat the learners like our children. We use the therapeutic Word of God, and it’s bringing transformation,” Salome says.

Salome highlights the role Scripture plays in shaping children’s character. Proverbs 22:6 ERV says, “Teach children in a way that fits their needs, and even when they are old, they will not leave the right path.” Even Muslim students have integrated Scripture into their lives.

Salome thanks Bible League—and you—for transforming her students. “You may not realize your impact. You have even reached the little ones. We have seen the fruit of your work, and it’s working for the school. You’re reaching the young church.”