Activities
In 1985
Recognized by the Kenyan government as a relief organization.
Based in the Nairobi office, the organization provided food aid, car maintenance and other relief services.
education support projects such as building elementary school.
In 1990
Opened an office in Meru City.
Began providing tuition assistance to mothers and children in nearby elementary schools, as well as to poor families.
In 1991
Established the Association of African Children’s Education Fund, a voluntary organization.
Continued to provide tuition support for elementary school. Since textbooks are expensive and it is difficult for each child to own one, textbooks are given to elementary schools for use by several students, who then return the textbooks at the end of the school year. This was very well received in many schools where only the teachers had textbooks.
In 1992
Began donating textbooks to public elementary schools with support from the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications’ International Volunteer Savings Donation (hereafter referred to as “International Volunteer Savings”).
Supported the construction of the “Boys’ Center: House of Love and Hope” for street boys living in abandoned cars, and a training center for them to acquire skills.
In 1993
Officially registered as an NGO with the Kenyan government.
Meru Children’s Clinic established. Meru Children’s Clinic was established and gained a good reputation in the community for providing prompt examinations and quality medicines at lower than market prices.
Donation of textbooks continued with support from the International Volunteer Savings Fund. Support for tuition fees, as well as traveling clinics to elementary schools in remote areas.
In 1994
Continued textbook distribution with support from the International Volunteer Savings Fund. Operation of the Meru Clinic. In addition to providing tuition support, the clinic provides traveling medical care and preventive shots to elementary schools in remote areas. The program was well received.
The Meru Clinic was so popular that many people came from far away to visit the clinic.
In 1995
With support from the International Volunteer Savings Fund, we continued to donate textbooks, operated the Meru Clinic, and conducted traveling clinics at elementary schools. Tuition support.
With the support of the NGO Project Grant, personnel costs and vehicles for traveling clinics were purchased.
Started the first sewing class for children from poor families in a vacant room in Meru Clinic. Plans are underway to expand this program and open a technical training center.
Installation of water pipes from the receiving water tank in Meru Kambakia village. Residents living near the Meru Clinic no longer have to go 4km away to fetch water several times a day.
Members of the Japanese youth baseball team visited Kenya to play a friendly game and paid a courtesy call on former President Moi and presented him with baseball equipment.
In 1996
Kenya received a 12,140 square meter plot of land from the city of Embu, and with the support of the “International Volunteer Savings Fund”, a new office and a sewing class were opened.
With the support of the “International Volunteer Savings Fund”, we operated the Meru Clinic.
With the support of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “NGO Project Subsidy” (hereinafter referred to as “NGO Project Subsidy”), construction of the Embu Clinic began and tuition support was provided.
1997
With the support of the “NGO Project Subsidy”, we started to run a sewing class at the Embu Vocational Training Center, and conducted a traveling clinic.
With the support of the International Volunteer Savings Fund, the Embu Children’s Clinic was opened. Operated the Meru Clinic and the Meru School of Sewing.
With the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Grassroots Grant Aid” (hereinafter referred to as “Grassroots Grant Aid”), we built the Kaisee Elementary School for orphans in the Ruili district of Meru.
Japanese language classes were opened at Egerton National University. With the cooperation of the University of Egerton, a short-term intensive Swahili language course was held during the summer vacation, with many students from Osaka University of Foreign Studies and others participating. The course was held four more times in 1998, 1999, and 2000.
In 1998
With the support of the International Volunteer Savings Fund, we operated the Meru Clinic and Embu Clinic, provided textbooks, conducted rounds of medical treatment, and purchased a roving medical vehicle.
With the support of the “Grassroots Grant Aid,” we constructed an automobile maintenance building at the Embu Vocational Training Center, extended the school building of a dressmaking school, and built a dormitory for girls.
With the support of the “NGO Project Grant,” the Embu Vocational Training Center operated a Western-style dressmaking class.
In 1999
With the support of the “International Volunteer Savings Fund”, donated textbooks, operated the Meru & Embu Clinic, and provided traveling medical care.
The completion ceremony of the above facilities was held in the presence of Ambassador Aoki. The center (Western-style sewing and car manufacturing) opened.
Constructed an X-ray examination room, a dentist’s dormitory room, and a maternal and child health examination room at Embu Clinic with the grant from the Grassroots Grant Aid.
Year 2000
With the support of the International Volunteer Savings Fund, textbooks were donated and the Embu Clinic was established.
With the support of the NGO Project Grant, we held AIDS seminars at elementary schools, added a dormitory for boys, a cafeteria, a classroom and workshop at the Vocational Training Center, and built a kindergarten building.
The Embu Clinic X-ray, dental, and maternal and child health examination rooms were completed. More than 700 people per month use the clinic.
EM (Effective Microorganisms) farming method introduced. An experimental farm was established.
In the future, we plan to implement “urban waste management,” “organic fertilizer production and dissemination,” and “living environment purification.
May: First visit to Goteh starving refugee camp in Ogaden, southern Ethiopia. Presented $17,000 worth of emergency relief food.
In 2001
With the support of the International Volunteer Savings Fund, we donated textbooks and ran the Embu Clinic.
With the support of the “NGO Project Grant”, we operated the Embu Vocational Training Center and purchased teaching materials and equipment.
A large scale water shortage occurred in Kenya. Provided emergency food aid to local women’s groups and facilities for the disabled.
A typhoid outbreak in the Embu area resulted in the EM effect on sanitation.
With the support of the Foundation for International Development and Relief (FIDR) and Japan International Cooperation System (JICS), round-the-clock visits to AIDS patients’ homes and elementary schools were conducted.
A 40,000-square-meter plot of land was donated by Ena District, Lunenjez City, next to Embu City, where the Ena Clinic will be built. A groundbreaking ceremony was held.
August: Second visit to Ethiopia’s Goteh Hunger Refugee Camp and Bargoon Village. Presented $15,000 worth of emergency food aid.
Year 2002
With the support of the International Volunteer Savings Fund, textbooks were donated and the Embu Clinic was established.
With the support of the NGO Project Grant, the Embu Vocational Training Center established new courses in welding, sheet metal painting, woodwork and furniture, computers, and food and nutrition in addition to automobile maintenance and sewing. In addition, an elementary school will be established to foster human resources who will be responsible for the future of Kenya.
With the support of the Foundation for International Development and Relief (FIDR) and the Japan International Cooperation System (JICS), the Center conducted round-the-clock visits to AIDS patients’ homes and conducted AIDS awareness workshops. First aid kits for schools were presented.
EM developer, Prof. Teruo Higa of University of the Ryukyus, arrived in Kenya and conducted an EM seminar.
Completed construction of a clinic in Ena District, Lunengeth.
Signing ceremony of the agreement with the Kenyan Ministry of Health to improve the environment of Kibera Slum, the largest slum in Kenya, through EM.
Year 2003
Africa Children’s Education Fund registered as a non-profit organization.
Completion of Ena Clinic in Ena District.
In collaboration with the Kenyan government (KARI for agriculture and the Ministry of Health for environment), Prof. Higa (mentioned above) is conducting experiments on natural farming using EM to solve environmental problems.
Started the Kibera Slum Environmental Improvement Project and the Nairobi Dam Water Quality Improvement Project adjacent to Kibera Slum, Nairobi.
Established a hairdressing course at the Technical Training School.
With the support of the Global Environment Fund of the Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency (hereinafter referred to as the “Global Environment Fund”), a seedling center for the School Forest Reforestation Project was started for forest protection and regeneration. The fast-growing saplings grown at the center were presented to 20 public elementary schools in Embu Province. At the same time, Eco-Clubs were established and fostered in each elementary school.
Made a presentation on the effects of EM in Kenya at the World Water Forum.
In 2004
With the support of the Global Environment Fund, we presented seedlings to 20 public elementary schools in Embu County through the School Forest Planting Program.
In 2005
With the support of the Global Environment Fund, we presented saplings to 20 public elementary schools in Embu, Kirinyaga, Meru and Beret provinces through the School Forest Planting Project. The program shifted from a school forest to a “village forest” where seedlings are distributed to neighboring villages for planting.
Installed a pump from the river in the Makima district of Beret. Started test farming of mango fields.
Commencement of the construction of the Organic Agriculture and Environmental Training College (KOAETEC) in Ena District with the support of the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGOs by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Incorporation of EM Kenya.
Donated textbooks and teaching materials to five poor elementary school in Nyahururu with the support of the Hiroshima Prayer Stone International Education Exchange Foundation.
Year 2006
Prepared for the opening of Ena Organic Farming School.
With the support of the Global Environment Fund, we presented seedlings to elementary schools through the School Forest Planting Project, and conducted effective farmer training sessions using EM farming methods. As Kenya is exporting a large number of fruits and vegetables to Europe, the country is under pressure to convert to pesticide-free farming as soon as possible, and EM has begun to play a major role in guiding the way.
In 2007
With the support of the Japan Post’s International Volunteer Savings Fund, we established the ENA Clinic (dentistry, obstetrics (midwifery facility to promote natural childbirth)) and the KOAETEC (Organic Agriculture and Environmental Training College) to teach reforestation, experimental farming, agriculture and environmental improvement techniques using EM technology.
With the support of the Global Environment Fund, the school forest planting program was developed and expanded from a “village forest” to a “community forest,” and effective farmer workshops using EM farming methods were conducted.
Start-up of the EM factory.
In 2008
With the privatization of Japan Post, the name of the organization was changed to “Volunteer Savings” (hereafter referred to as “Volunteer Savings”). With the support of the “Volunteer Savings,” the Foundation made rounds to the homes of AIDS patients, held AIDS awareness workshops, and conducted workshops on organic farming using EM.
The second Nairobi Rivera Dam water hyacinth removal and dam purification project started.
Established an emergency “Refugee Relief Fund” due to tribal discord caused by the presidential election results at the end of 2007.
Provided food, clothing, blankets, etc. for relief efforts.
Established a computer class at the Ena Vocational Training Center.
With the support of the Global Environment Fund, conducted a farmer’s workshop on organic farming and continued the seedling center.
In 2009
A mango plantation in the arid region of Makima produced a large number of mangoes.
The mango plantation, which was realized in the hope of helping to improve the lives of people in impoverished areas, began to receive a lot of support.
With the help of the “Volunteer Savings Fund,” round-the-clock medical visits to the homes of AIDS patients were conducted, and X-ray and fetal ultrasound equipment were brought into the ENA clinic.
Year 2010
With the support of the Volunteer Savings Fund, the AIDS Care Center and the Tuberculosis Patient Building were completed at the Ena Clinic. Test equipment is now available and mobile testing can be done in patients’ homes.
Thirteen students graduated from the first long-term course at the College of Organic Agriculture and Environmental Training (KOAETEC).
A ceremony was held in Makima District, Beret Province, to present the solar lights donated by Sanyo Electric Equipment Co.
Our elementary school was ranked third in Embu Province in the national standardized graduation exam! We are also helping children develop their potential in areas other than academics, such as representing the prefecture in a dance competition.
In 2011
With the support of the Japan International Cooperation System (JICS), we purchased AIDS testing equipment for the AIDS Care Center to enable more detailed testing. With the support of the Japan International Cooperation Foundation (JICF), construction of the “House of Hope,” an accommodation facility for AIDS-infected orphans, began. With the support of the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization (NRPPO), a greening promotion education project was implemented through the planting of a school forest.
The Embu Vocational Training Center was approved as a public school by the Kenyan government, and was re-launched with the support of the government, including the dispatch of teachers and school fees.
Successfully drilled a well with the support of volunteers. The mango fields, which had been pumping water from a river several kilometers away, can now use plenty of water.
Our elementary school was ranked second in Embu Province in the national standardized graduation exam!
Year 2012
With the support of the Volunteer Savings Fund, construction of an operating room and incinerator to perform simple surgical procedures and cesarean sections began on the premises of the Ena Clinic. Equipment for the operating room (operating table, anesthesia machine, and many others) and an immunoassay machine (CD4 machine) to measure the immunity of AIDS patients were purchased. The incinerator was completed at the end of October.
Continued to implement an educational project to promote greening by planting trees to create a school forest in another district with the support of the National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization for the second year and the Toyota Environmental Activity Grant Program.
With the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s Grant Aid for Cooperation with NGOs, we have developed a recycling system for a recycling-oriented society by composting food waste, which accounts for 80% of the garbage generated in the market, in order to improve the environment in Embu City.
Completed the “House of Hope,” an accommodation facility for AIDS orphans supported by the Japan International Cooperation Foundation (JICF). As a result of a household survey of AIDS-infected orphans conducted at the same time, 35 orphans were selected as the first batch of tenants, and a preliminary briefing session was held.
Our elementary school was ranked first in Embu County in the national standardized graduation examination! In Kenya, where people are passionate about education, there is often a waiting list to get into a good school, and our waiting list exceeded 50 students.
2013
31 children were admitted to the Hulaha Center (Japanese name: House of Hope), a residential facility for AIDS orphans, which was completed in 2012. The children began attending two nearby elementary schools. At the request of the district children’s officer, we have been taking care of more and more children whose parents are in court or in other trouble and need temporary protection.
When applying for the government’s approval of an official facility, we were told that some organizations had registered under the name “Hulaha Center”, so we changed the name to “ACEF Jump and Smile Center”.
At the end of March, the operating room in support of “Volunteer Savings” was completed.
At the end of April, with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Foundation (JICF), construction of the Makima Clinic adjacent to the Jump and Smile Center began.
On December 13, the largest orphan event in Japan was held at the ACEF Jump and Smile Center.
On December 20, the opening ceremony of the ENA Health Center operating room was held in the presence of Governor Embu.
Our elementary school ranked first in Embu Province in the national standardized graduation examinations, as it did last year! Furthermore, our elementary school was ranked 85th out of 25,000 elementary schools in the country.
2014
At the end of March, a new cafeteria and study room was completed at the ACEF Jump and Smile Center. Half of the previous study room was used as a library for donated books and other materials, and it had become too small.
On July 1, ACEF Jump & Smile Center became the first orphanage in Embu County to be accredited by the Kenyan government. No major financial support is expected, but supplies will be provided twice a year.
On July 1, Tadao Murakami, founder and president, passed away, and Tomoyo Ogura took over as president.
In September, the Makima branch of the Embu Clinic opened on the grounds of the ACEF Jump & Smile Center, after delays in obtaining permits.
At the end of October, Tenri Primary School was featured in the Fuji TV series “Konnosokoni Nihonjin”.
November: Planted seedlings in the school forest project with support from the Green Fund.
At the end of the year, our elementary school was ranked first in Embu County for the third year in a row in the national standardized graduation exam! Furthermore, we were ranked 20th out of 25,000 elementary schools nationwide.
2015
June: The Kenyan delegation from Lamu, Kiampu and Nyandarua visited Japan and paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Tenri.
Assistant to the Governor and the county heads of the Fire and Disaster Management and Environment and Water Resources Departments visited Japan.
At the arrangement of the mayor, they visited the fire station and the clean (garbage) disposal center.
September: Change in the way to obtain a visa to enter Kenya. It is now possible to apply for an e-visa on the Internet.
December: Completion of a well in Isiolo District. There were many difficulties on the way to drilling, and many accidents during the lowering and pumping of the pipe. Nevertheless, the field staff fought hard for the sake of the local residents, and everyone was impressed when clean water finally came out. Now we don’t have to walk three hours round trip every day to fetch water.
In 2016
With the support of the Global Environment Fund, we conducted seminars for environmental education and practical training in agroforestry, planting vegetables and fruits while receiving saplings from tree planting.
May: With the support of JICA’s Grassroots Technical Cooperation Support Type, the Environmental Education Human Resource Development Project was launched.
Project to train 60 people who are already interested in improving the environment to become leaders in environmental education.
Rather than Japanese people telling Kenyans that environmental conservation is important, Kenyans appealed to Kenyans to stop littering and to recycle and reuse what they have for the future of their children.
September: Started crowdfunding to secure electricity and safe water for Jump & Smile, an AIDS orphanage in Makima.
With the help of a grant from the Green Fund, we planted about 5,000 seedlings in four schools and three communities as part of the School Forest Project.
March 2017
March: Completed crowdfunding, far exceeding the goal of 5 million yen.
April: Elementary school building expansion work completed.
May: New well installed. Safe and clean water for children’s lives!
June: Electricity came to Makima.
September Preparation for the ostrich garden started.
December Elementary school ranked first in Embu County for six years in a row! We finally have a student who ranks tenth out of nearly a million test takers!
Year 2018
March Elementary School Boys’ Dormitory expansion work completed.