Michael Kakuyu, even though his father sold a piece of land, it wasn’t enough for him to attend school. Michael Kakuyu, now 31, fought for his education. Walking an hour to school and back every day was the least of his problems. Without his mentor Jimmy Kilonzi, whom he met almost 15 years ago, and without the support of a sponsor from Germany, he wouldn’t be where he is today.
Michael, you are the interface between MCC, Primary, Secondary School, and the Skills Center. Not to forget the farm, Shamba. Please describe your job.
I started as MCC Manager in 2015. Since then, we have grown steadily. By 2019, the Secondary School had its first class. As manager, I was responsible for the finances of the home and the school from then on. I wrote all reports and conducted job interviews. Every project crossed my desk. Currently, I am at the MCC three days a week and at the Skills Center two days.
What makes the Maisha Mazuri Children Center so special?
Our vision is to raise children to be creative, resourceful, and responsible young people. Teenagers who, in the best case, stand up not only for themselves but also for others. Most importantly: they should be happy and content. We currently offer basic education to everyone, support families with bureaucratic matters, and actively look after everyone’s health. With knowledge and, of course, money; money also for necessary medications. We are there for all everyday problems. We also support families with household budgets, because our goal is for them to be economically stable.
That also includes the goat, duck, and rabbit project. What is that?
Many households receive animals from our “Live Stock,” for example, a goat or a rabbit, which is intended to strengthen families economically. The family can eat the goat themselves, or even better, breed their own small herd and then sell individual animals back to the MCC, thus reintroducing them into the economic cycle. However, they may only be sold to the MCC and not externally. Another component is that we want to teach parents organic farming. They come here and are trained by an organic farmer. They are all open to this idea. It is initially complex and expensive, but it pays off over time.
Your greatest joy in the job?
There is nothing more beautiful than helping a child who comes to the MCC full of worries to become increasingly cheerful and determined. I love talking to the children and engaging with them. With us, anything is possible for every child.
What was your own childhood like?
I come from very poor circumstances. Now I am so self-confident and optimistic. Now I can be a role model for the children. My parents were casual laborers; they earned almost nothing. No one could pay my school fees. Nevertheless, I managed to go to a day school.
What was your school day like?
I woke up early in the morning, the moon still shining in the sky. I didn’t have a clock in our mud hut. I left without breakfast and hurried to get something to eat at school. I didn’t know if there would be anything to eat after school. I told myself, “I hate poverty. I want out.” That drove me.
What happened after school?
I started with an internship as a primary school teacher and taught Sunday school. I loved being with the children. Then I met Jimmy. Through him, I also met Eva, who became my sponsor and financed half of my studies. The government covered the other half.
In 2012, I asked Jimmy for an internship at the Skills Center. During the week I was at university, and on Fridays and weekends, I was at the Skills Center. There I was already allowed to teach communication and finance topics. Alongside that, I worked as a casual laborer in construction, mixing cement and so on. I earned 6,000 Kenyan Shillings a month (approx. €45.00). Immediately after my graduation, Jimmy gave me the chance to take on the position of Financial Manager at the MCC. I immediately had a team around me.
My wife, by the way, is also a teacher. She teaches Swahili and religion. And she is a table tennis champion. The government provides a starting salary of 16,000 KSH.
How is the in-house farming doing?
Our Shamba should produce enough for our MCC kitchen and also supply the families and the Secondary School. In the best case, we also sell fruit and vegetables externally. Eventually, it should at least break even. We want to become independent. That’s the idea. The same should happen with the bakery.
What influence do our institutions have on the surrounding area and Nguluni, the nearest town?
We support many households in the region. We also boost the economy. Parents now make a living by bringing us firewood or chickens. All craft work here is carried out by workers from the region. The money flows into the community’s cycle. This leads to more businesses in the area. We are growing and have become a really big “enterprise” that influences the town.
What are your biggest professional challenges currently?
It’s a real struggle to get revenues and expenses somewhat under control. Some people have no idea what we actually do here. They are too careless. The government too. That really affects me. I wholeheartedly support anyone who wants to improve. Prerequisite: Everyone must share our vision. Together, we can do it!
Your dream for the future?
Our children should have hope and become successful people. They should be grounded and perhaps even become sponsors themselves one day. I also wish that our employees here can live their vision. Everyone is welcome here! The academy should become one of the best schools in Kenya. We are already far ahead, have a model children’s home, and the best private school far and wide. We are unique. Yes, we can!
Interview conducted by Julia Siebel (November 2023)