Be Social Project’s 2022 at Mokowe School for the Mentally Disabled

This year, we have consolidated ourselves as an association, and we have seen our number of members grow, giving us greater stability. We have met many people who have decided to join Be Social Project in different ways—by contributing financially or by helping us with areas we are less familiar with. One example is María, who is supporting us with digital marketing, which is why you now receive a monthly newsletter.

In addition, we have established contacts in other countries who are interested in collaborating with our school in Mokowe, Lamu.

We told you that this year has been a difficult one for many reasons, and among them was the departure of Mr. Bute (the former headteacher of Mokowe School for the Mentally Disabled and truly a wonderful man). His leaving left the school feeling somewhat orphaned, as Mr. Bute was a great leader. It was time to regroup and continue working hard.

We also experienced the national elections, which were a nightmare for schools. This year’s drought has hit Kenya hard as well, although to be honest, Lamu has received much more rain than in the past five years. Even so, this did not prevent the crisis caused by rising food and fuel prices from affecting us directly, as we shared with you a few months ago.

The war in Ukraine has also had an impact here, as Kenya imports a large amount of cereal, which is the basis of its diet.

But this year has also brought many beautiful moments in Lamu. In fact, living and working with children with functional diversity gives you unforgettable moments every single day—and at Be Social Project, we know this very well. One example is Simon, who is in charge of the chicken coop. We don’t think there is anyone prouder of himself, and we can confirm that he does his job brilliantly. Simon’s story is just one of many that we would love to share with you.

Consolidated Nutrition Programme

This year, our nutrition project has also been firmly established. Our children now enjoy a healthy, tasty and nutritious menu every day. Most of the contributions from Be Social Project members are allocated to this programme, with the exception of milk, which is covered by other donations.

During the rainy season, we even had a small vegetable garden that provided us with soybeans, sukuma and mchicha—types of leafy greens similar to spinach and chard—which supplied our weekly vegetable needs. Establishing a permanent garden remains on our list of future goals.

Be Social Project’s New Goal Begins to Take Shape

With Alba and Vicky, we planted the seed of yoga at the school. Suddenly, there was already a classroom—we just needed to adapt it. The final push came from Almu, Mar, Cristina and Nuria. Almu came up with the idea of organising a fundraising initiative at CrossFit Soria and at her school, Los Doce Linajes, to raise money for the gym. Mar, Cristina and Nuria highlighted the urgent need for Sebastián, Damaris, Said and Sule to receive prosthetics as soon as possible.

That’s when we reflected and structured the Physiotherapy Project, which is now moving from being a dream to becoming a reality—a reality that will significantly change the lives of our children and, who knows, perhaps many more in Lamu.

The Be Social Project team has worked tirelessly this month, taking part in markets and events in Soria, Madrid, Valencia and Zaragoza. Everywhere we went, we received a wonderful response, and that makes us truly happy. Feeling people’s support is essential; knowing that our work is backed and that you believe in us gives us the strength to keep going with our work in Lamu. Thank you so much!

In the coming days, all members will receive the date for our annual members’ meeting, which will be held online. If you’re not yet a member but would like to join, please email us at hola@besocialproject.com.

And now, we don’t want to take up any more of your time—we simply want to wish you a very Happy New Year. May 2023 bring you love and good health.