Since 2014, Sister Freda has led the highly impactful Richard Robinson Child Care Center (RRCCC) in Kitale, Kenya, which serves over 150 children from the surrounding rural villages. The RRCCC is just one of many initiatives run by Sister Freda’s Foundation, which also includes Sister Freda’s Hospital, several outreach clinics, a nursing college, a girls’ high school, and an orphan support program. Each of these efforts provides vital resources and services to the local community, nearby slums, refugee camps, and rural villages.
Originally founded by Sister Freda’s late husband, Richard, the RRCCC began as a breakfast teaching program for children in the Kipsongo slums, where many had little access to food or early childhood education. Though Richard has since passed away, Sister Freda continues to honor his vision by expanding and strengthening the center, transforming it into the thriving institution it is today. The RRCCC now features three classrooms arranged around a central courtyard with gardens, a children’s resource center, a playground, a library, a shower block, and a medical center. The attached kitchen supports the center’s feeding program, providing breakfast and lunch for all the children.
The play-based curriculum at the RRCCC is interactive and child-centered, offering a refreshing departure from traditional educational structures and fostering a nurturing environment for the children’s growth and development. The curriculum helps preschoolers build the skills needed for public primary school, while also addressing their nutritional and medical needs.
The ongoing success and impact of the Richard Robinson Child Care Center are made possible by Sister Freda’s unwavering dedication to the children she serves, along with the steadfast support of longtime donors and advocates.
Dr. Alan Riley, an alum of Village Volunteers, played a pivotal role in bringing the original vision to life through his early fundraising efforts and by assembling the team that transformed a basic meal program into a comprehensive preschool. Alan collaborated closely with architectural designer Kurt Beckman to conceptualize and design the RRCCC. Mr. Gitonga, an engineer in Nairobi, supported the construction process and diligently visited the site to conduct inspections and provide on-site advice. Kurt continued his fundraising efforts and worked locally to complete the interior finishes, oversee equipment installation, and procure school supplies for the RRCCC.
Kurt and his wife, Leslie, have provided years of dedicated support to the center and continue to fundraise and connect new supporters to the RRCCC, expanding the donor community and amplifying its impact.
Donations play a vital role in sustaining this initiative by funding educational materials, uniforms, shoes, building maintenance, and providing daily breakfast and lunch for the children. Your support helps create a nurturing environment where young learners can thrive and build a strong foundation for their future.
The RRCCC stands as a powerful testament to the strength of collective action and continues to embody the transformative impact of coming together to change the lives of the hundreds of children it serves.
