By Ruth Schukman-Dakotas, SCLA
What began as a Kansas City connection has grown into a powerful partnership of education, health, and entrepreneurship in western Kenya. Through the Envision Kenya Initiative, Ruth Schukman-Dakotas and a dedicated circle of supporters have helped bring hope and opportunity to the rural village of Kapkemich—transforming lives one project at a time.
Based in the greater Kansas City area, Envision Kenya unites three nonprofits and an entrepreneurial initiative under one mission: Friends of St. Anne’s (FOSA), the Virginia Wright
Health Clinic (VWHC), and The Water Room. Together, they are building a foundation for long-term sustainability, ingrained in community empowerment.
Education: The First Step Toward Change
Education remains at the heart of Envision Kenya’s mission. St. Anne’s Girls’ High School offers students from Kapkemich and surrounding villages a safe place to live and learn. In a country where financial hardship and cultural expectations often limit a girl’s access to schooling, St. Anne’s provides both opportunity and dignity.
Through Friends of St. Anne’s, students receive scholarships and housing support that make it possible to continue their education. Since 2012, FOSA has awarded 330 high school and 282 post-secondary scholarships, helping hundreds of young women overcome barriers and pursue
their dreams.
The school’s steady growth from a small sub-county institution to a county-level school reflects not only academic achievement but also a community’s shared belief in the power of education.
Health and Wellness
As education took root, it became clear that health and learning are inseparable. In response, Friends of St. Anne’s partnered with Dr. Chris Warholic to establish the Virginia Wright Health Clinic, providing essential care for both students and residents. The clinic serves more than 200 patients each month, offering medical services, maternal care, and health education. Despite receiving only a fraction of expected government reimbursements, the clinic continues to operate through the dedication of its staff and the generosity of supporters. Beyond healthcare, the clinic provides employment and inspiration—showing students that careers in medicine and community health are within reach.
Entrepreneurship
Recognizing that lasting change requires opportunity, Envision Kenya expanded to include entrepreneurial education and vocational training. Programs at St. Anne’s now teach sewing, cooking, and business management, equipping participants with practical skills to support their families and community. In 2023, Envision Kenya launched the Water Room, a water purification and distribution facility that now employs seven people and delivers clean drinking water to schools, churches, businesses, and the surrounding community, which meets a critical need while creating sustainable jobs.
Support from generous donors has helped fuel this growth. Their donations have made possible:
- Construction of a 200-student dormitory
- Installation of a well, which led to installation of a clean water system in partnership with Agua Viva International
- Expansion of the clinic, including a labor and delivery center
- Home-science equipment, such as sewing machines, a stove, and a refrigerator
- A behavioral-health program at the clinic
- Classroom technology, including a projector
- A vehicle for transporting patients to referral hospitals
Each investment strengthens the St. Anne’s community’s capacity for independence, ensuring that progress continues from within.
Discover more about Envision Kenya HERE.
