Latest News - Matanya's Hope - A non profit organization educating the children of Kenya

Michelle graduated from Bradley University with her a BA degree in Fine Arts. She went on to become a designer for a Chicago clothing company. By the 1990's, Michelle transitioned from clothing design to designing custom fine jewelry. She opened her own company, Diamonds, Etc. At the same time, her custom oil on canvas portraits could be seen at several galleries on the North Shore and in Chicago galleries.

As the 1990's drew to a close, Michelle was moved to work spiritually rather than materialistically. She became a certified Massage Therapist, Reflexologist, Reiki Master and Colon Hydrotherapist. She also spent 3 years in school for clinical hypnotherapy. Michelle has developed salves for numerous ailments and works as the head therapist at a prestigious spa on Chicago's South side. Michelle also maintains her own private spa for select clientele.

In 2005, Michelle joined her family on an African safari - an experience that was to change her life. On a visit to a primary school in Nanyuki, Kenya Michelle recognized the desperate need for funds for the young bright children who were about to leave any formal education they might have after the 8th year when government funding ceased for them. Their families were so poor they could not afford the meager sum required for their children to continue into high school. Michelle immediately sponsored two children for the coming year and was joined in her effort by four others doing the same thing. When she returned to the United States Michelle began her crusade to form a Foundation, appropriately called Matanya's Hope, whose mission it is to provide funding and meet the material needs for the Matanya Primary School and the surrounding community.

Michelle is the mother of one son, 18. He and her two parents are the light of her life.

Born June 10, 1967, the 8th child out of ten. Attended Rich Central H.S. in Olympia Fields, IL. After high school started working in the Sales & Marketing field. Currently for Graff Valve & Fittings Co. where she works in the power & industrial division. She has also worked as a volunteer at Applewood Manor Nursing Home working with the elderly, The Pads Foundation, fund raising & working on site with the homeless. She has also worked with the Full Moon Classic doing fund raising where all proceeds go to Cancer research & hospice patients.

She says her inspiration & passion is driven from her four beautiful children John 21, Anthony 19, Daniel 17, and Elizabeth 13.

Arthur Stark

Born in Philadelphia in 1935, Arthur attended Central High School before entering Penn State University. Upon graduation he married Andrea Bailis and then served in the U. S. Army. He entered a family business in 1958 and managed the warehouse operations for several years before entering the sales department. In 1971 he was promoted to National Vice President of Sales and began to build the sales team in the new Chicago facility. His family joined him 18 months later and for 15 additional years he enjoyed building the company’s sales from $6,000,000 annually to more than $85,000,000, by 1987, when the business was sold.

Arthur and a partner created another company in 1973 dealing with the importation of Judaic, Christian and Arab art work from Israel. In 1988 they purchased a bronze casting foundry in Jerusalem, which produced bronze art sculptures for artists in Europe and Israel. The Arab Intafada of 1991, resulted in the destruction of the foundry, after which they closed the company.

Along with his wife, they owned Homewood Travel Service for 18 years before selling that company. They have established a new travel company – The Cruise Corner, and continue to be active in the selling of travel. Arthur has been taking tourists to Africa for photographic safaris for more than 8 years. He has developed a strong passion for the country and a love of the people. On a recent trip he brought his children and grandchildren with him and the beginning of the Matanya Hope Foundation was cultivated. He continues to be active on the board of Matanya’s Hope and in taking people to Africa on a yearly basis.

Andrea B. Stark

Andrea Bailis, was born and raised in Philadelphia. In 1957 she married Arthur Stark and remained in the community until the family’s move to Chicago, in 1972. Soon after their arrival in Chicago, Andrea became involved with the travel industry and remains actively engaged in travel. Her broad based experience as a travel professional blossomed when she purchased Homewood Travel Service, in 1987, along with her husband Arthur. This was followed by the opening of another agency in Wilmette, Illinois, and yet another in Del Ray Beach, Florida, in 1991.

Her professional expertise covers the globe, with unsurpassed knowledge in the development of private touring throughout Europe and Asia. Andrea’s passion has led her to focus on cruising and travel to the continent of Africa. In 2005 Homewood Travel Service was sold, freeing Andrea from the rigors of managing the day to day affairs of running a business. This has allowed her to concentrate her efforts on developing travel programs for her clients.

Andrea joyfully accepted a position on the board of Matanya’s Hope, focusing her energies on the children and people of Africa.

My name is Njambi Gaithi Mugo. I am the first born in my family of ten children: five girls and five boys. My parents are both deceased. My father worked for the railway and my mother was a housewife. I went to school at an early age. My family moved around often in my country, Kenya East Africa - as we joined my father where he found his employment. These locations often changed.

Most of my schooling took place in the city, especially my secondary education. When I finished school, I took a job with an airline. I never enjoyed this career as I wanted so much to work with children. I left this well paying job and went on to become educated at a teacher's training college located on the outskirts of the city.

When I got married some time later, I left the city to teach in the rural areas of Kenya where I had never lived before. These areas are far more impoverished than most in or near the city. Teaching is more challenging in the rural areas as we have many more battles to endure such as money for supplies, food for the children, many illiterate parents who do not deem education as important in their children's lives, lack of running water and electricity, and more.

My husband and I have four children. Our two girls are both married and live in the city. They each have three children. My two sons also live in the city and make their living by doing odd jobs until they can find more permanent work. I have been able to get all of my children through secondary school and college - where they focused on computer studies.

My husband is a trained mechanic but left his job to become a ful time farmer. He used to work for general motors a US based company in our country.

I have been teaching for the last 28 years. I now live with my husband and one of my grandchildren who is in grade one. I have been involved with Matanya's Hope since it's birth as an organization. I personally work with all of our program children on a daily basis - seeing that they work hard to keep their grades up. In addition, I meet with the children - see that they write to their sponsors and distribute all clothing, shoes and school supplies sent to us by Matanays' Hope in the USA.

I personally wish to thank everyone who has made such a huge impact on our children here in Matanya and Nanyuki Kenya. This is the first time in their lives that they know they can dare to have dreams - that they CAN be educated - and they can develop careers. Matanya's Hope is our children's HOPE. Thank you.

Kwaheri
Mrs. Mugo

Izaac M. Ebeywa

Izaac was born and raised in a typical rural village of Lugari in the Western part of Kenya in 1971. He pursued his primary education by joining his sibling in walking and literally running over 10 miles to school every day.

He graduated from Nagpur University in the Maharashtra State of India with a M.A, B Com. and earned a diploma from Trans-Eastern Airline Aviation College (TEAAC) in Nairobi, Kenya. Utilizing over six years serving as a lecturer for various institutions in Kenya, including the Regional Academy of Aviation, the Railway Training Institute (RTI), the Institute of Personnel Management (IPMK), the Foundation Institute of Professionals (FIP), and in the neighboring country of Somaliland, he helped pioneer International Horn University(IHU) in the war torn Horn of Africa. He served as Training Consultant for Save the Children Denmark-Somaliland office where he trained those who would train others who help returning refugees establish self-employment when resettlement in a country that has been in civil war for over one and a half decades.

Izaac is the husband of one wife Beth Ebeywa. He believes in the shared knowledge and the love of Christ. Prior to his coming to the United States he has enjoyed coordinating mission work and church planting along his trail. With his analytical insight, extensive background and passion for our mission, he brings a commitment to help MH grow.

Marve & Nancy Lyzenga

Both Nancy and Marve Lyzenga live in Schererville, IN. They have been married for 47 years and are the parents of 5 and the grandparents of 24.

Together, Marve and Nancy have participated on two medical mission trips to Zimbabwe and one to India. These trips opened their eyes to the "rest of the world out there" and further served as the inspiration which lead them to become involved with the missions committee in their church. After meeting Michelle Stark and hearing about Matanya's Hope, they were led to volunteer by serving on the Board of Directors. It has been a blessing to learn of and be involved in this God inspired ministry. They look forward to further involvement and a future trip to Kenya.

Both Marve and Nancy were born into Christian homes where it was a priority to live every day as a testament to their faith. This focus continues in their lives today. Marve and Nancy are wonderful examples of serving and inspiring others via their strong leadership, commitment and faith.

PROFILE- PETER NJUGUNA

Nothing is more pivotal to a great stay in Kenya than having a safari guide who can enlighten you on culture and animal life.

Peter Njuguna serves Matanya’s Hope as Africa’s personal guide and advisor. Now 45, Peter Njuguna was born in a district located on the highlands west of the Great Rift Valley , Kenya . His rural upbringing in an area just 30 miles west of Lake Nakuru, the region famous for its great flocks of flamingo, offered him the ideal opportunity to appreciate the natural world early in life.

Determined to succeed in his education, Peter moved to further his studies for a two year A-level education at the coastal city of Mombasa. An active member of different Wildlife Clubs during his school days, Peter Njuguna found himself more and more interested in a career dealing in wildlife.

Soon after his formal education, Peter enrolled for a course in Tour Guiding and Administration at the renowned Nairobi based Utalii College of Tourism and Hotel Management. Upon completion of his studies in 1986, he immediately joined the safari industry working with several tour operators including Park East, A&K, African Travel among others.

But, Peter is quick to tell you that knowledge alone is not enough. He explains to the eager ears of the Matanya’s Hope students and staff volunteers that patience is a key ingredient to life. According to Peter, “patience…waiting that extra minute while on safari is just what it may take to be rewarded by the arrival of a pride of lion.” The enthusiasm, calmness and patience of safari guide and naturalist Peter Njuguna has been a tremendous asset to the board of Matanya’s Hope.

Peter has escorted mainly American clientele throughout East Africa including, Kenya, Uganda , Tanzania and Rwanda. Peter says of American safari enthusiasts,” their curiosity, their questions and appreciation of safari, be it animal, tribal and other cultural signatures of Africa, have all enriched my life as a safari guide, person and naturalist". Today, Peter gives back much of his time to Matanya’s Hope. He is determined to see the less fortunate youth of Kenya be given a fair chance in life.

His membership to several associations dealing in conservation such as: East African Wildlife Society, Museum Society of Kenya, Natural History Society of Kenya and Kenya Tour Guides Association has advanced his love for wildlife. "My vision for humanity is that by promoting an understanding between cultures, we will help to make the world a better place for people and for wildlife alike." adds Peter.

Peter Njuguna is married to a wonderful wife. Together, they are very proud of their two daughters.