Asilomar Project: January 2026 update

Project Update: Training Begins With High Enthusiasm—Despite Unexpected Setbacks

The project got off to a strong start in November with the Train the Trainer sessions for older students who will serve as Ambassadors, mentoring primary school pupils throughout the programme. This group is also receiving separate support to help them address ongoing water challenges and establish their own home gardens.

Primary School Training Kicks Off

Training for 50 pupils across the two participating primary schools began this week. On Day 1, Norbert and Tetty (Project Leads) were met with overwhelming enthusiasm—so much so that attendance exceeded expectations. The team faced a challenge when more children arrived than had been registered. When teachers attempted to send some pupils back, tears were shed, and it was ultimately decided that the extra children could stay. We are now exploring how to accommodate these additional participants when distributing gardening kits during the implementation phase.

Engagement throughout the lessons was exceptional. Four teachers attended and expressed how much they enjoyed the sessions. One teacher from one school shared:

“This is the first time we have ever received an external speaker in this school to teach the children a subject that is not directly covered in the curriculum.”

Challenging Weather Conditions

Msumarini remains extremely dry after the expected short rains in December failed to arrive. The forecast for the rest of the month is not promising, and we can only hope February brings some relief. Water scarcity continues to be a major obstacle for both the community and the school gardens.

Unexpected Withdrawal—and a Silver Lining

Day 2 brought both encouraging news as space for additional pupils from Msumarini Primary School who had been turned away earlier, became available. Previously, only a select group from the 4K (Farming) Club were able to participate, leaving many others unable to join the training. With the newly available spaces, these pupils were welcomed into the programme. Training continued smoothly for the rest of the week, with energy levels ever increasing.

Looking Ahead: Tackling Water Challenges

Water supply issues persist in the Msumarini Primary School garden. The Ambassadors are now actively collaborating with the school to find a sustainable solution. We look forward to sharing updates as this develops.

Stay tuned for more progress reports from the project.

Hope in Every Corner: A Visit to PLK Charity School and Faraja Vocational Centre

Stepping off the dusty road and through the gates of a PLK charity school, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I had heard about the amazing work done by PLK and the generous funds raised by Bledlow—but nothing could have prepared me for the spirit, resilience, and warmth we were about to encounter.

A School That is the Centrepiece of the Community

The school may have been modest in infrastructure—chalkboards, handmade posters, and rows of wooden desks—but it overflowed with heart and joy. Each classroom felt like a sanctuary: buzzing with laughter, learning, and life. Founded on a powerful mission to empower marginalized families, PLK believes every child deserves the chance to thrive. All of the students come from communities where basic education is a luxury. But here, education isn’t just accessible—it’s thriving.

Beyond Classrooms: Caring for the Whole Community

PLK’s support extends beyond education. The organisation works with vulnerable families—many affected by HIV/AIDS, poverty, and gender-based violence. They provide not only learning, but nourishment: free daily meals, emotional care, and outreach programs that support entire households.

Two Days of Connection and Joy

We spent two unforgettable days at the school, leading classes, playing games, and helping the children with reading, counting, and English skills. But beyond academics, the moments that stood out were the ones of pure, unfiltered joy—running across the dusty yard, laughing during a game, or exchanging shy, curious smiles.

Visiting the Community: Stories of Strength and Resilience

One of the families we visited, supported by PLK's vital community programmes.

As part of our time in Nairobi, we met three remarkable women and their families who are currently being supported through PLK’s community outreach programme.

These women face significant daily challenges, including limited access to basic resources, healthcare, and consistent income. Despite these hardships, they welcomed us into their homes with warmth, grace, and courage.

PLK’s work in the community goes far beyond agricultural development. Through practical assistance, counselling, and consistent support, PLK is helping vulnerable families meet their basic needs, regain dignity, and build a more secure future.

We came away deeply moved by their stories—and reminded of just how critical this support is. These visits strengthened our commitment to ensuring that the most vulnerable members of the community remain at the heart of everything we do.

Faraja: A Centre for Comfort and Growth

A few miles away from the school lies Faraja, in Swahili this means comfort. A youth skills centre run by PLK. Here, young adults from local slums are learning practical trades to help them build self-sustaining futures. Inside, the eagerness to learn was evident. One group was mastering the art of hairdressing, practicing intricate braiding techniques that required such precision and creativity, we were mesmerized. Nearby, another team designed and stitched beautiful clothes and handmade bags—each piece a testament to talent and dedication.

Healing Through Conversation

What followed was profound: an open exchange of stories, struggles, and support. It was a powerful reminder of how vital community and connection are in every healing journey.

Faraja isn’t just a place to learn, it’s a place to heal and a place of refuge. A few times a week, the young adults gather in circles to talk through the personal challenges they’re facing. During our visit, Lucy led one of these heartfelt discussions with around 25 participants. What started as a talk about self-esteem quickly opened up to deeper issues like depression and mental health

Ending on a Joyful Note

We ended our time at Faraja with something simple and silly singing the Chicken Song together. Laughter bounced off the walls as voices rose and feet danced.

It was joyful, ridiculous, and perfect. In that moment, everything PLK stands for came to life: education, empowerment, connection, and love.

🌱 From Rocks to Vegetables: How Permaculture is Transforming Lives in Kenya

By Lucy Czakan
Posted on July 11, 2025

📍 The Asilomar permaculture garden — a space of growth, learning, and sustainability in Kilifi County.

🌍 A demonstration Garden takes root

In June this year, we visited Asilomar—which means “house by the sea” in Spanish—where Norbert and Mercy have dedicated their lives to creating sustainable, community-driven solutions for food security. Located in Kilifi County, near Mombasa in southern Kenya, Asilomar is part of PLK’s broader initiative to build sustainable livelihoods in some of the region’s most vulnerable communities.

Kilifi is among Kenya’s most food-insecure areas, where families often rely on erratic rainfall and limited resources. Children are particularly affected, facing poor nutrition and limited access to environmental education.

🌿 From Barren Land to Living Classroom

Thanks to funds raised by the Bledlow community, a demonstration permaculture garden was built with a drought-proof water supply. This space now serves as both a training hub and a living classroom, teaching practical, sustainable farming techniques to individuals, schools, and communities.

🖼️ The garden taking root

🤝 Youth Leading the Way

Last year, Asilomar partnered with ALMT—a charity focused on improving the lives of disadvantaged children—to launch a youth training program at a local secondary school in Msamarini. Sixty students took part, transforming a neglected patch of school land into a flourishing vegetable garden.

🌞 facing challenges and gowing stronger

During our visit, we met with nine of the students who completed the training and continue to maintain the garden. They proudly shared the progress they’ve made, as well as the challenges they face—especially during school holidays and during prolonged droughts, when watering the garden becomes nearly impossible.

To help, we agreed to fund the installation of a water pipe extension from a nearby tap to the garden, making irrigation easier and more consistent.

🖼️ Facing challenges and growing stronger

🌿Planting seeds for the future

The journey doesn’t stop here. These nine students will soon take part in a “train the trainer” initiative, helping to bring permaculture education to a local primary school. With continued support from ALMT, these trained youth will become mentors and educators, sharing their knowledge and expanding the reach of sustainable agriculture across Kilifi.

🖼️ These trained youth will become mentors and educators, sharing their knowledge and expanding the reach of sustainable agriculture across Kilifi.

🌾 a Growing impact

This project is proof that when communities come together, transformation is possible. From barren land to bountiful harvests, and from hungry classrooms to empowered youth, the seeds of change are taking root.

We’re incredibly grateful to our partners at ALMT, the Bledlow community, and the inspiring students of Msamarini. The garden is growing—and so is the impact.

Tea or Coffee?

Helen muses over a cup of - “Oh really?”

Just thinking….

“In the past couple of years, I’ve noticed that the amount of land that was once given to tea is reducing. Where once it was all tea bushes, now there are swathes of it that have been dug up and are being rented out to farmers to grow other cash crops”

Why?

Read Helen's Full Story



Nkuru Nziza College Campus End of Year Celebrations

The College campus is now almost complete with the Nkuru Nziza Business and Vocational Training College, Nkuru Modern Primary School and the Kids Joy Nursery School.

The Campus is looking remarkable - so beautiful