When Craig Smallbone visited a one-roomed dwelling in Kenya inhabited by an entire family, he knew he had to do something to help them build a brighter future.
It was March 2024, and David Sagida, our Operations Manager in the town of Iten, Kenya, was showing a group of visitors, including Craig, around some GEF projects in the area. Dubbed the ‘Home of Champions’ Iten has produced many Olympic medallists, World Champions and record breakers, including David Rudisha, Wilson Kipsang and Mary Keitany.
Such opportunities would seem out of reach for children like Nathan, a young boy who lived in that one room dwelling with his entire family. “Meeting Nathan and his family really hit home for me as my youngest son is also called Nathan – it highlighted the stark contrast in opportunities for youngsters born in different countries,” said Craig.
Witnessing first-hand the cramped living conditions that many families experienced in Iten underscored the need for GEF’s support in the community. Craig felt compelled to play his part in our mission to support vulnerable children and families in Scotland and Kenya.
Building houses: the foundation for achieving ambitions
Since then Craig, who lives in Geneva with his wife and two sons, has funded three GEF house-building projects, thanks to running the Lisbon Half Marathon in 2024 alongside fellow Iten runners, and donating a bonus from a previous job.
He recently returned to Iten to attend a house-opening ceremony for one of those houses. “The house was built for Irine - a fantastic young woman who is planning to go to university in Nairobi to study to become a neurosurgeon. Seeing Irine and her family in her new house, and being part of the opening celebrations, allowed me to experience her joy first-hand, and see the positive impact the house will have on the lives of Irine and her family.”
A regular visitor to Iten
Craig has not only provided the charity with extremely generous financial support, but also with his time and energy, for which we are extremely grateful. “I have been back to Iten twice since my first trip,” he said, “and spending 2 weeks in Iten each March has become an annual part of my running training.”
Get involved – change lives
Craig’s passion for GEF is palpable, and his advice for anyone thinking about becoming involved is simple: “I would encourage people, where possible, to visit a project and see first-hand the amazing impact of the work that GEF has on the lives of the people living, working and studying there, both in the short and longer-term. Life-changing is an over-used expression, but GEF do literally change lives, and I feel immensely proud to be part of that.”
Craig is already planning to return to Iten next March and visit the 3 houses he funded and meet the families who live in them.
To find out more visit: https://gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org/ or email: info@gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org