Our History
Our beginnings
In 2003 Tim founded Education Exchange with a view to raise funds to extend the vocational training opportunities offered in Wundanyi. Since that time Education Exchange has raised over £500,000 and are proud to say that every penny has gone to support local Kenyans in the projects that are run. In 2012 the charity was awarded charitable status by the Charity Commission
In 1993, Ellie Shorten spent nine months in Zimbabwe volunteering with a charity called the Right Hand Trust. What she did made such an impression upon her brother Tim Shorten that in 1997 he spent his gap year working in Kenya. Tim worked at the primary school in Mbauro, a tiny village just outside Wundanyi. This was an intense and formative experience for Tim which led him to a career in international development.
Our Launch
Education Exchange was founded in 2003 with a clear vision to support the communities of Wundanyi and the surrounding areas in Taita Taveta County, Kenya. The charity was established in response to the growing need for educational opportunities and resources in a region where poverty and limited access to basic services were major barriers to progress. Our founders recognized that education could be the key to unlocking a brighter future for the children and adults in these communities, and from the outset, we focused on improving access to quality education as our core mission.
In the early years, Education Exchange worked primarily to provide educational resources, such as books, uniforms, and scholarships for children who otherwise wouldn't have the means to attend school. As our understanding of the broader needs in the community deepened, we began to expand our efforts to include other critical areas such as healthcare, community development, and economic empowerment.
Further developments
Over the years, our initiatives have grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve. We partnered with local schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to ensure that our projects were both relevant and sustainable. Key developments have included the establishment of a medical clinic to improve healthcare access, the creation of an IT training centre to equip individuals with essential digital skills, and the support of small businesses through loans and grants.
In addition to the support provided on the ground in Kenya, Education Exchange has built a strong network of donors and volunteers in the UK, who play an essential role in funding and supporting our work. Through ongoing fundraising efforts and partnerships, we have been able to extend our reach and ensure that our projects continue to make a significant, lasting impact.
Milestones
2008
Upper Planet Training centres were established in 2008. George, the volunteer who runs this project has strong roots in the local community, and has been ordained as a church pastor. George is the highly respected chair of our joint UK/Kenya group.
2010
Taita Environmental Initiative (TEI) was founded in 2010 to give financial and practical support to local people. It is a community organisation which helps local people start their own businesses by providing funding and essential equipment. Our goal is to support them in building profitable and sustainable businesses.
2014
In 2014 the charity was introduced to Selina and her work at Mvono clinic. Education Exchange has since been involved in helping to increase the range of drugs, medicines and procedures available to the patients Selina sees. Education Exchange was also able to help during the pandemic by providing Selina with good quality PPE long before any other local doctor had it, this boosted confidence within the local community.
2018
In 2014 Education Exchange became aware of Grace Mwatates Children’s home and after seeing the facilities that the children were living in, spent the next year fundraising to buy land to build a new home on. We purchased the land in 2015, building started in 2017 and the children moved in in 2018. We have continued to support the childrens home ever since.
The Future
Today, Education Exchange is proud of the work that has been accomplished, but recognise that there is still much to be done. Our commitment to the communities of Wundanyi and Mwatate remains strong as we work together with local leaders and organisations to break the cycle of poverty, promote education, and create opportunities for sustainable development. Through the dedication and collaboration of all those involved, Education Exchange continues to change lives and create a better future for those who need it most.