The N.A. Noel Preschool

“Love is the only thing that changes things.” –N.A. Noel

As a little girl playing up in a tree in her backyard, Nancy pretended she was riding an elephant in Africa while most girls were playing with dolls. Since she can remember, Nancy dreamed of one day going to Africa. She was intensely curious about the land, the tribes, the animals and the culture. In 1987, she experienced Africa for the first time and her reverence for it only deepened. Nancy would return again and again to quench her thirst.

On one of her trips, while looking for children to paint, Nancy discovered a small hut with 60 children in an impoverished fishing community. Nancy was amazed at these children who had lost everything – parents, friends – to AIDS, accidents and illnesses. And many had AIDS themselves. They had been facing death from the moment they were born. Nancy observed, “As has always been my experience in Africa, the children were full of enthusiasm despite their circumstances. No matter how much they lacked, they were still vibrant with laughter and kindness.” After Nancy left the children that day, she promised to take care of them.

Twelve years later, Nancy’s preschool has 239 children and continues to grow. There are three classrooms, several teachers, access to supplies and a doctor on staff. The kids appropriately call Nancy “Mum” as she has mothered them all with her unwavering commitment.

“It’s been a far greater gift than I ever expected. The school grows and gets better every year and I get to be part of that,” says Nancy. “I know exactly where the money is going and how and who it is helping. Also, the children and staff are so appreciative. Their gratitude is extraordinary.”

Honorary Advisory Board Members for the NA Noel Preschool

• Dr. Dmitry Arbuck, Psychiatrist, MD, Indiana
• Dr. Ursula Jacob, MD, Germany
• Jane Seymour, Actress, Artist, Philanthropist, California
• James Keach, Actor, Producer, Director, California
• Mickey Maurer, Chairman of the Board, The National Bank of Indianapolis, Indiana
• Lesley Athol, Life Coach, South Africa
• Mark Roesler, CEO and Chairman, CMG Worldwide, Indiana, California

Many thanks to our NA Noel Preschool Board members. 2011 already proves to be an exciting year for the school and the Rusinga village. With the assistance of the Indianapolis community, we are transporting 264 mosquito nets. A new computer is being delivered to the school in March and our focus is still on a new building at the school property!

MISSION

N.A. Noel Preschool is dedicated to providing quality education and care for the children of Rusinga Island in Kenya, Africa through the funding of the school, tuition, uniforms, books, meals, clean water as well as medical treatment. 

IMPACT

Since 2001, The N.A. Noel Preschool has uplifted the entire community. Many of the children have been orphaned by the AIDS pandemic and are also infected with HIV/AIDS. The school is a place of safety where the children gather each day in hope, laughter and great joy so they can flourish.

CURRENT PROJECTS

The main building is in need of repairs and with the growing enrollment, a new building must be constructed.
Take a look at our progress »

FUNDRAISING GOAL: $56,000.00

WISHLIST:

• Level 1:
  Cement, lime, bricks, nails, wire, misc. building supplies - $200
  Annual tuition for four children - $200
  * Free signatures and personalizations on any items for one year
• Level 2:
  One Window, door or toilet - $100
  * Free signed miniature
• Level 3: Annual tuition for one child - $50
  * Free book: All God’s Creatures go to Heaven
• Level 4: Backpack with crayons, paper & pencils - $25
• Level 5: Uniform - $10

The ONE NET-ONE LIFE Program of Oakland City University at the Indiana Women’s Prison program made and donated 264 life saving mosquito bed nets for Nancy's preschool!
 
We also want to thank the volunteers involved with the IU Kenya Partnership for transporting the mosquito nets to Africa! The amount of people willing to volunteer their time for this cause is overwhelming. Thank you! http://www.iukenya.org/index.htm

Donations can be made via the Women Like Us Foundation: