University of the Cumberlands volleyball players are donating $1 per month each for the sponsorship of a 5th grade child from Kenya, named Aileen.
The Tumaini Miles of Smiles Center in Kenya is a small school for orphans, widows, and poor families. According to their website, the center strives to “serve as an advocate for the underprivileged children and women in the community of Malava, Kenya; to release them from their spiritual, economical, social and physical poverty and enable them to become responsible and fulfilled people in society for the glory of God.”
The sponsorship will help Aileen with educational opportunities such as, maintaining her health, developing self-confidence, engaging in sporting programs and participating in ongoing Christian training.
“It is such an honor to have the chance to sponsor such a wonderful young girl like Aileen. It is a great way for the UC volleyball team to share our culture with Aileen and her with us,” said Kaylyn Suttles, senior co-captain. “I wish everyone got the chance to experience this, the reward is unmeasurable.”
After eight months of prayer, head volleyball coach, Kara Clemenz generated a discussion with her team about sponsoring a little girl. Amanda Walton, former UC volleyball coach, traveled to Western Kenya in the summer of 2008 to work with the children of Tumaini Miles of Smiles and was making a return trip in July 2009. Last spring, the entire team voluntarily committed to the first year of Aileen’s sponsorship.
“Knowing that Amanda was headed back to Kenya, I asked her if she knew of any girls who could use a unique sponsorship like ours and she knew the perfect girl, Aileen,” said Clemenz.
When Walton returned to Kenya in the summer, she had really great news for Aileen.
“I let her know that she had a sponsor in the U.S. that wanted to make sure she would excel in school and have clothes, shoes, and food. I told her that her sponsor was an entire volleyball team and they send their love and prayers,” Walton said. “I gave her the gifts the girls prepared including a personalized signed picture of the team, a team sweatshirt and sweatpants, and her very own team uniform.”
Walton returned to the states with a hand-written letter of thanks from Aileen that expressed gratitude on behalf of her entire family. Aileen also asked “when will the team come to visit me?” In recent conversations, Walton and Clemenz have discussed making a team trip to visit Aileen in the future.
With help of the UC volleyball team, Aileen has the hope of a bright future. “I love the idea that our team may become mentors to this young girl. It is my hope that as players graduate from this program that they will become sponsors of other children,” said Clemenz.
For those interested in sponsoring a child at Tumaini, visit the following website: http://www.tumainimilesofsmiles.org/. Information on serving on a short term trip to Tumaini, can be found at the following website: http://www.sportsmissions.com/.
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