Kenya (MNN) — Heartbreak was heavy when Kenya Hope lost their executive directors in a tragic car accident in October 2023. The ministry continues to carry Dave and Joy Mueller’s legacy through its new Christian school in southern Kenya – Mueller Memorial Academy.
(Photo courtesy of Mueller family)
Steve Holman of Kenya Hope explains, “A year ago at this time, there was a decision made to go forward and open the school…. Going back two years, I wouldn’t have thought this was possible. But God really laid this on the heart of Dave and Joy Mueller, and that is why it’s an honor to name it after them.”
Mueller Memorial Academy opened in January, following Kenya’s national school calendar. It launched with three classes (PP1, PP2, and Grade 1) and a classic Christian curriculum in partnership with the Rafiki Foundation.
“The community has been very supportive,” says Holman. “We have these three classes [with] about 75 students. This means every succeeding school year, a grade will be added. And as, of course, grades are added, they have to add facilities for teachers because teachers are generally sent from afar.”
Mueller Memorial Academy’s official dedication will take place on May 7. The Muellers’ oldest son Ian, his wife Stephanie, and their young son are traveling to Kenya for the ceremony.
Mueller Memorial Academy isn’t just about academics. Kenya Hope’s long-term plan is to grow the campus into a full Hope Center — offering widow empowerment programs and sustainable agriculture projects. Already, the property has a strong start with cows, goats, and vegetable gardens.
Mueller Memorial Academy’s campus. (Photo courtesy of Kenya Hope)
“The ideal is that each Hope Center grows enough of its own food to feed its kids,” Holman says. “Wouldn’t that be awesome? We can make a big dent in it at the Mueller Memorial Academy, but not fully. So it takes wise leadership.”
Finding an on-site administrator is the next step. Currently, Kenya Hope’s national director, Reuben Kamau, manages the school remotely from Nairobi.
Holman says, “Eventually, as the school gets larger, there’s going to have to be a full-time leader there, rather than Reuben trying to administer the program from afar. You do have cell phone communication, but there’s nothing like being there!”
How You Can Help
Student sponsors with Kenya Hope. (Photo courtesy of Kenya Hope)
Child sponsorships are another significant need. For $40 a month, you can provide a student with a uniform, shoes, a sweater, daily meals, school supplies, and emergency medical care.
“In all the Hope Centers [with] all the students that go to class and are fed by us every day, not even 10% of them are sponsored,” Holman says. “There’s always a need.”
Sponsoring a student is simple! Just head to KenyaHope.org to donate, and designate your funds for “Child Sponsorship.” You also have the option to sponsor a specific student with Kenya Hope here.
As Mueller Memorial Academy finds its rhythm, Holman asks believers to pray that the school would grow wisely and remain stable through the early years. Ask God to provide for the students and their families, many of whom live in deep poverty. Pray also for a full-time administrator who can operate the school on-site.
Holman says, “Just having seen that brand new picture of the student body, it’s amazing. They are excited to be at school.”
Header photo: The first classes of Mueller Memorial Academy. (Photo courtesy of Kenya Hope)
