Silgich Hill acadamy students with Paul Koech. © Victah Sailer

KIMbia Athletics launched its charity project in 2005, raising funds to pay the school fees for Kenyan children. While one year’s fees range between US $400 and $700, most children do not have the resources to pursue their education beyond the primary level. To address this need, KIMbia started a foundation to give promising young students the opportunity to develop both educationally and athletically. KIMbia is extremely thankful for the donations received thus far. Among those who have donated is Mr. D’s 2nd grade class from Carlisle (MA). World class runner Paul Koech, who founded Silgich Hill Academy in 2004 (www.kimbia.net/foundation/), visited the class last year and told them of his school and of the plight of many Kenyan children. In response the students raised $ 650 and are now sponsoring a fifth grader at Silgich Hill. The Carlisle students have also sent school supplies and have exchanged letters. Bob and Anne Rothenberg, former coaches at Brown University have also committed to sponsor a student at Singore Girl’s High School in Iten.

KIMbia especially wants to thank Victor Sailer, the well-known athletics photographer from New York City, who has made a very generous donation. Victor has worked closely with Kenyan athletes for many years and wanted to give something significant to athletics and in particular to Kenya. He gave the following interview for www.kimbia.net

You have been in Kenya—is that a reason for your commitment?

Victor Sailer: Last year when I went to Kenya to photograph KIMbia team my long time and good friend, Paul Koech, wanted me to see the school he is running. So, I went to Silgich Academy and was so impressed, that I promised Paul that I would do something to help the kids have a wonderful school.

Do you regard this as a long-term commitment for the kids in Kenya?

Victor: I have told Tom Ratcliffe and Paul Koech that I will do my best to do this for at least the next 10 years; it is such a special school.

Do you intend to be in contact with the school and the kids? May be to see how your donation helps?

Victor: Part of it is to educate my niece and family about Kenyan life. My niece will be corresponding via snail mail. And I hope to bring my sister and my nieces to Kenya in 2007.

Have you made charitable donations in the past?

Victor: I have only donated my used cars to charity, but this is a first for me.

Any thoughts about Kenya?

Victor: I have been to Kenya three times, and have enjoyed my trips every single time. Kenyan life is so simple compared to the American and European way of life.