A group of OU students returned last week from a volunteer effort in Kenya at Maisha International Orphanage, an organization created by Oklahoma City resident and Kenyan native Beatrice Williamson.

This summer’s trip was the first to include 21 students from OU since the East African orphanage was founded in 2005. During the three-week long mission trip students helped run an educational camp and provided aid to the children. The students taught photography, dance and song, said Bekah Cope, dental hygiene sophomore. They also brought medicine, sugar, flour and soap to victims of HIV.

“Through much effort, the orphanage is unique of other African orphanages,” said Williamson. “The orphanage is set up much like foster care is in America. We place orphaned children with their grandparents or other relatives.”

Maisha’s main project is raising funds for the orphaned children of Kenya and for women and children living with AIDS, Williamson said. The orphanage also offers 150 scholarships every year to children in the village, which includes tuition, books and food.

“People say education is free, but at the end of the day it really isn’t,” Williamson said.

Apart from recruiting students to volunteer in Kenya, Maisha is currently trying to get involved with various organizations around campus, including the African Student Association and the Nonprofit Leadership Student Association.

“I would really like for our organization to help fund a child,” said Julie Denson, Nonprofit Leadership Student Association co-treasurer. “Also, I would like to somehow team up [with] the two organizations to help both grow.”

The orphanage looks to get any student involved, but it is specifically looking for students interested in grant writing, public relations, fundraising and medical fields. They are also looking to train Kenyans living in the local village.

“I am looking forward to people that will step up to make a difference and will help raise up a great group of children,” said Williamson.

Williamson said children that are equipped with opportunities can then pass them on to their children later in their life.

“I started the Maisha International Orphanage as a way to give back to children that are less fortunate than me,” Williamson said.

It was no coincidence that compelled Williamson to start the orphanage. Williamson was raised in the village where the orphanage is now in operation and was once a recipient of an educational scholarship from a family in Sweden.

“We can change the world through one child at a time,” she said.

For more details about Maisha International Orphanage call 209-5438 or write to 333 NW 5th Suite 915, Oklahoma City, OK, 73102.