school stationary support to Dishon Otiende – Educator,
Founder of Maryland Learning Center, Kenya
From the Dandora slums in Kenya comes a story of deep commitment to children and education. Dishon Otiende, a dedicated teacher by profession, founded Maryland Learning Center after witnessing a harsh reality: many children were living on the streets. Some were orphans; others had been abandoned by parents struggling with drug addiction.
In a country where education is not free, these children had no access to school. Moved by love for children and a strong sense of vocation, Dishon decided to create a space where they could learn, grow with dignity, and build a better future.
That’s how Maryland Learning Center was born. It started as a talent development center and, within a year, became a registered private school.
Today, the school supports 170 children. Among them, 80 are total orphans who fully depend on Dishon’s care. Another 30 come from families who can contribute small school fees, which are used to modestly pay teachers and provide some food. Still, resources remain insufficient.
Maryland Learning Center offers free education to children from low-income families, while also nurturing talents in art, sports, music, cooking, counseling, guidance, and essential life skills. The aim is not only academic instruction but also preparing students for life with purpose and values.
The school relies on kind-hearted donors, well-wishers, and creative use of local resources. However, major challenges persist: lack of school supplies, food, clothing, funds for rent, and fair salaries for the teaching staff.
Since its founding, the positive impact on the community has been clear: reduced drug use among youth, fewer cases of teenage pregnancy, and expanded access to transformative education.
One of Dishon’s greatest dreams is to acquire land to build a sustainable school and grow their own food. This would provide a lasting solution and strengthen the foundation for future growth.
Since 2022, Dishon has been part of the training programs in Education for Sustainability and Peace offered by Fundación FEPAIS and Global Peace Let’s Talk International. These experiences have enriched his pedagogical vision, strengthening a commitment to human values, peaceful coexistence, and environmental care.
To educate with love, even in difficult contexts, is a powerful way to plant seeds of collective hope.
