The projects that the Nancy Ellen Crooks Foundation are currently working on fall into two categories - solar cooking and education. We chose these two areas of concern as these were most dear to Nancy Crooks. At this time, the projects we support are based in Kenya (which is where Nancy resided for more than 40 years and where she influenced countless lives of those less fortunate than herself.). However, as our foundation grows, we look forward to extending our support to neighboring countries.

Nancy Crooks was one of the pioneers in promoting solar cooking in Kenya. If you are not familiar with the benefits of solar cooking then please take a moment to read the information on our Why Solar Cooking? webpage. You will be amazed how something so simple can improve lives so drastically. The Nancy Ellen Crooks Foundation is extremely proud to carry on what Nancy started.

Our initial goal is to have 1,000 solar cookers placed with families located in remote areas of Kenya by December 2011. Sounds simple but it's actually a fairly involved process. Prior to issuing a family a solar cooker, we require family members to attend a workshop where one or more of our volunteers will teach them how to use the cooker, clean the cooker, and maintain the cooker. These workshops are typically held at a local school so the children, parents, administrators, and school teachers can all be included in the learning process. In addition, our volunteers return to the locale periodically to ensure the cookers are still in use and being properly maintained.

How much does all this cost? We are able to provide one family a solar cooker for less than $25.00 inclusive of the cost of the solar cooking kit, all volunteer travel expenses, and all expenses related to the training workshop. With the average family having 8-10 members, a US$100 donation can change the lives of 30 to 40 family members. Yes, a little does go a very, very long way! 

Below is a snapshot of our solar project success to date.

Study By Solar
The majority of students in remote areas of Kenya reside in homes without electricity. Once the sun has gone down, these students must rely on candlelight or gas lanterns to complete their homework assignments. Unfortunately, many of these families cannot afford the expense of candles or lantern fuel which leaves the student with no means possible to see, let alone complete, their homework.

In conjunction with our solar cooking workshops being held at local schools, the Nancy Ellen Crooks Foundation will be providing eligible students with solar lanterns so they can not only complete their studies but also have the means to read at will. Solar lanterns provide up to 8 hours of light on a full charge and require minimal maintenance. With each donation of US$20, a student in Kenya will have the opportunity to excel!

The Nancy Ellen Crooks Foundation (NECF) Scholarship
The NECF Scholarship is offered to grade 8 school girls who wish to attend the International School of Kenya (ISK) in Nairobi. Eligible applicants must be a Kenyan citizen national residing in Kenya. The scholarship is two years' tuition for grades 9 and 10 with review of continuing the scholarship for the full International Baccalaureate Program in grades 11 and 12. The NECF works in close harmony with the ISK toward the common aims and purposes of the Nancy Crooks Scholarship program. The NECF administers scholarships in the best interest of the recipient and in keeping with the scholarship's rules and regulations.

International School of Kenya's Service Learning Program
An initial agreement has been reached between the Nancy Ellen Crooks Foundation (NECF) and the International School of Kenya (ISK). ISK's Service Learning Program aims to involve its students in sustainable projects within adjacent Kenyan communities. The Service Learning Program provides meaningful opportunities for students of all ages to initiate and reflect upon sustainable projects that are mutually beneficial. The program aims to develop students who are confident and competent in contributing to and learning from their communities.

ISK's Service Learning Program is envisioned to include collaborative projects with NECF, such as promotion of solar cooking in the region, as well as the improvement of education in local schools. This collaboration is of particular significance to the Nancy Ellen Crooks Foundation as Nancy Crooks was the founder of ISK's predecessor school, the original American Community School (view photo), which opened in the 1960's with only six students. Today ISK has over 800 students from 80 countries (with plans for further expansion), catering to students from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. To learn more about ISK and its Service Learning Program, please visit www.isk.ac.ke.