ALMT and the Mac Bevan Foundation are joining forces to co-fund this Ace Africa initiative to improve access and attendance in schools for children, especially girls, in rural western Kenya by providing school uniforms, sanitary towels and counselling. In the rural communities where Ace Africa operates, children are exposed to a challenging environment in which to develop. Problems facing these children include but are not limited to: being orphaned, living below the poverty line and inability to access food, education and medication as well as being forced to engage in child labour to help the household out of poverty. Whilst making primary education free and compulsory was a step in the right direction for Kenya, many families cannot afford the rest of the expenses associated with schooling including uniform and sanitary towels. Girls are frequently absent from school during menstruation, and as a result miss one week in four, seriously hampering their learning in school.

Through funding from ALMT and the Mac Bevan Foundation, 240 vulnerable children are being provided with a school uniform who would otherwise not be allowed to attend school. The result of this is improved enrolment, attendance, and retention in school, leading to improved academic standards. 1000 girls will benefit over a year from a monthly supply of sanitary towels, providing them with the opportunity to be in school all month round. Furthermore, ALMT are funding a child counsellor who provides the support and guidance that is so often needed in these remote-rural areas of Kenya, where life can be a challenge. The counsellor operates through visiting Ace Child to Child Health Clubs, established in schools in rural Siaya. Such simple items, often taken for granted in the West, are essential in rural Kenya for children to access the education they deserve. The ALMT also fundraised at the annual Burns Night dinner and were able to fund ACE Africa in their fight to treat and prevent the spread of the jiggers (flea) parasite in western Kenya. Children infected with the parasite suffer from severe inflammation and discomfort of the foot, and in severe cases, gangrene and amputation of toes. Ace Africa actively campaigns and treats against jiggers involving pest control and treatment of children using Lysol and other disinfectants.