HOPE FOR EXCEL
Charity cards, raising money for 5 schools in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya
FEATURES
At Hope For Excel, we’re always honored to share the press and media coverage we’ve received throughout the years. Below are our features in local news publications and media.
February 2021
Supporting neighbourhoods in Nairobi
By Olivia Cowell – teacher at Cotham School.
In July 2019, before carrying out my teacher training course, I was inspired to do some international volunteering in education, and volunteered at Excel school in a disadvantaged neighbourhood in Nairobi.
In April 2020, I received a letter from one of the students in Kenya, explaining the hardships endured by those at Excel. Everything the school has worked hard for over the last six years could be taken away...
The letter tugged at my heart strings and I knew I had to do something. I set up the business 'Hope for Excel', and launched an Etsy shop selling handmade cards and soap. The response has been overwhelming! Since July 2020, I have raised over £6,000. This money has been donated to allow the children to receive two meals every day, and pay for the tuition of certain students if their parents lost their jobs. It costs just £10 to send a child to school for a month in Nairobi, but unfortunately for some this is too much.
To find out more, visit hopeforexcel.etsy.com
PORTSMOUTH NEWS
18th January, 2021
In July 2019, Olivia Cowell volunteered at Excel Emmanuel School in Kenya with education charity Porridge & Rice. The school - situated in Ngando, Nairobi - is responsible for the education of about 400 children up to Year 8 (age 14). While volunteering, Olivia struck up a close friendship with Year 8 pupil, Carolyne Wakio.
Carolyne now writes letters to Olivia: scanning them to send by email at a local Internet Café. In one of her letters, Carolyne mentioned that her mother had lost her job as a result of COVID-19. After hearing this, Olivia reached out to the headteacher of Excel Emmanuel, who informed her that Carolyne’s was not an isolated case.
18th December, 2020
Teacher Olivia Cowell has raised around £5,000 for Porridge and Rice, who improve conditions for children in Kenya. The 23-year-old, who used to live in Hampstead, volunteered with the charity last year.
Olivia said: “I just did it because I wanted to help the children during this really difficult time, and it’s definitely taken off better than I ever would have expected, so I’m really happy about that.”
21st August, 2020
How does Olivia do it?
Olivia creates these cards using her old tour books & Photoshop - we are super impressed!
Stencilling
She draws a basic silhouette of a woman to use as a stencil. The stencil is then used to cut out images from her tour books. They really do make a lovely print for the headscarves!
Photoshop
She scans the stencil, retouches the imagery and polishes the design in Photoshop, before printing and adding a subtle, floral sequin to complete the card. Magnifique!
Shop the cards on Etsy - all profits go to charity!
About the Creator
Olivia Cowell is a 23 year old teacher from Bristol. She spent time in Kenya, partaking in charity work with Porridge & Rice.