Josphat Loukot
When Josphat Loukot was nine-years-old, his parents separated. Unable to cope with the harsh situation he found himself in, coupled with the harsh Baringo County terrain, the young boy fled to the streets for refuge.
Unfortunately, his move ended with him subsisting on leftovers, lunch offers and petty theft. Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Loukot retained his interest in acquiring an education.
To actualise his dream, Josphat left the streets under the patronage of Full Gospel Churches of Kenya in Noiwet. Soon after, he joined Noiwet Primary School in 2004 under guidance of one community elder. Even with a benefactor, Loukot’s educational journey was packed with hurdles. Fitting in school was a challenge. While on the streets, Josphat had contracted chest problems and body scars. The scars especially caused him grief as his classmates continuously poked fun at him. Despite this, Josphat worked hard and scored 393 marks in the Kenya Certificate of Se
Edmonds-Woodway student, teacher selected for 2021 Bezos Scholars program Posted: May 6, 2021
Owen Lee
Edmonds-Woodway High School student Owen Lee and educator Nick Wellington have been selected for the 2021 cohort of the Bezos Scholars program.
The Bezos Family Foundation launched the Scholars program in 2005 to provide young people a platform to design solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing their communities.
Lee is passionate about climate justice and mutual aid, and hopes to use this opportunity as a Bezos Scholar to fight some of the root causes of food insecurity in his community. “I’m most excited to meet people who are passionate and engaged in their communities and can teach and inspire me,” he said.
Youth Poetry Slam
The Annual Youth Poetry Slam will also be a virtual event this year, and will take place on April 29th at 6 p.m. The slam will serve as a culmination of both the Aspen Words Poetry Project and National Poetry Month.
Please save the date for this event and show up to support our youth we’ll want to see your words of encouragement in the chat and your virtual snaps as we raise up these brave poets.
Registration link coming soon!
Student participants will be selected via a lottery, all interested middle and high school poets will be able to sign up at aspenwords.org. More details coming soon!