Education

At the heart of Jump for Joel is the desire to erase apathy in young people, particularly those in middle school through college. We believe this can be achieved by connecting youth in the United States with children in other countries through service projects and pen-pal programs.

While we’re still brainstorming what this looks like and what role technology will play in our exchanges, we are excited to imagine the impact this type of hands-on learning could have in classrooms and youth organizations throughout the Midwest (and the world!). If you have ideas or want to get involved, please shoot us an email!

Pen-Pal Program

We are currently piloting two "pen-pal" programs between Illinois schools & an elementary school in Gathiga, where many of the kids from GCHH attend. We hope to expand our education programs in the future. By 2013, our goal is to have pen-pal programs established in at least 20 US schools.

Feeding Program

During our 2008 trip to Kenya, we were blessed to meet and become friends with a young man named Steve. As we worked alongside him during our construction projects at GCHH, we learned more and more about his life and ministry. Steve is a youth minister in one of Nairobi’s slums, Kabiria. Every Saturday, he visits the children there, bringing hope and cooking food. Sometimes there isn’t enough money to buy food, so Steve and the kids go without. We don’t want them to go without anymore.

The Feeding Program is still fairly new to Jump for Joel, and we’d love to have your help!

Visiting Local Schools and Organizations

We love sharing our stories about Africa and Jump for Joel! So far we've spoken at:

  • First Christian Church of Saint Elmo
  • Saint Elmo Christian Church
  • Delta Church of Springfield
  • UIS-Christian Student Fellowship
  • EIU-ReVamp @ Campus House
  • Christ Lutheran Church of Nauvo
  • Farm Bureau Youth Conference
  • Rochester Middle School
  • Beecher City Church of Christ
  • Central Baptist Church of Springfield
  • North Clay Junior High and Elementary School
  • Four Mile Christian Church

We would love to visit your church, school, or organization! Contact us if you’re interested.