Wapakoneta, Ohio / Nairobi, Kenya — Acacia of Hope, based out of Wapak, is honored to announce that it has been awarded a grant from The Birtcher Family Foundation, an organization committed to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ and promoting Christian values across global mission fields. Since 2005, founders Joanne and Ron Birtcher have partnered with ministries and nonprofits around the world, giving back from the abundance God has provided and strengthening faith-driven initiatives that change lives.

This generous grant will directly support Acacia of Hope’s mission in supporting schools in the second largest slum in the world, Kibera Slum.  This transformative grant initiative designed to bring hands-on science education to children living in the slum.

With the Foundation’s partnership, Acacia of Hope will construct a fully functioning science laboratory that will serve up to 45 students per session, giving them access to experiments, equipment, and learning opportunities rarely available in their community. The project integrates scientific discovery with biblical principles, helping students understand God’s creation in both practical and spiritual ways. This will be the very first working science lab in all of Kibera Slum.

During this time, Acacia of Hope will oversee the construction and installation of the lab, including: gas piping and safety infrastructure, wood framing and interior structures, plumbing installation, and custom metalwork and laboratory fixtures.

“We are deeply grateful to astounding organizations such as The Birtcher Family Foundation for believing in this vision,” said Melissa Brown, Executive Director of Acacia of Hope. “With their support, students in the slum will have access to high-quality science education that sparks curiosity, strengthens faith, and opens doors for future opportunities.”

The new science lab is expected to significantly enhance the learning environment at Acacia of Hope’s partner school, providing long-term educational impact for hundreds of children. Construction will begin in the coming weeks and will be finished in early 2026.

For more information about Acacia of Hope or to donate to books or supplies for the science lab, you can visit www.acaciaofhope.org