“If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people” ~ Confucius

The Planting of The Seed

In 2008 the students of Red Deer Lake School entered their brand new building south of the city of Calgary, AB.  Two years later, with direction from teacher, Elizabeth Critchley, the leadership students were having a discussion about global citizenship and the question was posed, "Wouldn't it be great if we could build a school in Africa?"  

And so they did.

The Dream

The dream was simple

• Build a school in Kenya to help other children create a future filled with opportunity, beginning with a sound education.
• Help Canadian children learn they have the ability to do anything they set their minds to – even when it is a half a world away. 

The Players

When the Building Hope Society was established, it's board was made up of staff and community members of Red Deer Lake School.  Elizabeth Critchley was the president, and remains in that role today.  Most of the original board members and directors remain active with the organization.  Rick Castiglione, a Calgary documentary maker, introduced The Building Hope Society to our partners in Kenya, founders of The Nairoshi Foundation, the then husband and wife team Kamishina (David) Ole Nkuito, and Merry Purcell.  This relationship, between Merry Purcell, David Ole Nkuito and the Building Hope Society, was the cornerstone of the success of this project. 

While some members of the founding partnership have changed, The Building Hope project remains successful and forward- moving due to years of incredible hard work and oversight by Merry (2010- 2019)  and current oversight by David.  Rick is no longer involved directly with the Building Hope Society, but has continued to be an advocate for the project. David remains the sole administrator of the project in Kenya.
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In addition to overseeing the school project, David owns and operates Enaidura Big Step Safaris .  Visitors to the project receive top level care from him and they receive incomparable treatment from David on their safaris.   

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About David's Safari Experience

Recently one member of the board of the Building Hope Society wrote this at the end of her trip. 
"Goodbye and thank you so much Kenya.  If you are interested in heading to Nairobi or Kenya for a Safari contact Enaidura Big Step Safari. They will do everything to make your stay spectacular, safe, fun and just what you want it to be!!! I do feel like I left part of my heart in the Maasailand."