At only sixteen years old, Lillian Thomas has already seized an opportunity to positively impact the world. She has been a part of 4-H for many years, participating in things like STEM programs, photography and even archery. Around a year ago she took a sourdough baking class through 4-H, sparking her passion for baking. Through this passion, she has been able to raise over $200 for kids living at the Children of Purpose School and Orphanage in Bondo, Kenya. This is equal to about $25,830 Kenyan Shillings (KES). For comparison, a loaf of bread in Kenya currently costs around 62 KES.
Lillian is an inspiration and role model for the younger generations and an example of how age should never be a determining factor in one’s achievements.
“If you have an idea, come up with a plan and just go for it because in the long run even if it’s hard to get it started once you get it started…people will really be impacted by it and really love what you’re doing,” she urges.
Through this project she sold more than twenty home-made loaves of sourdough bread at ten dollars each. Her bread consists of only four ingredients: flour, salt, water, yeast. This permits people with certain health issues to consume her loaves.
The funds raised from the bread sales were used to send twenty children to summer camp.
Lillian says one interesting part of her project was “learning how much people like fresh bread–its very funny.”
Lillian found out about this center because of a Kenyan woman named Ms. Judith Sellanga. Lillian met “Ms. Judy,” who is the director of Children of Purpose School and Orphanage along with Josiah Sellanga, in seventh grade through school. Ms. Judy was working in the school nursery, pursuing her visa, and collecting funds for the orphanage. Eventually, Ms. Judy decided to return to Kenya, however. She continues to help children, pregnant teens and widows.
The Thomas family has remained in contact with her throughout the years. When Ms. Judy expressed the center’s needs, Lillian jumped on the chance to help, came up with an idea and made that idea a reality.
To learn more about Children of Purpose, visit them online at www.childrenofpurpose.org .
The York County Current 