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About The Melon Project
In 2006, after completing a degree program in social work, Mary Beth King traveled to Nakuru, Kenya, with an internationally based volunteer group, living with a local host family and spending several weeks assisting at Melon Mission. Having fallen in love with the country and more specifically, having made wonderful friends in Nakuru, she returned the next year with her mother, Theresa Lee. The relationships Mary Beth and Theresa formed with Melon Mission's founders, the Mute Kagema family, inspired them to create The Melon Project, a 501(c)3 organization that helps to raise awareness, funds, and material support for The Melon Mission.
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It is important to note that Melon Mission is very much a Kenyan run organization, founded and operated by the Mute Kagema family and the people of the Kwa Rhoda community. While Mary Beth's initial involvement was through what we now recognize as "voluntourism" (a nuanced and perhaps complicated concept), it did allow for the creation of The Melon Project and for that we are thankful, as the work of Melon Mission deserves to be shared.
How The Melon Project Helps
Raising Awareness
How does The Melon Project raise awareness of Melon Mission and its work? ​
Through stories, photos and social media, The Melon Project is able to share the amazing work being done in Nakuru. We have connected with friends of Melon from all over the world and all share the same admiration and respect for the Mute Kagema family and the people of the Melon community.
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Supporting Micro-Enterprise
BeJoy Sandals is a micro-enterprise of Melon Mission designed to raise funds and to provide fair-wage work to community members while also encouraging artistic talent and creativity. Each pair of sandals is handcrafted from leather and features rubber soles and suede lining on the strap, with gorgeous beadwork defining each beautiful and unique sandal style.
Click the button below to shop now.
Providing Resources
Through monetary donations, supply drives, and other material support, The Melon Project helps Melon Mission create efficiencies and save available funding for longer-term projects. Find out how you can help The Melon Project provide needed resources for Melon Mission using your time, talent, or treasure.