In Kenya, thousands of disadvantaged children and youth are being equipped with a vital tool for both education and spiritual growth — their very own copy of the Bible. Through the Bible Distribution for Marginalised Children project, supported by Bible Society Australia and implemented by Bible Society of Kenya (BSK), students are gaining access to Scripture that supports their learning in Christian Religious Education (C.R.E.) and nurtures their personal faith journeys.

Teachers across Kenya have shared how the availability of Bibles has made teaching Christian Religious Education (C.R.E.) — a compulsory subject in most public schools — more engaging and effective. At a Primary School, one teacher remarked, “The Bibles have been motivating the learners to come to school. It’s like knowing there is a cup of tea waiting, they gladly want to come because Bibles are around.”

Elijah*, one of the students who received his very own Bible for C.R.E., is open about the impact of the Scriptures in his life. “We had no material to study the Gospel of Luke until [Bible Society] came. Now I score 90s in C.R.E., up from 60s. My family fellowships at home, and my favourite Bible character is Job, he teaches me patience through trials.” 

Parents, too, are witnessing remarkable changes in their children. One mother, Grace*, from a Senior School, shared, “My girls have loved Jesus more and have confidence to witness for him — something I’ve never seen before. During holidays, my neighbours come to our home to have fellowship since my girls bring the Bibles home and we use them together. As a parent, I am so proud.” 

“The Bible I received in 2024 was my first ever,” shares David*, who is in Form 3 at a Secondary School. “It has helped me understand God and encouraged me to follow him personally. I’ve stood out morally in school — I don’t take drugs or engage in promiscuous behaviour. The Gospel of Luke is now on our fingertips, and we’re more open to choosing C.R.E. as a core subject.” 

Fourteen-year-old Hope*, from a Junior School, shares just how important the Bible has become to her.

“When my mum was sick last year and help was far away, my sister and I turned to the Bible. We prayed six times and read it aloud and God did a miracle! Mum got well without going to hospital.”

These stories reflect the broader impact of the project. In 2025, the Bible Society of Kenya aims to distribute 12,000 Bibles to students across urban poor and rural communities. Since 2017, over 49,000 Scriptures have been distributed in 317 schools and 24 children’s homes across more than 40 counties.

One of the most memorable moments of this year’s mission came in May during the Samburu Bible distribution in Northern Kenya. Susan, the BSK project coordinator, shared:

“It was an 11-day mission where over 12,000 children and young people received Bibles in 30 schools we visited. It was an experience that will stick in our minds and hearts forever. 

“Amidst insecurity, guns, wild animals, traumas, sickness and tough terrains, we are glad that the team of four was helped by the Lord to uplift the unseen and sidelined Samburu and Turkana community children and youths.  

“The Lord was continually present in every school, in every move, and in every decision we made. Praise God with us for a safe return. That was God! THANK YOU for being part of the helping hands to such vulnerable children.”

The ripple effect is clear: students are growing spiritually, families are engaging with Scripture, and communities are being drawn closer to God.

Please pray for:
– Continued provision of Bibles for children and youth across Kenya.
– Transformation in students and their families through God’s Word.
– Courage and resources to reach remote schools with the Gospel.  

To find out more or to donate visit https://www.biblesociety.org.au/projects/bibles-for-marginalised-children-and-youth/   

*names changed to protect privacy