Casino Night Fundraiser: Building a School for Maasai Kids

This year, Deven is celebrating his birthday by raising money for something bigger than a party: building a new classroom for a Maasai village in Kenya. On a humanitarian mission to Kenya, Deven spent time playing with local kids, learning their stories, and forming real friendships. When we came home, he wanted to share that connection with his classmates at Del Mar Pines — so he launched a pen pal program to connect students in San Diego with students in Kenya.

To participate, the kids in Kenya needed a place to write, learn, and be guided by a teacher. They began meeting in a small classroom in the village — and something unexpected happened. The program didn’t end when the letters ended. The kids kept coming back. They started gaining access to computers, learning basic digital skills, and using the classroom as a consistent place to grow. What started as pen pals turned into momentum.

That momentum has now outgrown the space. The program became so impactful that the Kenyan government took notice and launched a certification pathway through the village — helping Maasai students learn practical skills and earn credentials that can lead to jobs. The classroom that once supported a few students is now serving many more, and it’s simply too small. This fundraiser exists for one reason: to help build a larger classroom so the learning can continue.

If this story moves you, we’d be grateful for your support. Your donation helps turn a small spark — started by a kid trying to share friendship — into a lasting place for education and opportunity.