Wyndmoor reverend earns presidential citation

The president of the United States recognized a Wyndmoor resident last month for dedicating the past decade to bringing hope to communities across the ocean.

Elijah Korich does not focus on receiving the president’s Volunteer Service Award as a personal achievement, but recognition of the compassion of Americans, he said.

He accepted the award on behalf of the supporters of his nonprofit organization, Keiyo Soy Ministries.

"It speaks of a collective generosity, a collective responsibility and the generosity of American people who are swift to respond to crisis," Korich said. "We have made a difference in the lives of many children in the Keiyo Valley."

The award was established by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize Americans who inspire others to serve, according to the government Web site about the award.

“Your volunteer service demonstrates the kind of commitment to your community that moves America a step closer to its great promise,” reads Korich’s letter from the president.

The presidential recognition coincided with the 10-year anniversary of Keiyo Soy Ministries, whose members and supporters work to improve the lives of communities in Kenya’s Keiyo Valley.

The organization has been working on long-term solutions for recurring droughts in the region that have caused sickness, starvation and death.

Korich is a native of the Keiyo Valley and has brothers and sisters there.

Shortly after receiving the award at a reception in Philadelphia, Korich traveled to the Keiyo Valley to celebrate the 10-year milestone with a Christmas celebration with hundreds of people.

"This is exciting because we have seen what can be accomplished," he said.

Keiyo Soy Ministries has been working on the Katumoi Water Project, a gravity-based water system that brings clean water from the mountains to the valley. The Kenyans own and maintain the equipment.

The communities have been thankful for the support and generosity that has brought water and hope to their villages, Korich said.

The organization began in 2000 after Korich, his wife, Truphena, and their two daughters and son witnessed the death and suffering caused by the drought while visiting relatives in the Keiyo Valley.

The Kenyans had identified a mountain with fresh water but needed assistance to bring the water to the people.

When Korich returned to the United States, he founded the nonprofit organization that, “by the grace of God,” got 501c3 status in just three months, he said.

Contractors designed a long pipeline and trained people of the Keiyo Valley to maintain and use it properly.

Since then, the community members have become experts, Korich said. Keiyo Soy Ministries will dedicate a third water tank in the valley this September. The second was dedicated in 2007.

In addition to bringing water to the people, Keiyo Soy Ministries inspires hope in those who live in communities neighboring those that have already set up water systems, Korich said.

But he is quick to say that his work is far from over.

The next step is harvesting rainwater, as the organization wants to bring water to more schools and hospitals.

Keiyo Soy Ministries will sponsor its first walkathon and 5K race on March 20 to celebrate World Water Day. It will take place on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Philadelphia.

All money raised will benefit the water project.

Amanda Glensky, Staff Writer