As well as a year to celebrate, 2012 has been a challenging year in Kenya, both for FOL and the people of Londiani and Kipkelion Districts. The reason? Weather conditions. The rains started in April this year and have not let up yet. The effect has not just been to delay FOL projects on the ground. The adverse conditions could mean that yields of the main crop that so many people depend on – maize – will be lower than normal. That will affect communities and could also mean that FOL will have to support a lot more work in 2013. As this is the time of year that we are deciding on our education bursary allocations for 2013, demand may be greater than usual for educational support from the communities in Londiani and Kipkelion. The FOL Christmas shop has a range of gift vouchers available for a minimum donation of €10 including one for education bursaries. The vouchers are 'dressed up' for Christmas and come with a beaded star or tree Christmas tree decoration. Just €50 will help a student to attend secondary school in 2013. Please support the gift voucher sales. They would be a great gift for someone who graduated this year, someone who just started school or moved from primary to secondary school or a teacher – or just someone who loves to collect unusual Christmas tree decorations.