Rooted in faith. Built for what comes next.Spring Hill, Tennessee   /   Kisumu, Kenya
Fire & FreedomMINISTRIES

The trade school

A place to learn.
A way to move forward.

Our first project is a planned trade school in Kisumu, Kenya, built with Manna Ministries International for people ready to begin again.

Project information as of October 20, 2026

The opportunity we’re building

A difficult past can make the next step harder. Practical training, tools, and local relationships can help turn a fresh start into a way to earn a living.

FFM will raise support in the United States and make accountable grants. Manna Ministries International will own and operate the school in Kenya.

The school is in planning. Construction has not begun. Early 2027 is the target for groundbreaking, subject to full funding and readiness.

Who the school is for

The school is intended to serve men leaving prison and vulnerable women, including women leaving trafficking or abusive situations, without tuition. Other local students who cannot afford university would be able to attend at modest tuition.

People pictured on this website are shown in the context of ministry visits. No individual’s private history or enrollment in this future school is implied.

Claire speaking to a room of young women during a Manna Ministries program visit
Claire speaking with young women during a Manna program visit. The trade school is still in planning.

Six trades under consideration

The plan includes masonry, carpentry, welding, electrical, plumbing, and tailoring. Programs are expected to run for 6–12 months, depending on the trade.

Manna and FFM are confirming the final offerings and course lengths against local hiring demand and instructor availability. The aim is job-ready skill—trained to the standard local employers hire for.

What comes with the training

  1. Tools of their own. A trade kit suited to the graduate’s craft, or a sewing machine for tailoring.
  2. A pathway toward work. Introductions and support through Manna’s local relationships with contractors and shops. These are pathways, not a guarantee of a job.
  3. Micro-enterprise support. Help preparing to start and sustain work for themselves.

Faith woven into the work

Bible study, discipleship, and mentorship are part of the planned daily rhythm. Admission and assistance are not conditional on conversion or religious response.

One campaign. Full funding first.

The current school campaign planning estimate is approximately $300,000. The final goal will be set after the architectural drawings and construction budget are complete.

The entire school must be funded before groundbreaking. Once construction begins, grant funds will be released in verified milestone stages under a written agreement. Reaching the funding goal is one part of readiness; construction does not automatically start that same day.

Questions about the school

Is the school open now?

No. This is a planned school. Drawings, the construction budget, and the partner agreement remain in progress. Enrollment and opening dates have not been announced.

Will every student attend for free?

Free training is planned for vulnerable women and men leaving prison. Other local students who cannot afford university would pay modest tuition. Final admissions details will be confirmed with Manna.

Will students be guaranteed a job?

No. The plan combines practical training, tools, connections through local contractors and shops, and support for micro-enterprise. We will not promise employment outcomes before they can be demonstrated.

Is the school a Christian ministry?

Yes. Our Christian faith shapes the work, including planned Bible study and discipleship. Receiving help is never conditional on religious response.

What if the schedule or budget changes?

The final goal and construction schedule will follow the completed plans, funding, and readiness. Material changes will be explained in project updates. Contributions remain under the full direction and control of FFM’s Board of Directors.

There is a place for you in this

A practical way
to stand with someone.

A skill. A set of tools. People who will walk alongside you. That is the kind of second chance we are working to build.

Online giving is being finalized. We’re ready to talk about what comes next.