Happy children and big dreams

Dear members, sponsors, and donors,

here finally comes the newsletter you have probably been waiting for!

The children are doing very well. They are cheerful, study diligently, and can simply be children – individual, carefree, and full of joy. When I am with guests at the children’s home, the question always comes up what the children want to become. The answers range from police officer to doctor, teacher, football player, or pilot – just like here with us!

Especially nice: Alex, the oldest boy with us, has, according to Ann and his teacher, good chances of being able to study one day.

School is also running normally again after being closed for a long time during the pandemic.

Political situation and training

In August, new elections were held in Kenya. During this time, there was concern about unrest, so schools were prudently closed for two weeks. Fortunately, everything remained peaceful.

In the meantime, Ann attended several workshop courses and furthered her education. She is healthy, committed, and loves her work – and above all, “her” children. Elisabeth continues to reliably take care of the children’s nutritional needs. The children are well and evenly nourished. Wiclif, our caretaker, also fulfills his duties diligently and actively helped with the construction of new rooms.

Visits and impressions on site

All guests visiting the children’s home are always deeply moved. Some association members and sponsors have also been to Kenya by now and could see for themselves how well the Pamoja Machiuka project is running.

Support for Ann: Lucy is here!

As you surely remember, we have been looking for support for Ann, who is currently taking care of 14 children alone – and has been doing so for over two years.

The government requires a “social education qualification” for this position. Unfortunately, no one with this qualification applied. Therefore, we implemented plan B:

Through a taxi driver we know, we found Lucy. She had previously worked briefly in a children’s home and before that for many years in Nairobi with a large family with children.

Lucy completed a trial week together with Ann and the team – and everyone was enthusiastic. Therefore, we initially hired her for a trial period of 3 to 6 months. She does not have the official qualification, but we will provide further training.

A friendly children’s home on the coast, run by a good friend, supports us with appropriate information and training offers. Petra’s daughter, who established a Waldorf school in Kenya, also offers suitable courses.

We – and especially Ann – are glad to have found Lucy. She fits wonderfully with our children’s home.

Outlook: expansion possible!

Thanks to Lucy’s support, we can take in more children in the medium term. So it continues – and we are looking forward to it!

Challenges: rising costs in Kenya

As in Germany, the cost of living has risen sharply in Kenya. Our monthly expenses have almost doubled. School fees as well as all daily necessities – especially food – have become more expensive.

Nevertheless, we are currently managing well. Some repairs had to be carried out, e.g., the installation of additional rain gutters, which Wiclif took care of.

Water supply and rainy season

The new water tank is large enough to store sufficient water. Unfortunately, it has hardly rained in the past months, so the tank could not yet be used optimally. The next major rainy season is expected in November.

Thanks to the team – and an unforgettable trip

Thanks to local donations, we were able to invite our team – Ann, Elisabeth, and Wiclif – to a joint lunch and give them a small reward. Everyone was very touched, especially Ann. It was a wonderful, appreciative day!

Another highlight: A generous donation enabled all the children and staff to go on a safari in the “Aberdares” National Park. The children had wished for this trip – and we are excited about their experiences!

New intern on site

At the end of September, a new intern will travel to Kenya for three months to help at the children’s home. She is also a member of the association. Our thanks go to the Evangelical Children’s Home in Herne for arranging this!

We wish her, on behalf of the entire association, a fulfilling, educational, and enjoyable time.

Pride and gratitude

I am repeatedly moved and proud of what we have achieved together!

The wish to put the children’s home into Kenyan hands and let the children grow up in their own culture is fulfilled thanks to the wonderful staff and Petra’s commitment on site.

You – dear donors, sponsors, and members – are the ones who make all this possible. Thank you for your interest, loyalty, and support!

Please pat yourselves on the back – on behalf of the children and the association: Asanteni sana!

Obituary for a founding member

Finally, a sad message: Our oldest association member and co-founder has unfortunately passed away. For privacy reasons, we cannot name her, but our heartfelt thanks go to her for her long-standing loyalty and love for our children.

With warm regards – and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Karibu tena! (Welcome back)
Yours, Gitti