Safari in the Aberdares

It was a wonderful experience for the children and also for the staff! A guest visiting the children’s home asked the children what they would like to do and they said, “We want to go on a safari in the Aberdares.” So Martin and Birgit sponsored the safari. Petra made it possible with three cars and drivers like Isaiah, Tessa, and Petra herself. They packed a picnic and went to about 3,400 meters in altitude, to waterfalls, animals and the highlands of the Aberdares. At the headquarters, the kids received information about the animals they might see.

It was an impressive experience for everyone. Thank you so much!!!

Kids in the boarding high school!!!

Since February, the oldest children have been attending different boarding high schools in the Nyeri district. One child even had the fifth-best grades in Nyeri County. His goal is to become a surgeon!!! He has a good chance of achieving this. I assured him that I would find sponsors to support him financially in his studies if he manages to get into university. We wish them both much success and are very proud of them! (The school requires significantly higher costs.)

Our children are becoming teenagers!!!

The children’s home in Kenya has now been established for five years, so some kids have reached puberty. They question things, want to make their own decisions, or refuse to do things for the community. Cleaning up, going to bed, or leaving the premises becomes a “constant discussion.” As parents, we know this all too well!!!! The sweet little children are becoming personalities who “rebel” and influence the younger kids. Ann and Lucy are now also struggling with this. Instructions are ignored, not followed, demands are made, they want to go their own way and think that “adults exaggerate” and are too “cautious.”

Questions arise: Did I really have to leave my family and grow up here in the home? Why should I call Ann “Mom” when she’s not my mother, etc. Ann handles this with experience. She offered them the option of calling her “Ann.” One girl was allowed to visit her parents during the holidays so she could experience what it is like there.

Parenting in Kenya cannot be compared to Europe. The children have to obey because it is too dangerous to let them run around unsupervised in the neighborhood. The children come from difficult, troubled, conflict-ridden and poor family systems. They are beaten and oppressed in these families, they are hungry and they are left to fend for themselves from an early age.

Ann asked us for help. Some children approached Petra and me to complain. We praised the kids for addressing the conflicts and expressing their opinions. We encouraged them to observe their own behavior as well, which is necessary in order to live respectfully and responsibly in a community.

We advised Ann to address conflicts through open communication and to support the kids individually or in group discussions. To listen to their needs, uncertainties, and opinions and to find solutions together within the scope of her responsibilities. To take them seriously in their development seriously and to help them understand why they are in the home. We advised the whole team to work more closely together as a unit and to share responsibility. They should also accompany the children on more activities outside the home. This will help them understand their culture and how to engage in it (e.g., attending a party or a soccer game in the neighborhood). They should feel protected while understanding the dangers they are exposed to.

Petra offered to be the contact person for everyone.