Report from BHW Kenya Partnership Facilitators

Key Person: Rodgers Ade

Unfortunately we still have not been able to visit Kenya due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Recent Events

Activities

The past year has been relatively calm following the pandemic. They feel they are nearly back to normal with changes in the academic year being the exception. The cost of living has risen and with new requirements like masks and increased hygiene measures things continue to be difficult financially.

Over the last year they have had issues with their water supply and frequent power outrages but both of these issues have now been resolved thankfully.

The children are doing well and have not had any major issues. They are however having to adapt to the new changes in the academic year from 3 terms to 4 terms in a year.

Two of the children sat their final secondary school exams (KCSE) in March/April and one joined the Moriah Discipleship Programme (KEN06a). Two of the students sat their final primary exams (KCPE) and have now joined secondary school.

Rodgers has said that overall the children are doing well in their studies and eight of them will have sat their national exams by the end of the year. 

Personal Stories

June

June is a 17 year old girl currently in form four at Kariobangi North Girls Secondary School. She was brought to the orphanage last year by her current school principal due to lack of a proper place to live and be cared for. Her parents separated 10 years ago and she does not know where either currently resides. She only remembers her father returning one night and sneaking away with her younger brother about 10 years ago. She was taken in by an aunt who cared for her until she lost her job due to Covid and was no longer able to provide care for her.

A local pastor took her in and was trying to continue to pay her school fees so she could continue her studies this was very difficult as the fees were expensive.

She is a bright girl who has always maintained a positive position despite her challenges. She would love to pursue medicine and work with children. She is very bright and is expected to do well in her final exams. She is comfortable at the orphanage and she now has a hope for her future.

Tabitha

Tabitha is the second born in a family of four. She is a partial orphan having lost her father at a young age. She is currently in form two and doing alright at school. She was brought to Kariobangi in 2017 while her mother and siblings continue to live in the slums. Her eldest sibling had to stop their eduction due to lack of school fees. Tabitha would like to become a nurse, secure employment and support her family.

Stephen

Stephen is 16 and has been at Kariobangi since 2015. He also lost his father at a young age leaving his mother widowed. His mother is illiterate and does not work, and depends on her brother-in-law for support. Stephen fears losing his uncle who has stood beside them and supported them since the death of his father.

Stephen is doing well in his studies and would like to become either a pilot or an engineer. He is also a good singer and artist.

Current Issues and Challenges

The increase in price of commodities especially food and other basic essentials like personal items due to the pandemic.

Scarcity of water supply and storage facilities. The cost of water increased and the pipes were damaged by thieves. These were replaced however.

The power outages have been frequent but have improved now.

The cost of the new educational system is relatively expensive and they have needed to purchase new supplies to meet the requirements that were not forecasted for in their budget.

Maintaining staff has remained a challenge. They have experienced serious delays in paying staff salaries that can take up to two months. This has been very discouraging.

Safety at the home is getting compromised as the corrugated iron fence is falling apart and needs urgent repairs.

Prayer and Praise Points

1) Pray for the children sitting their national exams this year.
2) Pray for continued good health and safety for the children in the home.
3) Pray for wisdom for Rodgers and his family as they provide care for the children in the home.
4) Pray for additional finance to aid education and staff for better services.
5) Pray for wisdom regarding a sustainable project that can contribute to the running of the home.
6) Pray for the coming year and for wisdom in the plans they have.

Comments

It is good to hear that the children are all doing well despite the challenges they have faced over the last few years. It would be great for this project to have an aspect of sustainability, something that could bring in an income. I will chat to Rodgers a bit around this and ways they can be more sustainable in other areas like gardens etc.