Child Protection Kenya Project #30933

Educating at-risk youth in Kenya

by Margaret Okari Children's Foundation

Project Report | Sep 15, 2021
Meet our four newest students

By Kwamboka Okari | Founder and Executive Director

Solomon, Eric, Rebecca and Zipporah

Greetings from Kenya,

This has been a challenging season for all of us. COVID-19 and the Delta variant continue to threaten public health here in Kenya and we face an acute shortage of vaccines. But I want to send a message of gratitude in this update, as there is still so much to be thankful for. Our kids have been back in school and are regaining the learning lost during ten months when schools were shut down. Our staff and students are healthy. And thanks to your support, we continue to be able to provide a home and education for children in need.

A family of four orphaned siblings are the most recent addition to our school. Pictured above, Solomon, Zipporah, Rebecca and Eric, ages 6-13, lost their mother six years ago during childbirth. Their father died from unknown health complications in June of this year. After that, a woman who lived nearby looked in on them and provided food from time to time, but the older children, the 13-year-old twins, were left to parent the younger two. They cooked, washed clothes, fetched water and firewood. T

They lived near Meru, about 10 hours drive from our school. But some well wishers knew of their difficult circumstances, learned of our school, and obtained permission from the local area chief for the children to join us. There were several hurdles to overcome before their arrival, including the sudden appearance of someone claiming to be an uncle who had not been involved in their welfare but who showed up when it seemed like people with resources were going to help the children. He wanted payment in exchange for giving permission for the children to go to school. Fortunately, the area chief intervened and ensured the children’s transportation to our school.

From the time they arrived in early August until now, they seem happy and energetic and are doing well in school. One would not know they have endured such severe hardship. I am humbled by their resilience and grateful we can provide them a safe home and the chance to be children and students rather than providers.

I know how difficult the past 18 months have been for everyone. And I know it’s easy to forget about us halfway around a very troubled world. But our school would not exist without you, we would not have survived the past 18 months without you, we would not be able to open our doors to Solomon, Zipporah, Rebecca and Eric without you, and for that I am very grateful. Thank you.

Warmly,
Kwamboka

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May 18, 2021
Great news!

By Jessica | US Board Member

Jan 9, 2021
Back to school!

By Kwamboka Okari | Founder and Executive Director

Ondicho (8) and Lucy (6) in front of their home

As I write this update, schools in Kenya have just reopened for the new school year after closing in March due to COVID-19. For the first time in nine months, all of our students are now back on campus. Although the pandemic is still spreading, nine months is a long time away for our students. As you know, our school caters to vulnerable children whose living environments are not conducive to remote learning and everyday existence is often a struggle. So we are glad to have them back at school.

Throughout the time school was closed we did our best to keep in touch with students and their caregivers and were prompted to buy food for many struggling families. Ondicho and Lucy, pictured above, are one of the families we were able to help in this way. Unlike most of our students who have lost at least one parent, Ondicho and Lucy have both parents. However, the parents are very poor. In fact, Ondicho and Lucy started attending our school after a local public school sent them away because they were not able to pay a small fee (which even government schools charge for various things). Their father, who works as a labourer, leaves home very early in the morning to go and search for a job. Sometimes he might find a job and other times not. The mother washes clothes in people’s homesteads. Sometimes she will find a job but other times not. Food is hard to come by unless they find something to do on the particular day, which is especially challenging during the pandemic. So we have bought them corn and groceries to ensure they can eat. And just before Christmas, we fixed a new door for their little house because it was badly cracked. I am glad we were able to help their family and others during the pandemic but am also glad Ondicho and Lucy are now back on campus with the rest of their classmates.

As our 13th school year gets underway (our first masked school year), we are deeply humbled by your continued partnership and support, which has made our work possible over the years and particularly during the very difficult year that has just passed.

Wishing you and your loved ones good health and fulfillment in the new year.

With gratitude,
Kwamboka

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