December 2008 Newsletter
|
There are millions of children the world over living without hope in poverty, deprivation and danger. A few hundred people cannot possibly solve this massive disaster. But a few hundred people can rescue a few hundred children living with the stigma of AIDS and have an impact on an entire community! The WWN sponsorship program not only helps provide some of the basic living essentials to over 400 orphans living in Kilimambogo county, Kenya, but more importantly, it gives these children a sense of identity and value, an opportunity for education, hope for a future, and restores their respect in the community.
In the last few months, two teams of volunteers traveled to Kenya to review our WWN program, support and encourage the local staff, and be excited by all that has been accomplished this last year. Every sponsor and donor deserves to share in the joy!
The Feeding Program
The school feeding program in Kilimambogo county continues to be one of the most critical aspects of our ministry. We are currently involved in eight schools, providing food and cooks to five schools and cooks only to another three schools. Altogether, close to 5000 children are fed each school day. Our cooks arrive at each school by 7 am to prepare a simple noon meal of maize and beans for 400-900 children. Children line up by grade with plates, cups, bowls and even lids to receive their portion. For some it may be their only meal of the day.
The impact of this effort is widespread and cannot be overstated. To quote one of the principals: “Because of this program, children come to school, then stay in school where they have an opportunity to receive an education, which is the primary source of hope for their future.” The ripple effect is felt throughout the communities. Because the children are fed a nutritious and steady diet, they are healthier and able to fend off more illnesses, and medical visits to the local clinic are drastically down.
The feeding program is funded by your sponsorship gifts. You might ask what does it cost to feed this many children every school day? It is roughly 5¢ per child per meal - for about 1 million meals a year! So next time you see a nickel, remind yourself that you are part of a work that is feeding a community of children and you are investing in the future of Kenya!
Kusitawi (Thrive) Village
What started out as a dream and a few lines on a big sheet of drafting paper is now a reality. The six acre compound has just completed construction of its fourth building,
a new girls’ safe house that can accommodate 60 girls. It was built at a cost of US$50,000 including new beds and linens. The girls took residence in August.
After a week of painting and repairs, the boys moved from a rented house offsite into the girls’ former dorm. They now join this caring community for children at risk. There are now 72 children living (thriving!) at Kusitawi with five adults (including a social worker) caring for them.
Director Elizabeth Gitau emailed about THE BIG DAY! “God is good and I am full of joy. People from the village came to our celebration of thanksgiving as we dedicated the safe houses and planted memorial trees. The children and staff danced their hearts outs! It is no longer a dream because it is real! Thank you all!”
Kusitawi also has recently completed a dining hall/kitchen/multi-purpose room where the children gather for meals, study and recreation, Sunday services and evening devotions; the farm; and a small administration building for the staff and field workers who oversee the needs of the 430 orphans in our program. On the monthly Fun Day all the children gather in the compound for food, games, singing, dancing and skits. School uniforms and shoes, clothing, soap, sanitary needs for older girls, and gifts for special occasions are distributed at Kusitawi to all the children.
In this next year we hope to complete a septic system, increase the solar power, add additional outdoor latrines, and gravel the dirt road. As these projects move toward completion, we will begin to focus our efforts toward moving Kusitawi Village in the direction of self-sufficiency through increased farming and animal husbandry.
KLM helps Kusitawi
When it was originally constructed, the boys’ house didn’t have a wash area. Through contacts that Elizabeth made at her rotary club, a representative of Wings of Support, the charitable arm of KLM Dutch Airlines, visited Kusitawi. They were impressed with what they saw and offered support to remodel the area behind the boys’ home to include a concrete floor, water piping, bathing rooms, sinks and toilets. (Because water is scarce the children bathe using a bucket and all gray water is conserved to irrigate the plants and vegetation around the village) We are extremely grateful to KLM for their participation and we look forward to them coming along side again in future projects.
Water at Kusitawi
At the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008, drought in Kenya created a water crisis at Kusitawi. The children suffered, the farm suffered. We told you last time about all that was done to bring water from the river and collect rain water from all the buildings to alleviate the crisis and establish a reliable water source. We probably cannot adequately relate the impact that the water project has had. Kusitawi is now like a green paradise garden in the midst of a dry parched land! The people have water for drinking, cooking and washing. The farm is flourishing! Water truly is the life line in Africa and to see how it has impacted the village is unbelievable. Thank you to all who contributed!
Magogoni High School
Three years ago there was no public high school in the Kilimambogo area. We started with the construction of two rooms and a freshmen class of 90. When the January 2009 term begins, we will have 360 students in eight classrooms, a science lab, computer lab, administration building, kitchen and latrines. The Kenyan government supplies a principal and nine teachers. Our orphans who qualify are guaranteed half of the openings. A year from now we will graduate our first senior class!
The school has had a major impact in the community. Our chairman, Chris Valentino, states: “Looking out on the assembly of these 270 children made me question where they would be had this school not been built. Who knows? …some working as day laborers in the pineapple fields, some turning to the streets, some lost among the thousands. ..but today they are in school with many having a chance to continue their education in college. We all should be proud of this work and the opportunity it has brought to this community.”
“It is remarkable to see how the children are growing and maturing. Each time we visit they are taller and many are the faces of young adults. As a program we face many challenges in addressing how to transition these children into adulthood and determining what is the best ‘next step’ for their lives. Please pray for us and our team as we discuss and try to discern the Lord’s leading and direction for our mission.”
Elizabeth Gitau Honored with Head of State Accommodation Award
This is the only civilian award given by the President of Kenya for distinguished service and devotion to duty. It is given to those who use their own resources or the resources of others to change the lives of people. Elizabeth and her staff were invited to a large ceremony where only three people in the region were so honored. To receive such an award is a huge honor in Kenya and serves to validate the work being done by WWN, and it confirms the good stewardship of the money received by this organization. Everyone who supports WWN through prayers, sponsorship, gifts, and time has contributed to the services Elizabeth and her staff give to the children and the community. We can all share through her in a job well done.
FYI – All U.S. board members and staff volunteer their time. There are no salaries or honorariums. All travel at their own expense. Your sponsorship and gifts go directly to support the children and staff in Kenya.