Five years separate the last News update and now which begs the inquiry: what’s been happenin’ with Children of Strength and its colorful cast of characters? For the next few days an update a day will appear each morning (or night; depending on which side of the globe you’re spinning) with updates and stories from the program.  All photos are credited to Silas Valentino.

The gate leading into Kusitawi Village

The administration building

Christened after remodeling on June 26, 2015, Kusitawi Village is the main operating grounds for Children of Strength – or in its native tongue of Swahili: Watoto Wenye Nguvu). Madame Elizabeth Gitau has been in charge since the organization’s conception and her office – along with the offices for the program’s various other social worker staff – is located in the administration building. (Pictured above.)

The 9-acre land is home to both the girl’s safe house (with 80 girls expected to be housed within the next three months) and the boy’s (currently at 61 boys). Also on the premises is the tailor – stitching uniforms and tote bags – and future developments include a nursery.

Kale

Banana trees

Growing alongside the ridges of the property are various vegetables and fruits including kale, bananas (pictured above), spinach, mango, avocados and oranges. This farm (or shamba) produces food for the inhabitants of Kusitawi. In the past, the children of Kusitawi  would participate in the harvesting and growing of such food yet the Kenyan government has since deemed this “child labor.” This was found to be most curious as it’s currently Girl Scout Cookies season in the States and Thin Mint cookies have made their way into the luggage and mouths of certain current travelers.

The River Thika nearby

Kusitawi’s water tanks

One kilometer from Kusitawi is the River Thika which provides 5,000 liters/hour. Activated at the start of each day, this flow not only supplies Kusitawi with fresh and farming water but it also is sold to the neighborhood.