Kenya is often known for its stunning landscapes, diverse terrain, and fascinating wildlife. Yet, despite the beauty, there is a whole host of underlying issues that adversely affect its citizens. Systemic problems such as high crime rates due to unemployment, lack of access to clean water, and inadequate social services make poor living conditions difficult to overcome. Kenya continues to be one of the most HIV-affected countries in the world, with 1.6 million people currently affected by the disease and 62,000 new cases being reported in 2016. With as many as 36,000 AIDS-related deaths, many children are left without a family. Unfortunately, due to the stigma that surrounds these deaths, extended families are reluctant to care for these children because of fear that they might bring the disease into their homes.
The Kibera slum is the largest in Africa, with over a quarter of Nairobi residents living there. With an estimated 60% of Nairobi’s population occupying only 6% of the land, living conditions are poor and unsanitary. There are a whole host of issues that affect the people living in the slum, including extreme poverty, substance abuse, addiction, disease, and crime. There is no access to clean water, systems for sanitation, or services like healthcare or schools. This is because the land technically belongs to the government, and most of the people living there are unlawful tenants. Children who have been orphaned or abandoned in Kenya face many dangers and rely on children’s homes like Agape Hope to provide immediate relief from the harsh realities they would otherwise face.
Agape Care Home has been providing shelter, care, and support for the children affected by HIV/AIDS from poverty stricken families in Kenya. The home has since taken in hundreds of children who are orphaned, abandoned, forced into labor, or neglected. The center began with a vision to assist the many orphans and vulnerable children in the area and give them a special place to call home. It was later realized that there were many other children within the community who were not attending school or receiving proper nutrition due to lack of finances or parental support. That’s why Agape Hope began assisting struggling parents by providing free education and nutritional support to at-risk children in their region. Today, Agape is home to more than 100 orphaned children and provides nutritional and educational support to over 200 others as well. With the support of Serving Orphans Worldwide, and other generous supporters, Agape Hope is fully equipped with staff to care for these children, including house parents, teachers, cooks and social workers.
Serving Orphans Worldwide travels to every orphanage we partner with to ensure needs are legitimate and 100% of funds distributed goes to the livelihood of the children.