Kenya is often known for its stunning landscapes, diverse terrain, and fascinating wildlife. Yet, despite the beauty, there are 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 adequate social services makes the 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 family. Unfortunately, due to the stigma that surrounds these deaths, extended family 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 slum 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 and 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 Hope for the Children to provide immediate relief from the harsh realities they would otherwise face.
When David Hinga, a Christian pastor, and his wife, Alice, began a ministry near the city of Nairobi in 1998, they were particularly troubled by the plight of children living on the streets. They believed every little one deserved a nurturing childhood and a decent education. With undernourishment at critical levels, David decided that launching a daytime feeding program would make the most impact. His idea was first to provide the children with porridge and to eventually introduce them to learning activities. Now, they have a facility that houses hundreds of children, with trained staff to care for them. In addition to their residential program for orphaned and abandoned children, they also serve impoverished families in the community around them. Previously, they wanted to educate parents about the benefit of bringing their children to school rather than sending them to the farms to earn a wage. Now, parents line up to enroll their children in school, attend parents days and even church on Sundays. Health and hygiene in the community has improved and mothers willingly take their babies for immunizations and allow them to attend Sunday School. This support for struggling families increases the chances of them staying together.
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.
This year, we have a goal to help improve the quality of care for these amazing children, and we need your help. Your gift will help provide education, a safe home, health, and adult mentors who can share the Love of Christ. Our promise to you is that 100% will go directly to the home.