207 GIRLS
102 DOUBLE ORPHANS
ORPHAN CRISIS IN KENYA
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.
HOPE FOR THE CHILDREN
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.
PROMINENT ISSUES
Abandonment
More than 40% of the Kenyan population lives under the national poverty line and the unemployment rate is more than 40%, as well. This is a common reason why children are abandoned.
Abuse
7 out of 10 young adults in Kenya reported that they had been physically abused at least once before the age of 18.
HIV/ AIDS
Of the 2.6 million orphaned children in Kenya, nearly 40% lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. In less educated areas, many of these children are abandoned out of fear of the disease.
HOME
At Hope for the Children, two large buildings serve as the center of their ministry. They contain classrooms for 1st through 12th grades, offices, and living quarters for residential children. They also have a daycare and kindergarten facility that is much smaller and a church onsite.
EDUCATION
Educating more than 600 children is quite an undertaking for this ministry, but they are doing it with excellence and passion. They know that education is the only thing that will break the cycle of poverty for many of these orphaned and vulnerable children.
FAITH
Hope for the Children ministers to the whole family. Ministering to these tangible needs has opened many doors to sharing the Gospel with their community. Through their Sunday services and outreach programs, they’ve planted a thriving church in this community and seen countless lives changed by an encounter with Gospel truth.
HEALTH
The children typically eat porridge, ugali, rice, maize, beans, a wide variety of vegetables, and fruits on a daily basis. Their current budget allows them to eat eggs two to three times a week and meat on occasion. They also have a nurse that visits the home twice weekly and medical screening is done periodically to protect the children’s health.
SPONSOR THIS HOME
Hope for the Children Kenya – Sponsorship Needs
$0 of $48,000 raised
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.
