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. 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 Oasis of Hope to provide immediate relief from the harsh realities they would otherwise face.
OASIS OF HOPE CHILDREN’S HOME
Located in Nairobi, Kenya, Oasis of Hope serves over 70 children from the Kibera slum through their residential program. 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.
Children are referred to this home for many reasons, including death of both parents, abandonment, and rescued from abuse, trafficking and forced child labor. With loving staff, Oasis of Hope is a refuge for the most vulnerable children. Oasis of Hope aims to remove as many barriers to education as possible. With a school on site, the children are guaranteed the opportunity to learn.
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.
WE BELIEVE
HOME
Oasis of Hope has an impressive campus with multiple buildings including a residential block, an on campus school, large common areas, bathrooms and a dining hall. Children have plenty of room to live and play.
HEALTH
The children are provided with proper medical care, and are taken to a nearby hospital if an emergency arises. . The children are given three nutritious meals a day, complete with protein, grains, vegetables and fruit.
FAITH
Oasis of Hope emphasizes spiritual care. All the children attend church on site together weekly where they are presented with the gospel. Morning and evening devotion time as well as a mid-week service provide them a faith-building environment that fosters a genuine relationship with Christ.
EDUCATION
At Oasis of Hope, all the school aged children are enrolled in school on the premises. They have the opportunity to learn a variety of subjects and participate in many different school based activities.
