30 GIRLS
6 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 Agape Hope to provide immediate relief from the harsh realities they would otherwise face.
WINGS OF COMPASSION CHILDREN’S HOME
Wings of Compassion is a rescue home for teenage girls who are orphaned or extremely vulnerable. The home takes in pregnant girls who are typically between the ages of 11 to 15 years old. These young mothers typically come out of broken family units and have experienced absolute poverty, sexual abuse, exploitation, early sexual relationships, drug abuse and prostitution. These experiences have eroded their self-confidence and left them with a feeling of hopelessness. Wings of Compassion has an objective is to bring hope back into the lives of these mothers by offering them a safe home, food, clothing, counseling and parenting skills classes. Furthermore, this home encourages these girls to pursue an education and supports them from primary school all the way to college and vocational school. Wings of Compassion believes that through their services, these mothers will be empowered to become self-reliant and to provide their children with a bright future. At present, the home has supported 35 mothers who have successfully transitioned out of the home and are now completely self-reliant.
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.
Child Marriage and FGM
Child Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a prominent reality for young girls in Kenya, despite it being outlawed in 2011.
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
Wings of Compassion is comprised of a brick and metal building equipped with beds for the mothers and babies, a living area, a kitchen and bathrooms. The home has access to clean water that is piped onto the property.
EDUCATION
Education is seen as a top priority at Wings of Compassion. In addition to providing life and parenting skills classes, they enroll the mothers and their children in school and support them from elementary through college.
FAITH
Wings of Compassion is founded on Christian principles and values. The mothers and their children attend church at the home’s on site chapel. The have Bible study very Wednesday and prayer and devotions every Friday.
HEALTH
Wings of Compassion recognizes the importance of consistent healthcare as many of the mothers give birth while in their care. The home has partnered with a local hospital that gives the girls and their babies regular check ups free of charge.
