Kenya

“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Mark 9:37)

St Michael and All Angels Orphanage, Makutano, Kenya

Boys performingPhoto credit: David and Wendy Littlejohn

In 2003 the Church of St Michael’s and All Angels in Makutano, in the Diocese of Mbeere Kenya, agreed to take on the running of an orphanage, set up to help the many street children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and family breakdown. Sometimes the extended family will take in children, but usually only girls as they are more likely to be a help in the home. So it is mainly boys, from the age of about 5, who end up on the streets, usually in areas with markets where they can earn a little money from errands and get food by begging, generosity or theft.

The orphanage officially opened in 2004 with 8 boys, offering them a dry place to sleep on the floor of one small room, the congregation of the church doing their best to feed them, but often only being able to provide one meal a week. Since then, the orphanage has attracted funding to purchase bunk beds, blankets, crockery, a First Aid kit, a metal door for the hut, window panes and fencing.

At present, there are 16 boys aged from 6 -14 years; the boys take care of the chickens and are growing vegetables and attend school. They have been taught to do dramatic recitations and there is amongst them a real talent for drama!

It takes £280 per month to feed, clothe and care for them – less than £20 a week per child. Our support would secure a brighter future for these boys and maintain a much needed facility for children in the future, showing welcome and hospitality to children otherwise left out in the cold.

Page last edited: 23/01/2009
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