Moses Ochieng at the tender age of 18 months, was found abandoned at Yala railway station. He was sat crying, with his clothes stuffed in a paper bag next to him. Children’s officer found him there, picked him up and took him to the hospital for treatment. Coughing, running nose and rashes over his body. He was brought to the orphanage 18th April 2014, he was very weak and unable to stand. On arrival promptly drank 3 cups of water! After a short time he felt loved, at home and started playing. The children at the orphanage named him Moses because of how he was found, resembling the story from…

Linet Adiambo Ochiege was found on her way to visit an Auntie in Nairobi; she had be given only 400 shilingis which is insufficient and was made to get off the bus in Nakuru. The police found her adrift on the streets, they put her in prison for 2 months while they made a futile attempt to find her immediate family or any relatives.. Linet was brought back to her local area and was admitted into the orphanage; at the start she was stubborn but after a short while happily settled in. She wants to be a Tailor. *Footnote > The distance to Nairobi is 450km, Nakuru is approx 300km;…

It’s incredible how experiences like living among extreme poverty can re-calibrate our perspectives on what truly matters. Your recognition of the dichotomy between enjoying material benefits and the profound impact of challenges or helping others is profound. Even small steps towards overcoming challenges or aiding others can shift our outlook on life. On reflection; personally I found that these experiences prompt a reassessment of what brings you genuine fulfillment? I notice that I am like a recent non-smoker who doesn’t want to smoke but checks his pockets feeling something is missing. For me today it’s my attachment to my mobile phone. No calls to make or answer. No text to…

Sharon Apiyo was brought to the orphanage at the age of 6yrs after mother died. Her father is an active alcoholic. When Sharon was admitted she had really bad Jiggers and insecticide had to use to remove them. Enthusiastic at school and wants to be a teacher. *Jiggers is the local name for a flea size parasite that lays eggs in our flesh, the eggs grow in numbers and seriously irritate.

Collins Omondi Onyango lost both parents; father died before he was born and his mother was found dead with him feeding on her milk.. Initially was cared for by his Grandmother, who sacrificed a lot for him. Due to circumstances it was best if he was admitted into the orphanage. On arrival he was very cold and sad, always shivering; after about a month he started to be happy. During this brief period his grandmother died. Collins is dedicated to looking after animals, helping with the cows and goats. He enjoys school and want to study at University. He plans to be a farmer.

Ruth Auma Onyango at 7yrs old was found wandering the streets and in need of medical attention. She remembers staying with her Mother, but reveals very little else, which is hardly surprising after she confided to Mama Rose, that her mother tied her hands together and burned them with a giko (charcoal oven/grill), then told her to leave. The parent were looked for but have remained missing! She works hard at school, is well disciplined and organises others well.

In 2008 two young brothers were taken into the Orphanage Andy 3yrs and Chris 18 months. The family background is vague; it is suggested strongly that the Father was mentally challenged and the mother was not around. Andy did not speak, he was terrified of people and was constantly missing. He did not respond to calls and was always eventual found usually hiding under one of the beds. Younger brother Chris had seriously burnt buttocks from falling into the cooking fire. Also he was very thin, suffering from malnutrition. He required a months treatment in the hospital before being brought to the Orphanage. Both are in infant school ,Andy wants…

I have been given access to the children’s records and whilst reading them I realise many are just to difficult to record here. Donathan Ochieng was born in 2009, his parents divorced shortly after he was born. At the tender age of 18 months his mother brought him to his fathers home and then ran away, deserting him. Don’s father worked, when he went to work he locked him in a room for the day. Having watched Don play with the other kids I have problem imaging as a toddler how he must have felt being locked up on his own every day. The nightmare culminated in Don getting his…

“Education is a Priority to all Kenyans, it is the only way forward“. Mama Obama I am living in a small room within the Orphanage, along with the staff; all of whom are locals. I am the token “White” or Mgeni, for many miles around. Actually I have not seen another white face. Kenya’s national tongue is Swahili, and official language is English; which they are taught from year 4 (9 to 10yrs old). Conversations I have are ‘interesting’ and punctuated with laughter, yet somehow lacks informality and comfort of home. Education in Kenya is free but over subscribed, hence shortages in all areas e.g Teachers, classrooms, books and money.…