Sponsor's update from Eldoret

Child sponsorship update from the SOS Children's Village Eldoret, Kenya from Autumn/Winter 2008

As we count down the days to the Christmas Season for the year 2008, it is once again time to express our gratitude for your support. The work of SOS Children Kenya continues to stand out as a result of your kindness and other numerous friends all over the world.

This year has been a challenging one, not only for SOS Children Kenya, but also for most Kenyans. However, it is inspiring to note that the SOS Mothers, children and co-workers continue to display remarkable flexibility and courage in the face of these challenges.

SOS Children Kenya is a member of the Worldwide Childline Kenya a helpline that deals with issues concerning children in distress. It has a 24 hour toll free child helpline where children can call and report abuse or raise concern about their rights. They support the child to access curative services and safeguard their rights. It also acts as a platform for children and the public to report cases and acts to prevent child abuse. SOS Children’s Village Nairobi has been in the fore front in children’s activities and child care. Children who were displaced during the post violence in Kenya continue to be reunited with their family. Currently only a total of 4 are remaining out of 60.

In the month of June an internal team of co-workers was selected to perform an peer monitor and evaluation for the facilities. This exercise was aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the work and to bring out uniformity. It was also based on targets set and activities planned during the planning phases of work. The team was thrilled by the many best practices they acquired from the different locations. As away of establishing and supporting the child cares givers three mothers attended a refresher course and this programme will continue until all the mothers have attended. This is also a human resource measure of building the capacity of co-workers.

Care throughout the year

The construction of the three extra family houses has started and a Social and Medical Centre opened. The programmes to be carried out at the centre will empower families to effectively protect and care for their children. This will also provide a greater chance for SOS to respond to different needs in the community.

At the SOS Primary School and Nursery School academic performance has shown a lot of improvement. The performance is generally above average in most classes although a few have failed to attain the departmental target of 70%. Besides the academics, they participated in other co-curricular activities like the music festival, drama and sports.

The village has received 6 new admissions comprising of 3 girls and 3 boys. 2 youth have graduated from the university, while 7 are on industrial attachment. However, some youth are still looking for employment and we hope that they will all soon find good positions. Unfortunately the economic situation in our country is rather low therefore it takes very long in some cases for young people to find jobs. One colourful wedding has taken place and the mothers and children were very excited with the celebrations.

Embracing a beautiful concept that says, “The hand that gives, receives”, the boys and girls set out to give something to back to the community. They decided to clean up, planted trees and visit children’s homes. Apart from that the SOS Founder’s day was marked in colourful way. Guests and children from other homes were entertained with choreographed dances, songs, poems and not forgetting memory verses from the Bible. The theme for the day was focusing on "children responsibility" and these was captured very well in each presentation.

Encouraging children's independence

23 girl’s youth went for a three day Girls enhancement workshop. The workshop aimed at addressing the social issues which posed a challenge to the girls and provided information on the all-round growth and development. The workshop also motivated them towards academic excellence, career development and empowerment. Appreciation of the changes that occurred in life, as well as building on their self-esteem and self -concepts was discussed. All in all the girls were happy and they look forward for another workshop.

It is also worth noting that there has been an establishment of the Children’s Council. The children chose their representatives who in turn launched activities that run every Saturday and are supervised by Group Leader assisted by house representatives. This council helps children to learn how to maximize personal identity, appreciates self-confidence and create optimistic outlook. In addition they are in-charge of the disciplinary issues, listen to cases of disputes among the children and pass judgement. This has helped build a community of care, enhance respect and develop responsibility. The council is supported by the Village Educator and the Mother Representative.

Last but not least, the friends of the village continued to support our work. Donations of food, shoes were brought in and this came handy for our mothers and children for the cost of major commodities had risen in the country. They also played and mingled with the children and they look forward to maintaining the friendship.

Once again I would like to reiterate the significant role you play in making it easier for us to be able to provide basic needs for the children. Indeed we have achieved a lot through your support and we would like to wish you a joyful Christmas and prosperous 2009.

Yours faithfully,

Gladys Mumbi,
Sponsorship Co-ordinator