Sponsor's update from Meru, Kenya

Child sponsorship update from the SOS Children's Village Meru, Kenya from Winter 2008.

Dear sponsor,

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’s Villages 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’s Villages, 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’s Village 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.

In the month of June an internal team of co-workers was selected from all the villages to perform an internal peer monitor and evaluation for all SOS Children’s Villages against the set standards. This exercise was aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the work in the facilities. It was also based on targets set and activities planned during the planning phases of work. It helps to keep the work on track, and can let management know when things are going wrong. This is also a human resource measure of building the capacity of managers and departmental heads. The team was thrilled by the many best practices they acquired from the different locations

SOS Children’s Village Meru has received 18 new admissions comprising of 5 girl and 13 boys. The 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%.

Events at Meru, Kenya

The children in the village have been attending swimming lessons which has given them an opportunity to interact with other children as well as boost the children’s confidence. They have also formed the 4 K club where they have planted potatoes and kales and they have been able to supply the family house with the same. Besides that they also have the environmental club which is charged with the responsible picking litter within the village. Following also are the strengthening of the Art and Scouts clubs which continue to nurture the children’s talents.

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 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