Child sponsorship update from Mombassa, Kenya

Update for child sponsors from the SOS Children's Village Mombassa, 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 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, 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.

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

At the SOS Primary and Nursery Schools 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%. Five children from the village are learning how to make mosaic sculpture in the newly formed Juhudi club that aims at promoting children’s talents.

SOS Children’s Village Mombassa has received 7 new admissions comprising of 1 girl and 6 boys. 8 youth have moved in the community and are adjusting well. Those who have completed college 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. Six youth have joined universities; two in Kenya, two in the USA and two in South Africa. Besides the academics, they participated in other co-curricular activities like the music festival, drama and sports. Two colourful weddings have taken place in the month of August and the mothers and children were very excited to participant and celebrations.

Events at Mombassa, Kenya

The youth home took part in a number of activities. They marked the World Peace Day by having a series of sporting events under the theme ‘Violence hurts’. Different teams were invited and they competed in football and tennis where the SOS team won in all the matches.

Other major highlights were a medical camp conducted by a team of 7 medical personnel from the government hospital. The children, SOS Mothers and co-workers were treated free of charge. In addition, the mothers visited one of the retired SOS mothers from Nairobi who runs a children’s home. The children had an opportunity to visit a home for the old and with them they carried gifts for them. They shared a meal and sang songs for them and later had personal interaction. They also helped in cleanup and other simple chores. The children were happy to call them grandpa and grandma and they are looking forward to another chance to visit the home.

The children within the village have been occupied with various activities. They attend painting classes thrice a week and are taught how to mix colours and make different patterns using paint. The boy scouts, who have been training at the mission to seamen centre for about a year are now doing sailing. It is a thrilling experience for them and it is in line with the scouting motto. Besides that, the boys in the village have created a bond with the physically handicapped boys and they usually have fun together; so far they have had friendly football matches.

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 Leaders assisted by the 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.