You know, there is a lot happening over here in Kenya and honestly it would take pages and pages of blog posts to fill you in. Plus it would take pages and pages to give you a slight idea of the frustrations and then you might not understand them. It’s a totally different world and culture over here and trying to explain some of what happens (and doesn’t happen) is more than difficult to get the point across.
However, I do attempt to give you a briefing on things going on and what we are involved with and if you are ever in need of further information you are always welcome to email me.
Recently our friend, Agnes, brought five young children to our attention. The mother has abandoned the family and it is unknown if she will return and the father is a drunkard (and currently in police custody…more on that later). Agnes found the children sleeping outside because the father wouldn’t let them sleep inside and the landlord is threatening to lock them out for non-payment of rent on the one-room place they live. This is the condition (slum) outside their room.
Agnes asked the community for help but no one was able or willing to take all the children and their is no children’s home willing to take them either. Finally Agnes found the children’s grandmother living up country and decided to take the children there. Unfortunately the uncle, who lives near the grandmother, was hesitate to accept the children and argued severely with Agnes (this is not an unusual situation by any means) but she continued to press upon them these children are part of their family and there is nothing for them where the father is located (since he’s in jail there are no other family members in that area).
As for the children, here are their stories.
The eldest girl is 12 years old and a neighbor found her in the streets and took her in. Nice you say? Well we are finding out the living arrangement is a bit “fishy” as there are several girls living in this woman’s one room home all around the same age….prostitution ring? We do not know for sure but questions will be asked once these children are settled.
The next is a boy who is currently at the police station, for what we don’t know but Agnes is finding out that information. Once he is released he will be taken to the grandmothers to be with his siblings.
Next is a 9 year old girl who is in the hospital due to being raped and is saying the father is responsible. The doctor has said this is not the first time either. The father is in custody and the girl is being treated. Once she is released she too will join her siblings at the grandmothers.
The two youngest are boys. All the children were supposed to be attending school but were found on the streets several days out of the week and only went to school maybe one or two days per week (according to the teachers).
Agnes sorts out the children’s clothes outside the rented room to find what could be taken with them to the grandmothers
Agnes washed the boys before traveling to the grandmothers
Currently the 12 year old and the two youngest are at the grandmothers and again, once the other two are released from hospital and police they will join their siblings.
The grandmother is struggling to sustain herself with maize and spinach from her shamba (garden) so adding five children will be a burden, but C4KK Benevolence will be assisting as we can.
Agnes with grandmother
Agnes will assess the situation further when she takes the two children to grandmother and let us know. It is certain they need a bed (grandmother has a single bed with a worn out mattress and the room will only accommodate one more bunk bed so the five children will share) along with mattresses and blankets and some food items. Agnes is also working with the chief in that area to get the children in school without uniforms for this first term and seeing if anyone in the community will help provide uniforms for the children.
This is another example of what C4KK Benevolence is involved with. We thank God for those who are diligently working on the ground to help children and families like these and we thank you, our donors, for your sacrificial giving so assistance can be given.
Please consider becoming a monthly supporter so this work can continue and expand, to help families see a glimmer of hope and provide a visual of God’s love for them.
Becoming a partner with us is simple. Visit our website’s donation page for donation options and thank you in advance for any and all assistance you can give.