In contrast to the slow month of September, the month of October had many exciting and varied happenings.
On 13 October, 20 children from Thomas Barnardo’s were sponsored by the Juhudi Children’s Club to take part in the annual Boogie Train Ride organized by the same. This was a ride on the famous East African Railway and educated the children about the importance of rail travel and transport during Kenyan history. Scenic views were also abundant and the ride was full of sights many of the children had never before had the privilege of experiencing. One of the grandest spectacles was during the descent into the Great Rift Valley from its towering escarpment to its vast floor. During this descent, the panoramas of distant mountains and unending plains were broken by majestic Mt. Longonot and the oasis of Lake Naivasha. This trip also offered a platform for the TBH children to interact with others from outside of the home. As if that were not enough, the children were entertained en route by several musical and cultural performing groups.
To the benefit of the children, Unity School of Hair Design and Beauty came with over 40 hair and beauty specialists and donated their time to cut, style, and braid the children’s hair in a lively day of music and high spirits.
Students from Faith Ventures Academy came for an interaction visit with the house toddlers and the babies in the nursery. The older students in the group were very keen to help with the feeding of the babies which they were allowed to do under close supervision. It was quite an eventful afternoon. They brought donations of food stuff and clothing and had a pleasant time.
Then, on October 10 (which is Moi Day in Kenya, in remembrance of the former president Moi, of Kenya), the former president himself, His Excellency Daniel Arap Moi, paid a surprise visit to the home! The Barnardo’s choir was at their best as they performed for him. He donated food stuff and gave an address where he encouraged Kenyans on the virtue of sharing with the less fortunate of society. That Moi day was one worth talking about and remembering! The press coverage was great.
October 11th was a rousing day at Soila Masai Girl’s Center during their annual sports day. The day held many great laughs while parents, teachers, and students alike competed against each other. The event was very well attended by parents and community members. .
60 children and 11 minders went for a fun day on 21 October at Ngong racecourse at the invitation of Brookside Dairy. Children had a fantastic time and they came after drinking much milk and participating in fun filled activities.
Jonathan Gloag Academy held its annual prayer day on Friday October 26, where class 8 KCPE candidates were prayed for and pre-unit class was graduated to class 1. Pastor Kepha Omae from Liberty Christian Center presided over the service. Many songs were sung and prayers offered. We gave thanks for the pre-unit graduating class and offered supplication to God for the success of our KCPE candidates.
Courtesy of Balcraig, the school has a bigger library under construction. This will, on completion, offer a better reading environment for our children.
The aunties who had been in mother training graduated this month during a joyous ceremony at which Board members and other esteemed guests were present. The new mothers received certificates and happily pledged commitment to their new responsibilities. Pastor Jan Ryder from Nairobi Chapel is continuing to provide further education for our mothers and has been very instrumental in the fostering of ever-better parenting skills
The month was also a busy time for volunteers and visitors from Local universities. Most notably, St. Paul’s University and the United States International University deployed many students for community service. We are always grateful for the assistance provided by dedicated and conscientious volunteers
Barclay Card organized an event on Saturday the 27. They were celebrating “Make a Difference Day,” and came to make a difference here. They extended eager helping hands in various departments such as the kitchen and the grounds before preparing a sumptuous meal for all the houses. After that, they played and interacted with the children and then planted trees around the home.
Then, we also were presented with handmade pillow cases from Ascham School of Australia. The pillows cases were done by the children and truly speaking they were beautiful. The children had also done very nice cards and sent photos of them working on the pillowcases for our children. It was a kind gesture indeed from across the miles. The coordination of the school’s visit was done by Lizzie Hartley who is a good friend of Barnardo’s. Some of the children from the school have spoken with their parents about the possibilities of sponsoring some of our children.
The month was very busy with visitors from overseas. We saw quite a number coming in from Scotland. Among the friends who came were David Sibbald, Callum Patterson, and a group with Alan and Allison McKenzie that included Meg Duncan, Margaret McIver, and Robin Hay. Joe and Garreth from the Wood Group of Scotland visited Suswa and the projects in Mashimoni. And, Helen, Ruth, and Allison Williams (family of Anne Williamson, current volunteer) graced the home as well, even accompanying the children on the aforementioned Boogie Train Ride. Catriona McLean, a former volunteer, returned for a visit, bringing with her David Taylor of the Bank of Scotland. Together these two organized for the children to have a fun day at Splash Water Park where young and old enjoyed the refreshing pools and slippery slides. The principal of Craig Clowen School and his wife, Mike and Angela Beale, happened to be in Kenya and were kind enough to visit. On the 28th of October, staff from Virgin Air came to the home. After touring, they expressed interest to come again. It was indeed a great pleasure to host all these friends and guests, and we hope that theirs was a fulfilled visit. .
We are extremely grateful for the love and support shown to the children of Thomas Barnardo’s House throughout this month. May those friends, supporters, and well-wishers be blessed beyond bounds, and may they know and believe that this home and it’s children’s lives are indeed better because of them. Many thanks.