Thomas Barnardos

The months of February and March started on a rather hopeful note with all anticipating a positive outcome to the Annan led mediation talks. A good result was realised and news of a coalition government received with a sigh of relief by many.

Activities at TBH were back to normal with children who had not reported back from their rural homes coming back ready for catch up on school work. They had a positive attitude that came in handy in their readjustment back into the school and home routines.

Donations & Visiting groups
Walk in donors continued to trickle in mostly over the weekends with a majority showing keenness is spending time with the children and helping out with chores. We had three big group that visited in the two months on varied days namely; Daystar University Students, Staff from Schindler company and students from Kiine Girls Secondary School in Central Kenya and PCEA, Langata. The groups engaged in community service and spent time playing games and socialising with the children. They also donated food items and clothing.

The Bata Shoe Company once again brought good tidings to the home. They donated 126 pairs of school shoes for the children. The presentation occasion was graced by Mr. Giathe the firm’s Public Relations Manager who pledged to continue supporting the home in future. The kind will sure go a long way in bringing a saving to the home’s uniform / school supplies kitty.

In a show of solidarity and concern to us after a trying post election situation, the home benefactor and Jonathan Gloag Adememy founder Dr. Ann Gloag flanked by Bette Gibb, Linda Hopper and Ramsey all from Scotland visited for a couple of days. Also the David Sibbald family from Glasgow as well as David Taylor from the Bank of Scotland took time to visit the TBH family for a few days. The gesture by all is much appreciated and meant a lot to the staff and children of TBH / JGA.

Invitations/Outings
Children received invites as follows:

House of Grace Church fun day and Trailblazers club launch – 16th February
Over 30 children aged 9 years and over accompanied by house moms had the opportunity to attend a fun filled event that allowed the participants a mingling chance as well as a time of engaging in debating contests, recitals, bible quiz lessons and talks on real life issues that affect peer groups. The organisers promised to invite the children to a similar event in subsequent months.

Japanese Embassy – 29th February

20 children went to the Japanese embassy where Japanese cultural items were showcased. The children also got to learn Japanese and interacted with Japanese Children in play and origami making sessions. They were also treated to some Japanese cuisine. This was organised by Juhudi Children’s club.

Phoenix Theatre 15th March

20 youngsters went to watch ‘Creeps’, a play by Lutz Hubner. This was courtesy of Phoenix Players. The play featured 3 very different girls short listed to be auditioned for a brilliant new music show that needed a youthful, dynamic, fun, cool and fashionable person.

It was a show of talents, blunders, rage and loyalty…only one could be the presenter of Creeps!.

Splash Swim – 24th February

All the children and housemothers were treated to an afternoon out at the Splash water world. There was no better way to beat the scorching afternoon sun than this!. The water slides and pools side games were a great attraction for the children. All partook in a snack party at the end of the day that left the children craving for more. The treat was courtesy of David Taylor from the Bank of Scotland. Asante Sana David.

Staff events

As a reward for emerging tops in a staff performance grading exercise, the Abandoned Baby Unit Aunties were treated to a day’s outing at the Paradise Lost amusement park where they had a great time together. They enjoyed game sessions, boat rides, nature walks and picnic. All came back to the home raring to go for another win. Housemothers and volunteers worked in the Nursery on the day.

Customer Care Training
Close to 20 members of staff attended an invigorating customer care training session facilitated by Mr. Robert Foulser on 26th March. Emphasis was on improved public and interpersonal relations aimed at upholding the home’s image with lots of focus on Children being the main customer.

Pastor Jan of Mamlaka Chapel continued with her monthly training for the Housemothers. This assists our mothers with insights of parenting with a Christian foundation.

Friendly Football Matches

Two matches; Tool Bench Centre students and staff versus TBH staff & TBH staff versus Goal Kenya Staff were held in mid march. The TBH team won in both matches giving the opponent teams an even greater challenge to practice more for a win in future tournaments.

JGA Prize Giving Day

14th March played host to the 4th Jonathan Gloag Academy Prize Giving event. Dr. Ann Gloag as well as Mr. Wachira, the Personal Assistant to Starehe Boys School Director graced the event that was filled with pomp and glamour. The invited guests and parents who turned up in large numbers were entertained by the school pupils and awards presented to many pupils. The event saw a good number of TBH children receive awards.

Easter Holiday

The children went to church for good Friday and Easter Sunday masses. A special programme was organised at the home for songs, skits, and bible memory verses presentations by houses. The housemothers, Office staff also sung Easter songs. The staff present were impressed by the children’s confidence and creativity. This spoke volumes of the talents the children possess. Mr. & Mrs Daniel Ogol shared ice cream with the children as appreciation for their wedding held here in December.

Children had time to party, dance and treasure hunt.

All children resumed school after four days of rest. They are now preparing for the end of terms exams in earnest.