Kenya Children's Home

A lot of activities were underway as the children got ready for their end of term exams and much awaited festive season.
Mashimoni Prayer Day
On 3rd November, Mashimoni Squatters Primary School - Kibera held a prayer day for 64 class eight candidates. They were encouraged and motivated. It was a day of reflection.
House Mother’s Graduation Day
On 4th November, 4 aunties graduated in a colourful ceremony that was held at the Sorsbie Hall after a three week House Mother Training. They were congratulated for the good work.
Counseling Session
On 13th November, the children under re -integration, restoration and Butterfly Support Programme had an afternoon session with Counselor cum psychologist Joan Githae who is a lecturer at Gretsa University. She was psychologically preparing the children for exit. The children got a wider view of challenges faced in the society and how to cope. The session was successful.

Holiday Stay for Thomas Barnardo House Children
50 of our children got hosted by their Jonathan Gloag Academy friends from 17th November – 2nd December. The hosting arrangements are aimed at exposing our children to family life outside the institution.
Visits
On 12th November, a group of 21 personnel from Standard Chartered Bank Lang’ata Branch visited our home. They participated in cleaning the houses,
sporting activities and later had a fellowship with our children. They enjoyed themselves and promised to plan a future visit.
On 18th November, a group from DHL led by Ms. Hellen visited to present a cheque of ksh. 590,000 to be used in fitting an electricity change over for our bakery and school. They also brought other donations of snacks for the children. Due to time constraints, they were not able to interact but promised to come back.
On 27th November, a team from Kenya Commercial Bank- Kencom Branch visited the children. They had a two hour bonding session with the children and engaged in sporting activities and later shared snacks with them.
Invitations
On 29th November, our children among others were invited to Don Bosco Utume, Karen in commemoration of The Universal International Children’s Day which was organized by Amici Dei Bambini. Children from 6 Charitable Children Institutions competed in; a play and a dramatized traditional dance. Our children were able to scoop four awards as follows;
1. Winning Dance – Thomas Barnardo Dance
2. Best Actor – Joseph Muriengi
3. Best Actress – Tabitha Njeri
4. Best Soloist – Grace Njeri
Our children were very happy as they got to mingle and interact with children from other homes. The day was fruitful and very successful.
Soila Maasai Girls Talents Day
On 29th November, the centre organized a great talents day event that was full of surprises. Everyone had a talent to showcase ranging from; singing, reciting of poems, dancing, stand-up comedies, fashion shows among others. Awards were given to those who emerged as winners. The girls and staff were commended for a job well done in the talent showcasing and organization.

Treats
On 26th November, children from family unit 4 and a representative child from every other family unit were treated to loads of fun activities such as swimming, riding kiddie cars, bouncy castles and Camel rides among others and a tantalizing lunch at Splash Water World courtesy of Backhouse Jones. The children enjoyed themselves and had a great time.
On 27th November, House 4 children were again treated to a movie at Fox Cineplex Theatre at Capital Centre and later had lunch at Wimpy. The children had a wonderful time and conveyed gratitude to Antony Kamau’s sponsors.
Donations
A number of other donors and visitors like yourself, made a contribution which positively impacted on the lives of our children.
Asante!

OCTOBER 2011 WEB DIARY

The month was quite exciting and indulging since the long awaited mid-term break was met with plenty of activities organized for the children.

On the other hand, anxiety was in the air as class eight candidates prepared for their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination and the form four candidates started theirs.

Outings for the children

• 34 children were invited to Hillcrest School for a choir presentation on 1st October. They sang their hearts out to a receptive audience during a fundraising food show. We also took the chance to show case our products from Kelvin Kraft fashions and Kelvin loaf bakery.
• For the midterm break, our children visited the Bomas of Kenya on 13th October. It was enjoyable and educative as they were treated to Traditional dances and acrobat shows. In addition, they learnt the culture and ways of life of different Kenyan ethnic groups.

• Three candidate girls from the home visited Soila Maasai Girls Centre in Suswa where they stayed for three days. The interaction experience was a good learning curve for the girls.

• As a way of exposing children to the outside world, away from the comfort of the home, , teenagers took a trip the Nairobi Central Business District. They went to Uhuru Park, Kenyatta International Conference Centre, Muthurwa Market and other places with an aim of familiarizing themselves with the city. They did not get lost, had fun and were all back home by 6:00 p.m.

Children’s involvement in Community Service
In a bid to reach out to the community, our children paid a visit to Missionaries of Charity Home in Lang’ata on 14th October where they assisted in general cleaning tasks, cooking and feeding. This was a noble cause for the children who learnt the virtue of sharing and appreciation of the opportunities they have been accorded.
Sports

A friendly match between our team and Kibera’s Makina Youth was held on 16th October. We had two categories playing; the under 12’s, won 3-0 and the under 14’s drew 5-5. It was a memorable match despite the wet weather and the children enjoyed themselves.
Prayers for candidates

• A prayer day for the nine Soila Maasai Girls Centre pioneer candidates was held at the Centre in Suswa on 27th October. Other than representatives from other Kenya Children’s Homes programs, the guardians to the girls as well as friends of the centre from the community graced the event to offer support to the girls. The chief guest was Bishop Koina from the African Inland Church – Kajiado Diocese.

• Jonathan Gloag Academy prayer day was on 28th October. On the same day , the pre-unit class graduation to the primary level which was very colourful. The chief guest was Reverend. Nelly Nyakanini Njoroge from the Nairobi Pentecostal Church - Karen. The event attracted a huge parent turnout and the candidates felt encouraged and supported. Despite the heavy down pour it was a very warm occasion.

Visitors

• A group of 4 musicians from Dalc Education-Nairobi West visited on 9th October. They had a two hour session of entertainment with our children who enjoyed themselves and took part in the vigorous dances and singing.

• 33 children from Barbie Kids School visited on 19th October. They brought donations of clothes and toys. Being a school day, they were not able to interact with their Barnados peers but they met the babies and visit during the school holidays.

• A Christian Fellowship group of 20 members from Laboratory and Allied Company paid us a visit on 20th October. They participated in cleaning the houses, games and a fellowship with the children. It was a good interaction platform.

• A group of 12 youngsters from Kenya Network of Care leavers visited the home on the afternoon of 22nd October. They had an inspiring, motivating and successful session with the House Mothers and the children. They promised a come-back in the future.

• Many other visitors and donors ,like your self, took time to see the children and drop a gesture of good will

Our children are working hard in school and we hope that they will do well in their end of year exams.

SEPTEMBER 2011 WEB DIARY
The month of September had numerous activities with positive results geared to the well being of children at the home. The children continued to put in a lot of effort in their school work & extra-curricular activities.
Donations
On 2nd September, a group of 40 youngsters sponsored by the Kenya Assemblies of God-Shauri Moyo Church visited the home and helped with general cleaning tasks. The team promised to be back in future for more interactive activities such as sports and drama.
On 3rd September delegates from International Business Machines (IBM) visited the home and school and played with the children as well as presented donations of foodstuff and playing equipment.
On 7th September the Child Doctor Program team led by Dr. Mori paid a courtesy visit to the home. It was a rewarding experience for the team since they got to meet the project beneficiaries first hand and see the life transforming impact of the medical support to the children.
On 18th September we were visited by Erubos Alumni Group whose members played and interacted with the children as well as donated foodstuff and clothing.
We also received a number of other donors and visitors, like yourself, whose contribution made a positive impact in the lives of our children.
President Award Scheme at Suswa
On 9th & 10th September, the Soila Maasai Girls had the privilege of hosting a team from the President Award scheme for two days of fun and fencing works. The team which comprised of international and local participants did a great job and will be remembered for their kindness and generosity to the girls at the centre. It is hoped that the visit was a start to a future partnership.

Lunch and treats
On 17th & 25th of September, the children who had improved the most in their schoolwork and those who had exhibited good behavior and discipline were treated to a special lunch at the Langata shopping center. They had a great time and it is apparent that other children will follow suit.
On 25th of September, the Baby Banda pregnancy and Baby fair organizers invited our adoption agency personnel for a sensitization forum at the Sarit Center. The well attended forum was a great platform for the agency to dispel fears and myths surrounding adoption.
As at the end of the month, all children were progressing well and geared up to the second half of the school term with the candidates preparing for their examinations.

AUGUST 2011 WEB DIARY
Holidays are always times of fun and, warm reunions with all the members of respective family units, August was no different. There was a lot of excitement in the air.
Life’s Skill Talk
All the teenagers had a talk in the Sorsbie on life skills. The talks touched on drug use, internet use, HIV/AIDS awareness and sexuality. The children got to learn a lot from all the speakers.
Talents day
The children organized a great talents day full of surprises, everyone had a talent to show like singing, poems, dancing, fashion shows among others. Awards were given by judges from silk silver group and Strathallan team. The teenagers arranged the whole event and displayed great organizational skills. It was also a learning experience.
Shopping spree
On 5th and 6th we went for a shopping spree at Nakumatt supermarkets. Thanks to all those who donated items and food which will certainly be of great benefit. Much appreciation for the kindness.
Fundraising
As a way of fund raising for the home, we held a jumble sale in the hall on 9th and 10th.
Lunch
All KCH stuff and children had a sumptuous lunch in the hall courtesy Kaamila, a friend of the home on 12th August 2011.
Invitations
30 children were invited to Royal Media studios on 16th August and had an opportunity to see Citizen Television Offices and media personalities.
100 children were invited to Impala Club on 20th August for a kids4kids carnival courtesy of SOS Kenya. This was to mark 40years of SOS in Kenya. It was a fun filled day for all and friendships were made.
Suswa Sports Day
A sports day was held on 4th August at our Soila Maasai Girls Suswa. This was very successful. Parents and friends were not left out. Kenya house won the trophy for the year.
Trips/Outings
After the successful talents day, our teenagers went for a hike to climb Mt Longonot on 19thAugust. A challenging adventure for all.
All houses were able to visit different children homes during the school holidays. The teens also had an opportunity to visit Missionaries of Charity - Otiende on 17th August to offer community service. This gave them opportunity to see how children live in other children’s homes.
24 children were able to go to Mombasa for five days from 24th to 28th for a Christian camp organized by Young Life Group. This team has over the last year given children a strong bible background through fun, which appeals to the youth.
Story Telling Sessions
Our children enjoyed two story telling sessions courtesy of Amici Dei Bambini of Italy. Its main aim was to engage the children in animated story telling.
Mashimoni Holiday Camp
The Mashimoni School Holiday Camp was led by Strathallan School of Scotland. The children had fun and made a lot of craft items. The mornings were held at Mashimoni while the afternoon was spent with children of the home.
Donations
We received a number of other donors and visitors, like yourself, whose contribution made a positive impact in the lives of our children.
The children are now back to school for term three and hope they will do well.

JULY 2011 WEB DIARY
The month of July was a very chilly month here but was filled with a lot of activities for the children as they prepared for the end of term exams.
JGA SPORTS DAY
The school sports day held on 8th July for the Kindergarten School and on 15th July for the Senior School. Everyone participated fully even the parents were not left out. The Kindergarten Sports Day was won by Green House and the Senior Sports Day was won by Red House. What a fun filled day it was for all!
DIABETES WALK
Children from Jonathan Gloag Academy joined others during the Diabetes Walk on 9th July 2011 to create awareness on diabetes. They had many stories to tell after the 12 km walk.
ADOPTION PRESENTATION AT NAIROBI CHAPEL.
Our children got the opportunity to attend an adoption sensitization service where they gave a presentation, at Nairobi Chapel – Jamuhuri which was aimed at creating awareness on various adoption matters and concerns. Their song was emotive and we hope that it encouraged parents to come forward and adopt.
REWARDS
Several rewards treats were organized for those who were the highest in academic performance as well as for the all round best children. Those who did well in academics were taken for a swim and lunch treat at Sadili Oval Sports Club while those who were the overall best children were taken for a cinema treat at Sarit Centre. The competition is now strong for those willing to excel
SPORTS.
A match between our football team in the Carolina for Kibera tournament was held on 9th July 2011. Our team unfortunately lost 5 -3. Our children also had a friendly match with Shangilia Academy at their school in Kangemi.
INVITATIONS
4 of our children were invited to Shiram Hindu temple in Parklands on 24th July 2011 where they received donations on behalf of the home.
2 of our children were invited for a sleepover at Nairobi Chapel on 30th July 2011. This was a day for the Christian Rite of Passage for our two girls.
3 of our children were invited for a week long Environment Camp at Nairobi School that started on 31st July 2011 it was an opportunity for them to interact with other children and learn on how to take care of our environment.
TREATS COURTESY OF SPONSORS.
A number of children had treats courtesy of their sponsors. A big Asante to all.
FUNDRAISING
The Kelvin Craft Department together with the commercial department had a sale at Tuskys supermarket on 16th July 2011 where they got an opportunity to showcase the items that they offer. Westminster used the chance to have a promotional stand on what they offer for weddings and events.
DONATIONS
We also received a number of other donors and visitors, like yourself, whose contribution made a positive impact in the lives of our children.
VISITORS.
Charity Sweepstakes visited the home on 13th July 2011 and brought with them a cash donation of 200,000 to be used for the posho mill huller and nursery basins. Staff from Magnate Ventures also visited the home on 29th July to bring items they had bought for the children. It was a happy day for our children.
The children are now on holiday and really enjoying the time to play and have fun.

JUNE 2011 WEB DIARY.
The month of June was really anticipated as it brought the much awaited mid-term break where our children got to rest and relax.
THOMAS BARNARDO HOUSE SPORTS DAY.
On 17th June 2011, the home held its annual Sports Day for the children and staff. It was a fun filled day as everyone showed off their sports prowess. The children’s group was won by children of team two which comprised houses 3, 7 and 8. In the adult group, there was a tie between group 2 and group 1 for the first position. The competitive staff teams had to keep remembering the children were watching while the children on the other hand enjoyed the staff cheering.
A fun filled day which yielded a great bonding opportunity for the staff and children.
FISTULA WALK
Girls from Soila Maasai Girls Centre and members of staff took part in the Freedom from Fistula walk that was held on 10th June 2011 to create awareness on Fistula at Kenyatta National Hospital. This marked the start of the Fistula camp.
SPORTS.
A match between our football team in the Carolina for Kibera tournament was held on 25th June 2011. Our team tried their best but lost 2-3. A fighting spirit is coming up.
VISITORS.
IBM Kenya group visited to render community services and celebrate their centenary birthday. As well as play and encourage the children all day, they brought along with them many donations among them a water tank.
IBM provided a sumptuous lunch served in our hall, together with a huge birthday cake. A big ASANTE to all of them. Lasting friendships were started.
Bata Shoe company officials visited Soila Maasai Girls Center and Thomas Barnardo House on 08th June 2011 to meet the children. A visit from the Prime – Minister’s office inspectorate 28th June was well accorded.

DONATIONS.
We also received a number of other donors and visitors, like yourself, whose contribution made a positive impact in the lives of our children.
TREATS COURTESY OF SPONSORS.
A number of children had treats courtesy of their sponsors. A big Asante to all.
FUNDRAISING.
As a way of fundraising for the home, the bakery and Kelvincraft design held a sale at Holy Family Basilica Catholic Church on 26th June 2011. The congregation gave alot of support judging from the purchases of cakes and stitched items sold.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND VOLUNTEERS.
Various groups of youth visited the home in June to help in community service and interact with the children. To name but a few, Langata High School ( Form 4 students), St. Georges Girls High School (A.L.P.S Club), Visa Oshwal Academy ( Integrity Club), Uzima Foundation Youth Group and Arya Girls.
Several other groups visited the home to see how the children were fairing on.
The children are now back to school and adjusting to the cold weather.

MAY 2011 WEB DIARY.
The month of May is always an interesting time here as the schools open for the second term. The children all aspire to excel to make it on the rewards list.
Refurbishment of Activity Room.
Our activity room received a refurbishing from DHL. The team came on 7th of May 2011 to refurbish, sort and arrange the books to give the room a well deserved new look. The grand opening of the activity room was held on 17th May 2011. 100 DHL staff from all over the world were able to attend the celebration. What a colourful event it was! The children were excited. Together with the new room, the field outside is also equipped with reading tables and three hammocks. It is a very serene atmosphere for concentration. At the moment, there is still a lot of excitement, but when they calm down, it will be a great reading experience.
INSIDE THE NEW ACTIVITY ROOM
 
DHL also brought many donations for the children.
Soila Maasai Girls Centre Rites of Passage Day (Suswa)
On 2nd May 2011, at Suswa a rites of passage day was held. 19 of our girls from graduated on that day. The Christian rite of passage offered an alternative to female circumcision. They join womanhood without the cut. The graduation from childhood to womanhood was marked by a church service and parents also attended the event.
Sports
A match between our football team in the Carolina for Kibera tournament was held on 21st May 2011. Our team won 6-4. Two friendly matches between APK Kibera and our football team were held on the following day. Our team won the first match 2-1 but lost the second match 3-1. The second leg of the Carolina for Kibera tournament was held on 31st May 2011. Unfortunately our children lost 2-1 but are still in the tournament.
Invitations
25 of our children were invited to Don Bosco church for a sports event in Karen. They had a great day!
4 of our children were invited to Shiram Hindu temple in Parklands where they received donations on behalf of the home.
Visitors.
Medical students from Nairobi University conducted an educational visit to the home for purposes of learning experience in community/public health.
Treats courtesy of Sponsors
A number of children had treats courtesy of their sponsors. A big Asante to all.
Donations
A number of donors and visitors, like yourself, made a contribution which positively impacted on the lives of our children.
Community service and volunteers
New Dawn group came over to the home to render their community services, playing and encouraging the children as well as bringing donations for the children.
Several other groups visited the home to see how the children were fairing on.
The children are now back to school.
We trust that they will do well.

DHL VISIT

FEBRUARY 2011 WEB DIARY
Mid term brought the long awaited break.
Aboretum treat
All of the home's children had a fantastic time at the arboretum during their mid term break. The treat was a highlight of the month of February. Many seized the opportunity to show off their prowesses in different games. Fun filled day it was.
House 4 members also had a treat to the Giraffe centre at Karen courtesy of one June Fontes a volunteer of the home.
Wedding Exhibition at Sarit centre.
Westminster department participated in the Samantha wedding exhibition at Sarit centre between 17th - 19th February 2011. It was successful as we used the opportunity to market and exhibit what we offer. Orders and inquiries were received. Our appeal being that it can help build a child’s future.
Sports
The sports moments are always great fun for the participants and observers alike.
20 Don Bosco church going children participated in several games on all Saturdays of February as part of Don Bosco team. It was a day of new friendship as our children interacted with the rest and worked hard in their respective teams.
Invitations.
10 Don Bosco Church going children had several invites to Kwetu home of peace for choir practice during the month of February. This was a great exchange opportunity and many looked forward to the outing. This helped them improve the quality of their performance.
The children were also invited to watch a play which focused on relationships with God and others. This built their spirituality.
Rewards
Those who performed well and completed their homework on time, best behaved, and those who improved on their grades and behavior were rewarded accordingly. The outing included a swim, lunch or a visit to Tusky’s supermarket to shop with the respective house mother.
Adoptive parents training
The adoptive parents’ training was organized on 19th February 2011 by the KCH adoption society office. The main aim was to bring the adoptive parents together, sensitize them more on adoption and share their experiences regarding the same.
Donations
We also received a number of other donors and visitors, like yourself, whose contribution made a positive impact in the lives of our children.
Community service
Colleges, Universities and Schools like, Strathmore University, Nairobi Japanese School, Silk Silvans, and rugby team came over several weekends to render community services. The teams interacted well with the children and were very industrious. A big ASANTE to all groups that chose to visit us over the month.
Other individuals and groups visited the home to see how the children were fairing on.

JANUARY 2011 WEB DIARY
The New Year started with a lot of pomp and color as the children counted down the hours with a special New Years Eve party at the home. It is always a special time for all to make changes and set resolutions to guide them throughout the year and this was no different for the children here.
Schooling
First term commenced on January 4th 2011 with a lot of enthusiasm for the kindergarten, primary, secondary, vocational, college and university school goers.

With January came the graduation of the children from one class to another and from one form to another. For those joining kindergarten, some tears were seen on day one.
Our schools did well in K.C.P.E with Jonathan Gloag Academy attaining an average of 358.04 (71.61) up from 351.04(70.21), Mashimoni Squatters 283.22(56.64) up from 264.11(52.82).Our girl, Joyce Soine, from Soila Maasai Girls Suswa was admitted in Moi Girls Eldoret and qualified for Equity Bank sponsorship.

A number of students who had just completed class 8 finally got to join several secondary schools throughout the country. This was a proud moment for the children and the Thomas Barnardo family as a whole.
Soila girls did a common exam with students from neighbouring schools. It was noted that they did perform quite well.
Invitations
20 children who are choir members were invited by West Park hotel in Karen for a choir presentation on January 1st courtesy of the hotel management. This indeed was a special day for them.
Treats courtesy of sponsors
5 houses went for treats courtesy of their sponsors. On 22nd January, 2 houses; House 7 and House 3 had a meal and swim treat at the West Park Hotel.
On 23rd January, 3 houses; House 1, House 6 and House 9, had meal treats courtesy of their sponsors.
The children really enjoyed themselves and a big thank you to the sponsors was communicated.
Community service and home visits
A number of groups came to visit the children this month. To name but a few:- Moi Girls High School Isinya paid a visit to the home on 22nd January and assisted in the cleaning of the houses. They also made donations to the home. NSSF fellowship group visited the nursery and came with donations on January 27th.
Homeboyz radio came for community service on 29th January. They interacted and played with the children as a way of encouraging them. They also made donations to the home. Helping Hand also came on the same day to visit the nursery.
Sunshine secondary school boys visited the home on 30th January.
Population Services International/ Kenya (PSI Kenya) visited Mashimoni Squatters School and donated 600 books.
Other individuals visited the home to see how the children were fairing on.

Sports
The Thomas Barnardo football team had a friendly match with Kibera Youth Group. There were two categories, the under 12 and the under 14. The under 12 lost 2-1 but the under 14 won 8-6. They felt pleased to have won at last through penalties.

Donations
We also received a number of other donors and visitors, like yourself, whose contribution made a positive impact in the lives of our children!

DECEMBER 2010 WEB DIARY

Holidays are always times of fun and warm reunions at the home.

Guardian’s day

Guardian’s day was held on 11th December 2010.It was a great and joy-filled day as the children met their relatives. Those with able guardians went home for the Christmas festivities. The guardians had an educative and interactive session where they were sensitized on various parenting skills and how to effectively contribute to proper growth and development of a child.

Outreach retreat

The home outreach division brought together all the 191 children supported in the program to Thomas Barnardo house for a week retreat. Children who came from all Counties in Kenya had an awesome time. It was time to evaluate progress in education and growth in character.

Invitations

On 13th December 2010 a friend of the home Harishan invited the children who were left behind for a Christmas fanfare at Simba Union Club .It was a fun filled day!

Party time

The Christmas Day party at TBH was a great success. The volunteers decorated Sorsbie Hall for the children and staff, who tucked into an excellent and mouth watering lunch. The children also enjoyed playing on the bouncing castle as they listened to soft Christmas carols. Special thanks to all for kindly donating goodies and Christmas presents for our children.

In Kibera, Dr. Ann Gloag and her family hosted the Christmas party at Mashimoni Squatters School. In the classrooms the children played games including bingo and pass the parcel, whilst outside they danced and competed against each other in races. At the end of the busy day, each child had a sumptuous lunch and took home a bag of gifts.

In Suswa, Dr Ann Gloag and her family also hosted the Christmas party at Soila Maasai girls’ center. The girls and staff were very excited as they played different games, music then were treated to a delicious lunch that left all longing for more. Gifts were a pleasant surprise for all.

New Year’s party

On 31st December 2010 we also organized a party for all the children in the hall to usher in the New Year 2011 .The children were excited to be back home as they shared stories with one another. Once again the hall was decorated with the help of the children and volunteers and dinner served as children’s received their Christmas goodies and presents. The children had a great meal to celebrate the arrival of 2011.Various activities including a dance competition kept the older ones busy until the clock chimed midnight.

Donations

We also received a number of other donors and visitors, like yourself, whose contribution made a positive impact in the lives of our children.

Community service

Many groups came forward to provide the Christmas and New Year’s cheer to the children to name but a few Kenya Red cross Society- Nairobi Branch, Kenindia Assurance &AAR group, Kenya Advanced Institute of Technology, Interconsumer company and Bata Company.

Several other groups visited the home to see how the children were fairing on.

First term commenced on January 4th 2011 with a lot of enthusiasm for both the primary /Secondary /Vocational /College and university school goers.
A blessed and prosperous 2011 to all!