Thomas Barnardos

Holidays!!
We started the month off with the schools closing for the April Break. The older children came back from boarding school. It is so great to see them, especially those that had been to boarding school for the first time.
So starts the holidays!! Lots of fun to be had, chores to do and of course the ever important holiday homework.
Some of our children attended a holiday camp at Jonathon Gloag Academy. This involved them learning and revising lessons from the term but in a more fun and hands on way. They got to test their cooking and camping skills, along with many other fun activities. The children enjoyed themselves immensely.

New Intake!
At the beginning of the month we admitted 20 new children. These children have come from families which were affected by the post-election violence. Despite what they have been through, they seem to be adjusting to life at TBH well and everyone has been very welcoming in order to enable this difficult process.

Shopping spree
On the 4th and 5th April was the first of our tri-annual shopping sprees. This is where volunteers, mums and children ask the members of the community to help Thomas Barnardo House. This time we were at the Uchumi supermarkets in and around Nairobi.
We received a lot of food, soaps, and all sorts, along with monetary donations. We had a really great time and raised a lot for the home, not just in material things but also awareness of what we do and who we do it for.

Visitors and helpers
Throughout this month we had many visitors from all over, to name but a few from the UK:
• Anne Spresser came with her friend Sheila on 7th April. They were such a great help, especially at Mashimoni, helping with the holiday clubs there.
• Linda Hopper visited us again and this time she brought her husband, John, with her.
• Some first time visitors were the family of Warren & Emma & their son Nate, who came from London for a week.
• Catriona Sibbald and one of her daughter’s, Laura, also visited us for a short while. They brought presents for the children, which they were very happy to receive.
• And last but not least, we would like to welcome back Carissa and Claire. They had to return home in January due to post-election violence, but are back. They have both hit the ground running. Welcome back ladies!

And now to mention some of those in Kenya:
• On 12th April, we had a very exciting visitor! Miss Kenya graced the home. She and her band of models spent time in the nursery, cuddling babies and also interacted with the other children of the home.
• Also on this day, we had a motivational talk for the teens and pre-teens facilitated by Mrs Sally Karago, wife to one of our governors, Mr Joe Karago. The talk on self-esteem was very educational and spurred a positive change in the children in attendance.
• The 2nd group of mentors for TBH children was launched on Tuesday 8th April. This is a scheme set up for not only the children at Thomas Barnardo House but also the staff. Each member of the team has been allocated a child to be-friend, talk to. They take time out of their busy schedules to get to know the children. This helps to encourage the children to have positive role models and feel they have someone they can talk to rather than feel like they’re bothering their mums.
• Pastor Jan from the Nairobi Chapel continued her monthly talks with the house mothers and aunties
• A group of around 30 helpers from St John’s Ambulance came to play and interact with the children.
• A youth group from the Christ King Catholic Church in Kibera visited the home. They helped around the home and they sang songs and presented us with some plays they had prepared.
• On the 19th we were lucky enough to have some Fathers from Don Bosco Catholic Church come to preside over a mass for us.
• Also on the 19th April some of our young people were invited to Phoenix Aviation, just across the road, at Wilson Airport. They had a very interesting tour of the firm, which specialises in air-craft maintenance and hires. The trip was of great benefit, especially to our very own David Kiruthi of House 3, who has been given an opportunity for industrial attachment at the firm.
• Juhudi Children’s Club very kindly invited our children on an outing to the National Museum of Kenya on the 22nd. We had such a great time.
Thanks go to all these visitors and more for their energy and aid.

Rites of passage – Suswa
Continuing from the success of the first ceremony last year, the time has come again for our oldest Suswa girls to graduate. 12 Girls graduated at the alternative Rites of Passage Ceremony at Baraka Ontoiye School in Kiserian on the 27th April. It was such a great day and even more so when we think of what these girls may have been subjected to instead. We applaud everyone for their very important work with these special girls.

Giving back
At the end of the month the teenagers visited the St Theresa Missionaries of Charity Home in Otiende where they helped in cleaning and feeding of the physically and mentally challenged children. They enjoyed giving service to the noble mission and will be keen to visit again next holiday.

Thomas Barnardo House – FAMOUS!!
On the 17th April Citizen television channel came to film us! It was all in aid of their children’s television programme called Club Kiboko. They filmed the children while stories were being told and since then we have been on 3 times! The children have enjoyed seeing themselves on TV!! Thank you so much to Citizen for giving the children that fun opportunity.

Continued gratitude
Lastly, we would like to thank all the contributors and donors of the home for their continued support and encouragement. It is all so much appreciated.

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.

January Web site update

January started on a sombre note for all at Barnardo’s owing to the tension that arose after the disputed presidential election.

Most of the children were away visiting their relatives during the December holidays and were expected back on 29th December for the New Year celebrations which turned out to be low key, since many children had not been brought back owing to paralysed transport and insecurity situation.

January, as usual is a busy month at TBH since children are moving a class upwards, some are joining new schools. All these activities and general home operations were affected by the post election chaos in the following ways:

Delay in children being brought back to TBH from their holidays; this led us to advising the guardians to take a temporary measure of getting the children admitted into nearby schools till the situation calms down.
Delays / postponements in school re-opening for first term
Delays in students reporting back to school
School transfers owing to insecurity in areas such as western Kenya where some 7 tbh children were schooling.
Some staff were unable to report to work leading to some staff taking on added responsibility and shifts to cover for the affected ones.
Cost of foodstuff, transport and other essential supplies skyrocketed over the period calling for more operation funds.
A nosedive in the number of local walk in donors
Outings and other social activities for staff and children were curtailed.

With the foregoing, it is evident that it has not been business as usual. All the same, the situation is now relatively calm and majority of children reported back to school in the month and have settled well. Weekend activities took place with children having renewed energy for sporting and choir. There was an invitation for 20 youngsters to the phoenix theatre for a hilarious play ‘Pull the other one’ a farce by Normal Robbins about a typical case of the ‘mother in law syndrome’.

We continue to pray for our country so that the mediation talks can succeed for peace and normalcy to return.

With the assistance of Balcraig foundation, we are managing to issue bread and floor donations directly to camps for internally displaced persons (IDP) in Nairobi and directly to Red Cross.

Through the Government vetting system, we anticipate an increase in requests to admit newly orphaned children.

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.

September at Thomas Barnardo’s saw the children return to school after a wonderfully colorful and exciting August holiday. Closing the holidays with gusto, on September 4th, the children of Thomas Barnardo’s journeyed to Kandara Children’s Home in Central Province on an adventurous day of traveling and competitive sporting. On the same day, several of our older children were invited to the Phoenix Theatre where they enjoyed the hilarious theatrics of the players there.
Once school began, the month was purposefully slow for co-curricular activities because of the need to allow the children to focus on their resumed school-work. However, the usual weekend activities such as afternoon sports and choir practices went on as usual.
The Tool Bench center formally opened its doors and has commenced training the enrolled students. The new site and school is well organized and fully staffed with motivated professionals who are eagerly continuing to recruit students.
Also in the realm of education, the annual TBH Mother Training Course is underway. Aunties receive diverse and comprehensive training and education in 18 areas of child welfare including Child Psychology, Child Education, Health Education, Child Abuse, Time Management, First Aid, and HIV/AIDS. The aunties will complete their course October 19, however, learning never ends and every day will be a learning day.
This month we had the privilege of being visited by Gordon McInally, the director of Rotary International, and his family. Daughter Rebeccah was a volunteer here in the past and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the children again.
One especially noteworthy donation this month came from Housing Finance Company Kenya Limited who brought very comfortable office chairs and sturdy office cabinets for our adoption society. We thank them heartily.
We are continuing in our support of community needs. In the last month alone, our abandoned baby unit has taken in 7 new infants. They are receiving good care and have adjusted well.
The month did hold two special children’s events. Class 4 and 5 from Jonathan Gloag took a Saturday trip to Lake Elementaita, where volunteer Torri accompanied them. She brought back the report that the trip was not only highly enjoyable, but that the students found it very educational. “The children were wholly involved, and asked our tour guides many intelligent and inquisitive questions.”
The Japanese embassy invited the TBH children to attend a delightful traditional Japanese dance show accompanied by traditional Japanese music. Such high-quality cultural events go far in adding to our children’s world view and intellectual understanding.
At Thomas Barnardo’s Home, everything is done in the best interest of the child. We are proud to work hand in hand with the promoters and upholders who share our allegiance to providing underprivileged children with their basic needs, a high-quality education, and co-curricular activities that expand children’s understanding and abilities. We thank you our friends, supporters, and well-wishers for your help. Let us never tire of doing good!

Once again we have finished another term, and once again, the majority of children of Thomas Barnardo’s have improved in their marks! We owe a special thanks to head-teacher Mulema who has continued to raise Jonathan Gloag Academy’s academic standards and facilitate a positive and productive work environment at the school.

After closing school, the children’s holiday routine involved family chores, working for no pay (as the children call it), homework, games, and generally having fun. Many TBH children attended a two-week holiday camp at JGA. This holiday tuition taught useful and fun skills such as making mandazis and designing original arts and crafts.
Two well-behaved and hard working children of TBH were selected to journey with a group of twenty five students and three teachers to Amboseli National Park here in Kenya. This was donated by the Juhudi Children’s Club.

There they not only saw the wild game, but climbed a mountain, had special art sessions in which they were trained in drawing landscapes using charcoal, and were educated about the environment and man’s impact on it.

Another holiday activity many children were involved in was the Beads Club here at TBH. Mum Jane facilitated a group of about 20 children who were taught specific new ways of making artistic necklaces. These necklaces were much more involved than just putting beads on a string! The knots and loops and special designs took time for the children to learn, but then provided much enjoyment and a finished product worthy of admiration. These necklaces were taken to Scotland to spread the name of Barnardo’s, and to give well-wishers there a chance to participate in supporting the children of TBH.

The children too young for the Beads Club were invited to a “Fun Week” at the Go Down Arts Center. Acrobatics, hip-hop dancing, puppet making, and potato prints were just a few of the invigorating activities the children engrossed themselves in over the well-organized week of events.

The whole home went for a special outing on Wednesday, August 29, to Splash Water Park here in Nairobi. All the children from toddlers to teenagers swam, rode the slides, and splashed each other without end on this rambunctious field trip!

We had the joy in August of welcoming Dr. Ann Gloag and a large group of her family and friends. They offered much assistance, from helping in the nursery to updating our computers and phone system.

Five of our older youths who have finished their secondary education have just left for Perth College in Scotland. Paul Otieno, Absalom Olande, Francis Ndungu, Francis Muchoki, and Tom Wambua are currently pursuing their various interests, including hospitality and management. We threw them a farewell party where their fellow Barnardians sang to them. Then the boys were invited to the front to share words of advice and wisdom, and say their last goodbyes. It was a poignant moment, and they will be missed.

Thomas Barnardo’s believes in keeping its staff informed and educated on current practices in their relevant fields. The managers of Thomas Barnardo’s went for on engaging training session this month, keeping them updated and building their teamwork, and the staff of our sister home, Soila Masaai Girls’ Center had a team building session.

Also active in community education, Thomas Barnardo’s this month organized an Adoptive Parents Meeting on August 18 for parents of children adopted from Thomas Barnardo’s. In total, 84 parents attended! Honored guests and instructors were Josephine Mongare, a lawyer, and Ken Ambetsa, a professional child’s rights activist and member of the Kenya Advancement of Children Rights. During an informative meeting, the parents learned of their legal rights and the legal issues surrounding adoption, and in small group sessions the parents were able to and support each other through listening to and expressing themselves about the experience of rearing adopted children. The parents, who come from a very mixed background, were very receptive and expressed a great desire to have more such forums in the future.

On Friday, August 31, a career choice training and personal development program for the class 8 and secondary students was held at JGA. This half-day seminar was extremely helpful according to the attendees. Anne Waithera, a form three Barnardian has now set her sights on becoming a surgeon!

August also brought the completion of construction and preparation for the commencement of the Tool Bench Training Center. This job skills center on the TBH campus will provide training and certification in plumbing and water projects as well as teaching the students carpentry and working with wiring and electricity.

Our children are encouraged to improve in their schoolwork as well as in their behavior and cooperation at home. Those children who had worked the hardest and improved their marks at school as well as behaved well at home, working very hard to complete their tasks, were rewarded on Saturday, September 1, and accompanied by our chief administrator on a special outing to Maasai Ostrich Resort.

Now the students are preparing for the school opening on Tuesday, August 4. All the rucksacks are being washed, shoes polished, books being organized, and clothes arranged.

We look forward to the success of this coming term, where are students will continue to improve, our volunteers will continue to serve faithfully, our caregivers and teachers will continue to dedicate themselves tirelessly to betterment of our children, and friends, donors, and well-wishers, with their persistent hearts of kindness, will continue to collaborate with us to improve the lives of the children under our care.