The Kitale Children's Home

The Kitale Children's home is in the country outside of the small town of Kitale, somewhat close to Eldoret. It currently houses 25 children but once had almost 100! The Kenyan government does not give children's homes money, but they do have many regulations! The children at our home come from the streets of Kitale, a result of deep poverty and the AIDS crisis, but also from other parts of Kenya. They are either found in the streets and market places or the police bring them to us. The "parents" of the children's home are Patrick and Phoebe Kimawachi. They have created a home and a community for these children that acts as a family. Everyone has a job and they all attend school. Some are in the public school in the nearest small village, Sibanga, and others are attending a national school high school because they did well on their national tests after Grade 8 and were invited. All schooling costs money and the national schools, which are the best path for students to get into university or trade school, require tuition, uniforms, books, and various other supplies which cost a fair amount of money.

The children's home rents a piece of land in order to grow corn to make ugali, a staple food, and the property also has a garden with fruits and vegetables growing. Self-sufficiency and sustainability have been the goals. There is a good water source on the property with clean water.

Everything costs, though. Staff is needed to help with the children, cooking, gardening, security, repairs to the buildings and tractor. The older children help with planting and harvesting corn, but they also need some assistance from a hired adult. Again, salaries cost money. The home is sorely understaffed due to lack of money. This can cause the government to fine them, thus creating a cycle of debt.

We are looking for a sustainable fund to assist with these needs (and requirements). We want all the children to get a quality education. We want them all to have the opportunity to be independent adults when they turn 18. We want the children's home to stay open! It has been the lifeline of so many over the years and the Kimawachis have been fully committed to keeping the home going and strong.