PRECIOUS TEARS INITIATIVE: BAHATI'S STORY

Bahati (not her real name), a very bright 14 year old, was left vulnerable and alone after the death from AIDS of both parents and one of her two sisters. She was sent to live with her uncle who repeatedly abused her. Bahati was at that time attending the Sikalame Primary School.  
A number of the girls at Sikalame are members of Yiro Girls' Network (part of the Precious Tears Initiative which aims to empower and support teenage girls in an environment unsympathetic to their needs).  They helped Bahati to disclose the truth of her situation to mentor and counsellor, Rosila Waringa.

Bahati was immediately taken from the uncle's home to a place of safety with another family. She subsequently came top in her school in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education and was awarded admission as a boarder to the prestigious Rang'ala Girls High School.  Secondary schooling is not free in Kenya but through KOFUP Bahati's fees are being paid. After two terms she is already showing great promise with A grades in maths and science.

KOFUP Trustees and Luanda Streetkids

Our visit to St Joseph's Rehabilitation Centre on 8th July coincided with a training workshop for caregivers (including some parents) of the children who had been living on the street but are now in the care of KOFUP's rehabilitation programme in Luanda. The workshop was led by an officer from the Child Welfare Society of Kenya and dealt with children's rights, child protection, parental responsibilities and other issues.

The task of the rehabilitation centre is to trace the families of children found living on the streets, to mediate between them and, ultimately, to reunify them. Caregivers were encouraged to come to the centre frequently to help the reconciliation process and to foster bonding.
Currently there are 126 children in the programme, of whom 18 are living in the centre. The other 108 are living with their caregivers and are constantly monitored and supported by the staff at the centre.

Post-workshop group photo.

Trustees Trip to Kenya and Uganda 2016

Two of the KOFUP trustees, Brendan and Tricia, are off to Kenya on Tuesday 5th July. They will be travelling around the projects, talking to the project leaders and volunteers about how KOFUP funds are being  used and the current needs of the communities. They also hope to visit Uganda. Follow their travels on our new Facebook page.

Sad news from Luanda

We were deeply saddened to learn that Vincent, one of the workers at St Joseph’s Rehabilitation Centre, died on the 26th February after being knocked down by a motorcycle. Vincent, who worked as teacher, counsellor, social worker and mentor for the streetkids, had been with the project right from the beginning.  He was an absolute gift to the world, especially to the boys at the centre who will miss him sorely. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to his wife and three young daughters.

Baking Bread!

The oven in action

KOFUP has helped start a bakery by funding the cost of an oven for the YIRO Girls Network, a programme which aims to empower girls, giving them space to discuss problems and develop their leadership skills, self-esteem and confidence. The KOFUP group were able to sample the produce this year, delicious buns and loaves with the texture and flavour of brioche.

Income from the bakery will help the group become more self-sufficient and pay for needs as they arise.

A Message From St Joseph’s Rehabilitation Centre

Sr Pauline & staff with KOFUP visitors and some of the boys currently staying at the centre

First step of St Joseph’s mission: to provide security and a safe place for children who find themselves on the streets.

“Greetings to you all dear friends. We wish to thank the entire KOFUP group for the continuous support to our rehabilitation centre. The support has been tremendous towards the development of the centre’s activities, more so for welfare of children from the streets. We  are able to carry out street work intervention, home and school visits as well as making follow-ups and taking care of the running costs at our rehabilitation centre due to your support. Many of the children in our programme are studying at different levels and this has been possible because we are able to pay school levies in time. Thank you very much for considering us... We are very grateful for your support and happy that you think about us. You have been very kind and supportive in giving new hope to children from the streets. Let us continue to join our efforts in working for the welfare of those who are needing in our society. Thank you very much.” 

Sr Pauline Namuyemba (FMSJ),
Project Co-ordinator
St Joseph’s Rehabilitation Centre, Luanda, Western Kenya