Vision Peoples in Mission News - Korogocho Nairobi Kenya
December 2008 update
Update on Henry Otwoma in Nairobi Kenya
With the generous support of St. Anne's, the outstanding balance of Henry's medical bills have been met. Henry has now fully recovered from his September surgery and asked his father to "thank our friends who helped us". The Rev. Franklyn and his wife Violet also express their gratitude by stating "your untold graciousness beyond our expectations in the surprise of sending $1,540 towards Henry's medical bill". Asante Sana - Thank You
The September 2008 Vision Peoples News provides updates on their various Mission works including:
Haven Primary School – Korogocho
This school with nine qualified teachers continues to grow and now offers classes from Pre-Unit (Baby Class ) to Standard Seven to 300 students. “We keep admitting new children each term as others fall off and disappear in the slums’ rubbish dumps and street life”. Classes begin each day with an assembly with evangelist Kenneth Otieno who preaches, prays and teaches the students about Jesus Christ and his Father. Devotions are also held at the end of the day for all VPM Korogocho staff members.
Great news! The dining hall and sizeable kitchen were completed last term after repairs were made from the vandalism as a result of the Kenyan political unrest after the December 2007 general election. The students no longer eat sitting on the ground outdoors balancing their plates on their legs but are seated indoors at long tables. This was one of the many projects that the St. Anne’s parish family generously supported last year when the Rev. Franklyn Otwoma visited us. “We thank all who supported this project and may God bless you abundantly”.
Vision Children’s Home
This home/orphanage located in Lucky Summer, a 20 minute walk from the Haven School takes care of twenty children who were rescued from the garbage dump while scavenging for valuables or glue sniffing and substance abuse. “Their daily needs of food, clean water and clothing are provided and above all we help them to identify their talents and nurture them to maturity.” These vulnerable children are in a secure, safe and caring environment. The Children’s Home has three staff members: the matron, the cook and the watchman.
The VPM also supports 17 children (12 girls and 7 boys) in various foster homes who are still living with relatives. Some attend Haven School and the older ones continue their education at other schools. Without this support many of these foster children would continue to experience physical and sexual abuse and be back out on the streets without any support or sense of security.
Women’s Tailoring and Dressmaking Course
“In Kenyan society, women have the responsibility for caring of their families. Since most of the women in the slums lack basic job skills, most of them end up in prostitution to earn a living hence the lack of proper family values and the poverty circle continues.” This course empowers women, who are mainly primary school dropouts with skills that can help them secure employment upon graduation. With the use of a treadle sewing machine a graduate can start her own small business without electricity. There is such a demand for this course that the students come in shifts. With the increased enrolment the class has been moved from its small, cramped room to the larger old chapel.
Medical Centre
This VPM Medical Clinic serves the whole population of the Korogocho slum. Patients pay what they can and are not refused for lack of money. During July the clinic hosted ‘free medical camps’ where approximately 80 people per day were treated . The maternity ward has an average of 14 deliveries per month. Five staff members headed by the community nurse run the Clinic 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.