I just can't believe that it's 8 months since the last
blog----sorry!! Everything is really really going full steam ahead at
the Rescue, Therapy and Personal Development Centre since June of
this year. The Child Labour Elimination Programme is really
successful and we have withdrawn 800 children from the Worst Forms of
Child Labour. 600 of these children have returned to Primary School
and the other 200 entered Vocational Training in the areas of welding, mechanics, motor bike maintenance, hair and beauty, tailoring and
dressmaking. 170 children have graduated in those areas and there are
30 children currently in apprenticeships. Vocational skills are being
developed but also in our Centre we are providing a Life Skills
Programme for the children and they are really enjoying it.
At the moment I am in Ireland promoting a 5K Run/Walk which will
take place on 22nd Sept. This event is supported by Mayo Athletics,
Claremorris Athletic Club and Fit 4 Life and the funds raised will go
directly into the Rescue Centre to provide much needed support for
our wonderful children. Each time we have a group session the
children are given a treat of juice and mandazis which they really
enjoy. It is the treat of the week for them and wow do they
appreciate it. They are really wonderful children and appreciate
every bit of support they are given. Their timekeeping, attendance
and performance in class is improving every day not to mention their
self-esteem and confidence. We have so many things planned where they
will develop their creativity and talents. It's really exciting. They
sing and dance every day and are making many friends.
Just before returning home to Ireland we came to the rescue of 3
boys aged 16 and 17. The three boys are total orphans and have no
adult support in their lives. One boy used to walk 15km each way to
his apprenticeship every day, he did not have a bed to sleep in and
often went a few days without food. Thankfully we were able to
provide accommodation for them, bought a few mattresses, blankets,
soap, towels, basins and the basic things they needed and now they
will have 3 meals each day!!!
I met with them on the Saturday before I returned home and they
were looking so neat, tidy and smiling, smiling smiling and were so
happy.. I explained to them that we were able to do this for them
because the people of Claremorris gave generously to the plight of
the less well off children in Kitui. The boys really want to thank
everybody for the support that is being given to them ---Asante Sana/
Thank you so much. I will put up some photos that I hope you will
enjoy.
You know you can come to the assistance of the children by taking
part in the 5K Run/Walk in Claremorris on 22nd Sept. at the
Claremorris Athletic Track at 11a.m or by donating through PayPal on
the website wwwkidsofkitui.com Every cent is so important for us to
provide for the less well off children in Kitui.
Ok. That's my news. Thanks a lot. Will be back soon.
Janet
A NEW START
Arriving with our gear
A mattress at last
Settling in
Welcome to our new home