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 The Child Labour Elimination Programme is really successful and we have withdrawn 800 children from the Worst Forms of Child Labour. 600 of these children have returned to Primary School and the other 200 entered Vocational Training in the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
A mattress at last
Settling in
Welcome to our new home
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Smiling and happy again |
