Kilroe House is finished now and we have notified the Children’s Department that there are homes for both orphans and abandoned disabled children as well. We have a new House Mother Philomena and House Auntie Restitutia, they are very eager to get the house up and running. Keogh House will be complete for the 1st May so together we will be able to bring up to 24 more children into the security of the home.

The only downside to my six week stay was the delay in getting the visas for Naomi and Auntie Mercy, it is not a very straightforward procedure as Naomi is an abandoned child and due to her medical condition we had to get extra information from both the U.K. and the neurologist who has been treated her in Mombasa, all the paperwork has been emailed to Nairobi and now we are waiting for it to be checked. We will then have to take both Naomi and Auntie Mercy to the offices in Nairobi where the visas are issued from.  If this progresses well, Naomi should be here in the U.K. in May or June for the operation.

Here are some photos, the first is the local undertakers, yes you can buy a coffin & hire a D.J. and Kilifis answer to DFS, well T.I.A.

Kilroe House and Keogh House are nearing completion, they are costing substantially more that the previous three due to design changes as they are adapted for disabled children. We can now also extend our hen house and buy more chickens & broilers. By doing this the income from eggs and chickens will increase, also we are buying a greenhouse. You might ask why we would need a greenhouse in Kenya? It is to protect the vegetables and fruit from the scorching heat and heavy rainfall, which over the past two years has decreased productivity dramatically. We hope by investing the money received from these donations we will see our income from the farm increase by about 60%. As you may already know the produce is mainly used for the children and any excess is sold to the locals at a fair price, we are hoping this will be a further step towards self-sufficiency.

Little Naomi has been complaining of headaches, she had an MRI scan in Mombasa and the results were sent to a paediatric surgeon at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, we were advised that she needs an operations sooner rather than later. As we speak, the team from Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital are on standby for Naomi arriving here in the U.K, they have very kindly agreed to carry out the operation free - we cannot express our gratitude for this wonderful gesture. As Naomi will be in completely different surroundings it was decided that her House Auntie Mercy should accompany her, at the moment we are still waiting for an update on their passports. If all goes to plan she should be coming to Manchester in late February / early March for the operation.

Many thanks to everyone who has made donations over the past three months - we can now go forward with the works, and also have the money in place to pay for Naomi’s travel expenses to bring her to the UK for the lifesaving operation she needs!

The photo below sums up just what The Good Life Orphanage is all about, our latest addition Baby Michelle with Kevin

Kevin & myself were unable to be in Kenya for Christmas 2009 as our second grandchild Ruby Claire made an entrance to this world on Christmas Eve so we left the orphanage festivities in the very capable hands of Jackie & Co. and boy did they give the children a wonderful day with the help of donations from Tom Howley and Jane Howarth & staff & children from Goodeshaw Kindergarden In Crawshawbooth, Lancs.

Our very good friends who live in Vipingo, Evan & Diane, gave up their Christmas Day going to The Good Life to take photographs so all our supporters could see them on the blog. They also picked up young ladies from SUFFOLK who were staying at Sun n Sands, the girls came laid with gifts to the children as well, our own personal Maji!!! Father Christmas although very busy made an appearance at 12.00 midday when each of the thirty-six children received their own present. After that a feast fit for the Maji along with face painting and other activities, the staff and children had a wonderful day thanks to the kindness of our supporters and Evan & Diane Thanks for your time xx

We know that without the orphanage the majority of these children would not have survived to enjoy a wonderful Christmas and we are so grateful for your continuing support. Along with looking after the thirty-six children, we also employ twelve staff who support their families from the wages we pay. With every penny you donate, it is making a difference to so many,

ASANTA SANA TO YOU ALL xx

This post was written by Emma Higham, a recent volunteer who came out and spent 2 weeks at The Good Life Orphanage. Thanks Emma!

I would be lying if I was to say I wasn’t a little apprehensive about my trip to Kenya and the Good Life Orphanage. I had never been to Africa before and on route to the airport, armed with so many TV fuelled pre-conceived notions; I did wonder if I would be met by a resounding sense of hopelessness.

As we pulled through the gates all of my apprehensions were immediately dispelled. We were met with the warmest welcome, the hugest hugs and the widest smiles.

The Good Life Orphanage is a bright and happy place. It has been very intentionally set up to have a home like feel to it, a far cry from the images of cold institutions that word Orphanage often conjures up.

You very quickly get a sense from the house Mothers and Aunties that they really do see this as a home and the children as their family, which is what makes their welcome all the more touching. Volunteering at the Good Life Orphanage is like being invited to share in someone’s home and life, playing, dancing, singing and eating with this wonderfully unique extended family.

Our days were spent helping the Mothers and Aunties with the children and chipping in with some of the daily chores of the house. We went into the school on site and ran some art classes with the help of the teachers (finger painting, collage and general mess making!) and most days organised some kind of wonderfully chaotic play activity once school had finished for the day.

You really do get to know each of the children for the amazing individuals they are and get a strong sense that this individuality is something that is both revered and actively encouraged by everyone involved with the Orphanage.

The early evenings were a special time; Sat on the porch in the warm evening air we would sing with and listened to the older children and learnt some Swahili to boot. With the little ones all tucked up in bed, we would drink hot, sweet chai and swap stories with the Mothers and Aunts about our vastly different cultures, a real and amazing insight into the rich a varied culture of Kenya, that you simply would not get stuck behind the gates of one of the luxury hotel complexes close by.

In contrast, our trip meant we also saw the other side to Africa, extreme poverty, disease and corruption that seems both ingrained in and routine to everyday life.

Certainly too, stories of the shocking conditions in some other Orphanages were a complete contrast to the caring and safe environment we found at the Good Life.

The scale of the problem in Africa is undoubtedly huge and incredibly complex, but the Good Life Orphanage is and oasis of light and hope. It is testament to the fact that you can make a difference to people’s lives and demonstrates and real and lasting commitment to both its children and the local community.

It is so hard to sum up my time volunteering at the Good Life Orphanage in just a few short paragraphs. But what I can say with ease is that it was an incredible, life changing experience and I can’t wait to go back!

After three weeks back in a very rainy and dismal Manchester, Kevin headed back to Mombasa. Things are very busy at the orphanage, our final two houses, Kilroe & Keogh Houses, are coming along brilliantly. He was surprised to see them up at first floor level and our anticipated completion date of January 2010 is on course. As these two houses are adapted for disabled children we know the available spaces will be filled very quickly.

At the moment we have thirty-six children in the first three houses. Two brothers arrived last week from the Childrens’ Department in Kilifi, Ramadhan aged 3.5yrs and Hassan aged 5 years old. Their father is dead and their mother cannot look after them so it was decided to ensure the boys survived they would be placed with us. As you can see from the photos both boys have protruding stomachs which is a sign of malnourishment but as with all the other children they will look 100% better in a few months. They are both quiet and withdrawn but this is to be expected.

The other children are all making good progress, we have visitors coming in October so they are getting excited and making preparations to welcome them. As the rains are over now it is getting easier to travel around and fingers crossed more tourists will make the trek out to The Good Life xx

Just back from Kenya to our wonderful British Summertime!!!  All is going really well at The Good Life, we now have 34 children and believe me they are so full of life. After a few weeks the children seem to feel the security and love from the House Mothers & Aunties, they settle completely and start to develop their own little personalities.

Moses loves clothes, Joshua just wants his own football and Caleb, well Caleb is always in trouble but he is trying really hard to be a good boy. Grace goes to KG every morning and is Brenda’s best friend. They go everywhere together even helping each other when it is time for the toilet. Michael is a wonderful boy, always smiling and helping our latest addition Muda to walk. Little Muda, about 18 mths old was abandoned in Kilifi with his older brother Rama who we think is about 3 years old. Muda is so malnourished he is struggling to walk but Michael holds his hand to encourage him to stand up. Juma and his sister Zainabu are older children about twelve and ten years old, we originally brought their brother and cousin into the project first. When we went back to visit them we found Juma and Zainabu attending a rescue centre during the day and coming back to their grandmother in the evenings, The grandmother could not feed or look after them and after discussions with the District Children’s Officer, it was decided that they could also come to The Good Life. Julius whose twin brother was taken back by his extended family has settled really well and always has a smile on his face. Last but by no means least is Baby Eamon who is also coming on really well, again a very contented little baby who is getting stronger by the day. We now have twelve children in O’Malley House being looked after my Mama Alice and Auntie Irene who do a wonderful job.

In Flynn House Mama Jane and Auntie Mercy run a very well organised house showing the children so much love and compassion. Our triplets as we call them, Paul, Kay & Roisin, all came from Coast General in May 2008. The three babies were under one month old, not feeding very well and malnourished, fourteen months later they are three very contented children with Paul leading the team by being the first to walk. Both Kay and Roisin were premature babies weighing just over 1kg but thanks to the care and attention given by Mama Jane & Auntie Mercy they are now doing really well. Janie is a very happy young girl now who plays with our ex-cons Ali & Frankie. Ali & Frankie turned up at Likoni Police Station and stayed there for three weeks whilst they found them a home, as a result Frankie closed his eyes and covered them all the time, now they happy in their surroundings feeling confident enough to greet all the visitors. Rama and Hassan were brought to the orphanage as their parents were dead and their grandmother was struggling to look after them, Rama as the oldest boy in Flynn House has taken on the responsibility of being the big brother to the other children and is a well mannered pleasant boy. Hassan can be boisterous but not cheeky. “John the Baptist” is the baby in Flynn House, he was very small & sickly but is getting stronger. Then we have Naomi who is a bit of a celebrity, although the tumour on her head causes her problems in the morning and at night, she is a very clever little girl, she loves being the centre of attraction. Again another ten children to look after is no mean feat for the dedicated House Mother and Auntie.

Maguire House has twelve wonderful children well cared for by Mama Miriam and Auntie Dometilla. It is filled with laughter and fun, and is heart warming to visit. Collins & Rachel were rescued from a home where abuse was widespread, they have since moved Mama Miriam & Jackie to tears telling what they witnessed there. Now they are doing brilliant with Rachel leading our newly formed Good Life Choir. Elvis was found under a mango tree and has a smile that would warm the cockles of anyone’s heart. Obama is still very slight but doing good; he attends the KG everyday but seems to spend more time wandering around seeing what is going on than sitting in a classroom. Fionnghaula is sitting up on her own now and Patrick is also developing well, he is going to be a big tall boy. Jack is in good health now compared to the little malnourished baby we received. Salim, Hamisi and Saumu have been joined by their older brother Abdallah, they are great children, Saumu is a little star!! Abdallah is struggling a little at school but he got glasses last week so we hope that will solve the problem. Mama Miriam makes the best ginger tea ever and if you are really lucky she will make some samosas.

We are very proud of our hard working staff and our wonderful children, today The Good life Orphanage hosted the monthly meeting for the Charitable Children’s Institutions for the Kilifi Area, the visitors were very impressed and have asked that their House Mothers come to see how our staff carry out their duties as the standard are so high and well maintained.

The builders have started on the ground floor of the final two houses, soon another 20+ children will be enjoying a secure family life within The Good Life and we have to say thank you to all our supports for making this possible xx

Over the past three months we have found that although there is a recession here in the UK & Ireland, people are still continuing to support us by organising various fundraising events.

 The pupils of Guardian Angels School brought in storybooks, the result was ten books of the most beautiful books suitable from babies up to ten year old children, We managed to bring two cases full of books out to Kenya so far and the children were amazed with them, second-hand books in Kenya often cost more than a days wages so they really appreciate them.

We are so lucky to count Mary Grady & Caroline Winder from the MTS School of Theatre in Manchester as our supporters, on 1^st March 2009 they organised a wonderful Dance Extravaganza and all the proceeds came to The Good Life Orphanage. The hard work and dedication by all these young people who gave up their time to help the less fortunate makes us feel very privileged.

And again Father Jim Clarke and his parishioners from St Anne’s Church in Fairfield, Manchester had the Lenten Friday Soup & Roll Lunches with the proceeds going to The Good Life Orphanage. Every Friday during Lent Father Jim and the ladies in the parish brought their home made soup, scones and cakes into the Parish Centre and for a donation you could have as much as you want. They never cease to amaze us with the amounts they collect for our charity.

 One of the parishioners from Guardian Angels R.C. Church in Bury ran the Wilmslow Half Marathon for us on 29^th March, he picked up a calf injury the previous week but still managed to complete the 13 mile course in 2hrs exactly, remembering that Andrew celebrated his 50^th Birthday a few months ago (he actually asked for money to be donated to the orphanage instead of presents on that occasion), he finished 2663^rd out of 4000. For anyone who does not know Andrew he is wearing No3774 in the photo below.

Then on Sunday 17^th May Kevin, Emma, Jill, Adele & Anne all joined Gebrselassie and 33,000 other runners on the 10km Manchester Run. It was a wonderful occasion for the City of Manchester and all money raised by our five runners went directly to The Good Life Orphanage. 

We would be completely lost without this continuing support and just want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone involved.

Extract from Jackie’s email – 28th May 2009

 “We got the twins (boys) from Kilifi. Julius and Yusuf Kazungu.  They

come from a family of seven.  The eldest boy is 17 years, then a girl

who is 13 years, followed by twin boys who are 11 years,  a girl who

is 9 years then the twins we have who are actually three years.

 They used to live with their parents at a place called Kipini in Tana

River district but when the parents died they came to live with the

Grand mother, who cannot support them.  the eldest boy will stay with

the Grand mother,  the Girls were taken to Malezi Home in Kilifi and

the older boys to Kikambala Home.  They cannot tell exactly what their

parents died of, they just say they were sick.  We could not go to

their home area in Kipini because it is quite far.

 Apparently, we discovered that the boys have bilharzia - their urine

is mixed with blood.  We took them to Kanamai and they got treatment.

I went on the web to find out more about the disease and thank God it

cannot be passed from human to human so the other children are ok.  I

also called Charity and told her to inform the other homes because it

is likely all the other children have it. 

One of the boys (Yusuf) is jolly and talkative while the other

(Julius) is a cry baby.  I hope he gets some confidence soon.”

Extract from Jackie’s email – 29^th May 2009

 “An issue came up with the relatives of the twins.  Since their parents

died, the relatives were comfortable with the children being brought

up by the grand mother although they did not assist her in any way at

all.  The Grand mother struggled until she decided to look for

assistance through the children’s department who sought homes for the

children.   I think after the children were placed in the various

homes, she went to tell her relatives what she had done with the

children.  I am not sure if it is her son or her brother but an

elderly gentleman asked her how she could loose all those children.

She explained that they were not lost but somewhere getting food,

shelter, clothing and education.  The gentleman insisted that one of

the children has to stay behind so that they are not all forgotten.

I tried explaining to them what we do to ensure that the children do

not forget their relatives or where they come from but he would not

listen.  He did not want to go with both boys and since he is related

to the boy, the District Officer agreed to let him go with the child.

(The jovial one) .  So now we have one.  I was not happy to let one

go, I preferred that they go together wherever they were to go.”

 Think these emails sum up just exactly our staff are dealing with on a daily basis where a relative who has not helped the children in any way when the grandmother was struggling to feed them can come in and split twins up, the welfare of the children does not come first!! As parents of twin girls we realise how damaging it is to separate Yusuf & Julius who have been together since conception. How alone must little Juluis feel as he has lost his parents, grandmother, siblings and now even his twin brother. Even if the relative would not have wanted to loose both children, he should have put the children’s wellbeing before his own feelings.

Jackie was phoning the UK this morning at 1.00am as Juluis is very ill now and needs hospitalization.

What a cruel unfair world we live in where this is allowed to happen, the boys would have been together and well cared for at The Good Life.

Following a visit by Ron and Sue Hayes in February, and after deliberations with our Committee at home and our Trustees in Kenya it was decided that these last two house will be especially adapted for disabled children. Many thanks to Ron & Sue for this and many other ideas they came up with to ensure the success of the orphanage. We value visitors feedback as it is an essential part of our development of the project.

Looking at Gracie and Michael now, seeing how strong, healthy and happy they are is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff at the orphanage. Obviously with any new project there has been teething problems, and we have unfortunately had to replace members of staff, but things are progressing very well.
Caleb who arrived at the orphanage with Moses and Joshua in April 2008 in a sorry state, he was badly beaten and malnourished, is now a happy young boy, yes he is always in trouble but he is just like any other five year old boy.

Both Kevin and myself often say that without the support of friends, family and now an ever-increasing group of people who are willing to help us it would be impossible to operate the orphanage and we really mean this from the bottom of our hearts. The staff, children and ourselves cannot put into words just how important and life changing your help and support is to the project.

Yes, we all are making a difference!

“Dear Mary,

Yesterday, I received a Court Order from the Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court at Kilifi for Criminal Case no. 1019 of 2008 ordering me to hand over the child name Angela renamed Helen to the mother, one Perris Dhahabu and Police Corporal Rukia of the Mtwapa Police Station. Before handing over the child to the mother, I had a talk with her and you will not believe the circumstances that child had to go through.

Her husband had disappeared from home for about three months, when he came home one day she was sleeping as she was not feeling well. He told her that he was leaving her because he had married another wife. She asked him what would happen to the children as she did not have any money to feed the (Helen and her brother) He told her that he was leaving with them. As he was their father, the mother agreed. What she learnt later from her son (about five years old) was that the “step mother” used to mistreat them and beat them up a lot; they used to sleep on the floor etc. Apparently, the step mother would not mistreat them when the father was around but she complained a lot that Helen would not shut up, she kept crying.
The father instead of taking the child back to its mother decided to go to the Police Station and concoct a story that he had a fight with his wife then she threw the child at him and ran away. He also said he did not have any relative where he could take the child to and he did not know where his wife had gone to. So the Police had to look for a place to take the child.
When the mother recovered, she went to see how her children were, she found the boy neglected with many wounds on his arms and legs. When she asked where Helen was, no one would give her an answer so she decided to go to the Police Station to report that she did not know where her child was. At the Police Station, she was put in for 24 hours and taken to court in Kilifi for abandoning the child. The case was mentioned and given a hearing date but she could not be released so she was locked up at the Shimo La Tewa Prison because she did not have any money to pay for a bond. Anyway she contacted her sister who looked for money to pay for her (after some months). Once out, she started looking for her child and was later told that the child was sold to some “mzungu” by the Police Officer. At a hearing in Court, that is what she told the Court so the Police Officer had to be summoned to Court and produce the Child. I suppose she told her part of the story and we were thereafter given a Court Order to release the child to her mother. The Husband, by the way, has disappeared. They do not know where he has gone to but the Police are looking for him. Helen has been reconciled with the mother.

It all fits together, we were wondering when Helen came how she preferred men than women, it became clear that maybe it was because of the way the step mother mistreated her – but this is just my opinion.

We took them home – Mtomondoni in Mtwapa area, at least we know where Helen is.

Regards,

Jackie”

Helen has been reunited with her mother, it is a terrible system that allows this to happen but at least she was well cared for and loved in the four months whilst she was at The Good Life Orphanage !!