Zuhuri Boti was the 9th born in the family of 12 and was born in 6th March 2004 by Mr. Malingi Boti and Mrs. Leah Mwachiluma. They stay in rented mudhouse at Mzambarauni near to the school & orphanage. Zuhuri’s father is an office cleaner in town while her mother sells fruit in Mtwapa, She was in Kg3 at the time of her death and had just received very good examination results getting 377 marks out of 400. Zuhuri had other brothers in Standard 4, 2, & 1 all attending St Bernadette & St Mary’s School. Zuhuri`s sister Susan who is the youngest in the family was burnt with hot water sometime ago and Papa Kevin helped the family by taking the baby to hospital and making sure she was ok. Thankfully she made a full recovery but little Zuhuri was not so lucky.
On Friday 3rd August 2012 Zuhuri complained to her mother of the stomach pains, not having enough money to bring little ZuhurI to hospital as there is no N.H.S. in Kenya, her mother bought some local medicine for her thinking it would cure her. Over the next twenty-four hours the pain became unbearable but unfortunately by the time she was admitted to hospital it was too late and she passed away at 11.00pm on the Sunday night. The body stayed in mortuary for nearly a week until Mercy arranged for payment to have the body released and transported back to their home in Mzambarauni where pupils and staff from St. Bernadette`s & St. Mary`s School and children and volunteers from The GLO went to pay their respects before the burial. The body was laid to rest at her grandfathers rural home in Barani village about 200m from Saidi`s rural home place. The event was very emotional for her siblings, parents and her fellow students. As her mother said “We loved you but God Loved you more”, the ever smiling young girl was laid to rest.
At the school the children from the surrounding villages often come in feeling unwell and they are taken to the nearby clinic where they receive medication and the bill is settled by us. Recently one of the pupils came in with a snake bite and was taken to the clinic immediately where she received an anti-venom injection and survived. Poor little Zuhuri became ill at the weekend and her family could not afford to go to the clinic or hospital but went to a local medicine man.
Hearing this makes you realise just what an impact the school and orphanage have in helping the local community as well, in this case it was too late but quick reactions from the teachers and staff have saved lives so far & with your help and support we will continue to do so. Thankfully we have generous donors who allow us to help the community in this manner and often £5 is the difference between life and death for a child living in Kenya.
Here is Elvis with a photo Zuhuri, his classmate & friend
What a tragic story. May little Zuhuri rest in peace xx
God needed another little angel x
How very sad. Another little angel will smile down at you all. Wonderful though how many other children and families you have all saved from similar tragic ends. This must never be forgotten.
God bless her x
may she rest in peaceX
We also know this family as little Susan was named after my friend. You and Kevin did a marvellous job in saving her .This time her mam was correct God loved her more. Sleep tight little angel xx
In her short life, Zuhuri enjoyed many blessings for having been part of the St Bernadette’s and St Mary’s school. sometimes God has other plans for some children, but that doesn’t make it any easier to bear.I hope the children at the Good life Orphanage and her many friends and relatives will find the strength to cope with her loss. Death seems to be so much a part of every day life in Kenya. Without the dedication and insight of Mary, Kevin and the whole team at the Good Life Orphanage many more casualties of poverty will continue. Let us pray for her family and friends and may she rest in peace.
It’s a heartbreaking story, God rest little Zuhuri, We are keeping you all in our prayers, and it’s clear that the school will become a lifeline for the health & well being of the children. You are doing an amazing job , Godbless Mary, Kevin & all the staff at the school & orphanage .From Anne -Marie & Family. X
I have tears rolling down my cheeks as I read about Zuhuri – the pain and suffering he endured and that his family now endure as they greave is unthinkable made even worse by the knowledge that he could have been saved. We have to ensure that we make something good come out of this which is so bad by continuing to raise awareness of The Goodlife Orphanage, continuing to raise funds and by keeping Mary, Kevin and all the staff and children at the orphanage in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you all. The Neville Family xx
RIP Zuhuri. When I read the blog, this beautiful piece of music came to mind and i hope others think it appropriate. Please listen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3A2IrlebY4
The song is called ‘Have an angel walk with her’ and is sung by a personal friend of ours Martyn Joseph.
Such sad news to hear about Zahuri you can be sure my thoughts and prayers are with you all at GLO.
What a sad story. Keep up the good work Mary, Kevin & co. at the Good Life Orphanage. Paddy & Lisa
i met this family while in Kenya. They were so excited about the children being able to attend the school.So sorry about the loss of a beautiful child.