As we all know Papa Kevin loves a bargain, he often visits the shamba at Shimo la Twea prison to buy oranges & grapefruits and has always has a chat with the staff and inmates who work there. On his last visit one of the officers asked him to come to see a brother and sister whose parents had died recently in tragic circumstances. They were living in extreme poverty, there was no food anywhere and they were not attending school. Papa Kevin felt very sorry for the orphans after seeing their ramshackle home and the mattress on which they slept, they were surviving but only just. Kaleso thirteen years old and his sister Amina eight years old needed help immediately.
A few days later Papa Kevin brought George our social worker to meet the children to arrange for them to be committed to The Good Life Orphanage. This was not an easy task, George needed the Death Certificates of the parents along with a letter from the village chief confirming their sad story. Once all these were in place the next step was to approach the Department of Children to arrange a court hearing.
Luckily the DCO recognised their plight arranging the hearing and committal order immediately. Wednesday 13th March was the date and George along with Abbas was on-hand to ensure all ran smoothy. Kaleso & Amina were very nervous but understood they could not continue to live as they had been doing since the death of their parents. After the committal order was granted they returned to the village to say goodbye. They showed the GLO staff their appalling living conditions, this was visible to the naked eye but this brother and sister have suffered physiologically as well, something we have to be very aware of at the orphaange.
On arrival at The Good Life Orphanage they were welcomed by everyone, they were then weighed and had a quick medical check, next step was the issuing of some new clothes and they met their new Mama in Keogh House. They received a full medical check the following day at the nearby clinic which confirmed that they were malnourished but otherwise in good health.
Mama Lucy is a friendly and loving lady, she understood they were frightened but gave them a big hug and an even bigger lunch. She mentioned the sadness in their eyes, they have been through so much and it is very easy to see that Kaleso & Amina have witnessed things a child should never see.
After lunch Papa Kevin brought them down to the school to meet the other children in Keogh House and introduce them to Mr Pius and the teaching staff, unfortunately they have not attended school so will have to be assessed to see which class they will join next week. They were amazed at their new home, at St Bernadette Mary School and also they were very shocked at how confident the orphanage children are when they were introducing themselves.
It will take a little time for them to adapt to living at the orphanage as they are older and since their parents died have been “free spirits” as such with no supervision nor boundaries. We hope the despair in Kaleso & Amina eyes will be replaced with smiles and joy very soon.
Poor Poor children so young and to have suffered so much already
Well today is the new day their lives will change forever
With the dedication and care of the staff and management at the GLO
These children will be changed in months never to look back
Keep up the good work GLO and sending a big hug for the children xx
There is no better place for these children to start their new lives. Mama Jane is so full of love for all her children and it won’t be long before these 2 have smiles and sparkling eyes with the confidence they will need. Their story is so sad and I pray new memories will soon replace the dreadful ones they have had to endure. God bless x
Such a sad story for these two beautiful children. But it will be a happy ending. The love and care they will get from glo will make them strong and happy children.
Glad that Kaleso and Amina are in a safe and happy environment. Children in Ireland and the UK do not know how lucky they are, Thank God for the Orphanage it will take time for them both to adjust but please God they will both find happiness in their new home. Happy St Patrick’d Day to you all xxx
They are two very lucky children.
Lovely story of hope! Best wishes to kaleso and amina as they start their new and better life at the GLO. Happy st Patricks day to you all xx
Two more beautiful children with a very sad tale.But if there is anywhere in Kenya where they will receive the love ,care and nourishment they so richly deserve, it is the GLO, and Mama Jane will relish the task. .
God bless all and a happy Saint Patrick’s day.
Another piece of good news from a sad story……Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all.
Two beautiful children who have not had the start in life they should have. Having visited the Good Life Orphanage I realise that actually they are the lucky ones to have been brought to such a wonderful place. We are visiting again soon and really look forward to meeting Kaleso and Amina x
Welcome and God Bless you both.
Well done Kevin & Mary. Another heart wrenching story. Time is a great healer and hopefully it will help to heal the pain these two lovely kids have had to endure in their short lives. They are in a great place now for that to happen.
Paddy & Lisa
The young promising Kenyans have joined St Bernadette Mary school.Since they had not been to school before,Kaleso has joined Kindergarten level two,while Amina has joined Kindergarten level One.We humbly welcome them to be part of this blessed family.
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