KANYAWEGI NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY 2002
NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2002
In my last newsletter in October I said I would
not be returning to Kisumu until January the 2nd, but as there were a few problems
(the main one was that I missed the children) I went to Kisumu for two weeks
in November, and returned again for six weeks on the 2nd of January.
During my November visit it was decided to end our chicken project. This decision
was a painful one to make and was debated at great length, but due to our inability
to make a profit it was the only solution at this time. We have kept the chicken
house so we can start again if we are able to get the expertise to organize
things. Although we are all naturally disappointed at this costly failure, we
are determined to look positively at the whole problem to ensure we learn from
the mistakes we have made.
Another problem we needed to deal with was with some of the older (teenager)
children. It will be refreshing for you parents of teenagers, that some of the
issues you must find difficult, are the same in Kenya - the only difference
is that if they are caught in Kenya they are " dealt with" by the
local chief and then handed over to the police, not a waggle of the finger which
we would expect in the west.
As we all know there is always going to be problems in life, and I do like my
newsletters to reflect all aspects of life at the home, not just the nice cuddly
bits. For me it is the way we, as a committee, deal with problems and doing
our best to prevent the problems repeating themselves that is important-not
pretending they don't exist.
On the whole my November visit was busy and short, but a lot was achieved. It
was also a surprise visit, as I had told no one I was going - so committee,
staff and children were all surprised to see me ( I think it was a nice surprise!)
During my stay in England I was able to put a new brochure together, with the
help of Richard,
When I returned to Kenya on the 2nd of January, Jan Randall who visited Kanyawegi
a year ago, came with me for a two week visit. The children enjoyed having her
around and also learned how to have a party - English style.
Chris Mathews who had been staying at Kanyawegi, went back to England at the
end of his three month stay on the 12th of January. Although I was only with
him for the last 10 days of his stay, he had a constructive time starting a
Bible study group, helping with the children and visiting the homes of children
on our waiting list.
Doreen Moxham visited us during the last two weeks of my stay, returning with
me on the 14th of February. Doreen, who visited us last year, was able to do
a lot of work with the girls. This has highlighted the need of a woman on our
staff to look after the "girlie problems".
PROJECTS
The new bore-hole is still going on, despite many problems (Kenya style). It
is now at sixty feet and giving a lot of water, but not enough to stop digging.
This project, which is sponsored by the Lions club in Kisumu, should be completed
in the next few weeks.
Another new and very exciting project is now in progress - a new girls extension.
This additional area will provide an area for all the girls in a self contained
unit. It will have 26 beds, two toilets, a bathroom and a study area.
This project has been getting more urgent as the children have been getting
older,
it will also provide for an additional 10 beds and release a large room for
other purposes. This will completely separate the boys and girls at night time,
ensuring more privacy for all the girls( and the boys! ).
We are very thankful to Ridgeway Church, who through Teamwork support Ministries,
are sponsoring this whole project.
FINANCE
All of us at Kanyawegi give thanks to God for His provision, and to so many
of you for your prayers and practical support. The amount of sacrifices people
are making to support the home never fails to challenge us, as well as showing
the children in Kanyawegi how much they are loved. There are so many stories
which I don't want to write in fear of embarrassment, but thank you all. I would
also like to thank the person who sends money through the post and assure them
that all money goes direct into the Kanyawegi account.
Two other points I would like to make on finance, 1; we never take new children
unless we are reasonably sure we can financially care for them, and 2; my personal
expenses, including travel, are paid by myself and not Kanyawegi.
STAFF
As I have mentioned, we are looking for a lady to join our team as a duty parent.
This will give the extra support the home needs, and give the girls the much
needed advice they have been missing.
CHILDREN
I don't know why I leave the most important item until the end, maybe it's good
to leave the best until last.
Two more children have left us since my last newsletter in October. Beatrice(1)
completed her tailoring exams and left us in January and Eric(1) who has completed
his electrical installation exams, is leaving this month.
We have six new arrivals, sisters Quinta and Eunice (10 and 13), Jerry (who
had no idea of his age - so we have made him 11), brothers Paul and Michael
(17 and 13) and Steven(15), a boy I have known for sometime who had been living
on the street. Quinta(2), Eunice, Jerry and Michael(2) are all going to Kotetni
primary school, Paul is at YMCA on a motor mechanics training course, and Steven(2)
is still being assessed. The (2) means we already have that name, hence the
(1), (2), or (3) after the name.
Caroline had a very good result from primary school and has now joined Kisumu
girls secondary school. Margaret has finished secondary school and we are waiting
for the results. David has finished his computer training and Steven(1) has
almost completed his. We are in the process of finding a workshop for them to
work from. Michael(1) is still doing well in motor mechanics, he is now on attachment
at a large garage. Irene left secondary school and has taken up tailoring. She
has a real gift of design and has already designed new bags, as well as making
all the school bags for the home.
SHOPPING LIST
Computer, hard disk, mother board, boys shorts and T shirts, trainers, school
shoes, underwear,
PRAYERS
For our continued protection, new staff, children who have left us, wisdom for
the committee in making decisions,
REGARDS AND LOVE - JIM DAWE
To subscribe to Newsletter/mailouts list via your e-mail Click Here
previous newsletter< - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ->newsletter index