The Kenyan Children Foundation (KCF) is currently cooperating with the Presiding Bishop and the Methodist Church in Kenya (MCK) to build a facility to house, educate and care for homeless children residing in the streets of Meru, Kenya. A needs assessment study compiled by a registered social work agency in Meru indicates there may be as many as 300 orphaned and destitute children without shelter, sustenance and education within Meru and surrounding areas. At this time, no agency in Meru has undertaken the task of providing any substantial aid to these children. With the construction and maintenance of this facility, it is hoped that other charitable agencies within Meru will be inspired to collaborate and expand this project.
Meru is a small rural community located on the eastern slope of Mt. Kenya. The Methodist Church has been active in the community for over one hundred years. During the past ten years, as the economy has weakened, drought and famine shown their ugly faces, and the scourge of AIDS grown to epidemic proportions, many children left home and made their way from the rural areas into the town. As the population of homeless children grew, the local Methodist Church began to reach out to them through education and feeding programs.
In 1997, the local Church decided to develop a center where they could eventually house and educate about seventy children. In 1999 sufficient money was raised to begin Phase One. A cottage was erected by KCF. Soon thereafter, a charitable organization from the UK, Karibuni Trust, constructed a kitchen and dining facility. They also saw to the installation of a septic system. In November of that year, twelve children were admitted to the home.
In 2001, plans were drawn to develop the full 2+ acres into a village/home for the children. A technical/vocational college and a dairyproject were designed as well. An architect and contractor were hired. The plans for the home proper include two cottages for the younger children, two dorms and common rooms for the older children, an IT/Vocational school and college student/visitors quarters.
By November 2001, construction on Phase Two (see Summer 2002 newsletter) was completed. This included two cottages, parking area, footpaths, guardhouse and installation of boilers for hot water systems. An additional twenty children were selected and entered the home before Christmas.
Construction on Phase Three (see February 2006 newsletter) was completed in August, 2006. At this time housing l for the adolescent children is now available. As a result 20 additional children will be invited into the home. |
