UPDATE: Marafiki response to the temporary closure of the Real Hope and Joyful Hearts Centres 

Following confirmed cases of Covid-19 Coronavirus in Kenya, the Government there closed all schools and gathering places which included the RHYCO drop-in centre and the Joyful Hearts Centre in Kawangware. This was devastating for the children there for whom the centres are their places of refuge and support.

At RHYCO, as well as being fed, the children can access running water and showers, have a place to do their homework, with the pastoral support of the dedicated team. At JHC the boys and their mothers receive social support, as well as food and physiotherapy. Our biggest concern was the high risk that the RHYCO children in particular returned to the streets to try to find food if there was nothing at home.  

The monthly sponsorship monies support the centre and the children’s education.  Rent still had to be paid.  Some money has been saved from school fees as schools remain closed until at least September.  But, in the meantime, we have contacted all sponsors and previous supporters asking for help with delivering food parcels. The initial request was well received, and we were able to contribute £800 towards buying food parcels containing basic supplies for each family for a month.  The team spent two days buying and distributing the food parcels, which brought smiles and tears of joy. Since the first delivery the team have been able to deliver 3 further food parcels to each family and enable families to buy clean water.

Thank you to all who donated so generously.