New Life Nyambene is committed to creating a better future for some of the most disadvantaged and stigmatised children in Africa. Our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned street children in Kenya and to give them the educational opportunities that are their best chance of escaping destitution.
Comings....
Introducing Eric Munene, a young boy of unknown age (11? 12?). After his mother vanished, Eric tried to stay with his father, but as he neither provided food nor permitted Eric to beg, life quickly became unsustainable. Eric tried working as a shepherd, but the jungle was too much for him and his employers abused him. Between 2020 and 2022 he tried three times to enrol in various schools, but as he had nowhere to live, this valiant attempt also failed. However, concerned teachers sought us out and we have just begun to care for him.
At the time of writing he is living with an aunt whom we are providing with food, and we are paying for him to go back to school.
Over the next few months as we get to know Eric, we will decide whether his best interests lie in fully integrating with us in the home or remaining with his aunt, but fully provided for and befriended.
...... and Goings
There is such joy in fulfilling our vision to enable children like this to take their place in society, educated and equipped to earn their own living. This past month we release into independence two whom we have nurtured since they were even younger than Eric.
Kelvin Mutembei was brought to us twenty years ago at the age of three, having been found as a baby trying to suckle from his dead mother. His life has been full of challenges as he has battled depression and bouts of excessive drinking. However, he has made it through, with our consistant support and provision, and is now graduating with a certificate in Electrical Installation and a very useful extra course in mobile phone repair. The pictures show him at ages 15, 19 and today. What a transformation!
We will not lose touch, and remain his family, wherever he chooses to go.
Elosy joined us after her father was murdered and her mother fled for her own life. She was already in Grade 6 at primary school, and has since completed her education, graduating from Nkabune Technical Training College with a certificate in fashion and design. Elosy is an utterly delightful young woman, who is now opening a nail boutique in Maua close to the home with start up funding that we have provided. She is deeply bonded into our family, and even looks after the younger children when our Matron, Purity, is on leave.
Elosy Mwendwa, aged 13, 18 and today at 21.
This is a hugely enterprising business endeavour for such a young woman. We are deeply impressed by her commitment and work-ethic, and glad to be nearby to encourage and support her.
Spot the visiting trustee and her two British children!
We visit as often as we can, to maintain and increase our bonds with staff and children, as well as for mentoring and accountability.
On his way!
Kelvin Mugendi has just begun his degree course in Law at Chukka University. He looks magnificent! – and we wish him every success in his studies.
But the best thing of all is when we watch our alumni living stable lives in healthy long-term relationships. Above and below we show you the beauty of all our work over the decades, in the lives of the next generation, whose parents love them and each other. Welcome little people!
And so we move forward at the end of another school year in Kenya, with our school children home for their long Christmas break. We are so proud of them, and endlessly grateful to all of you for providing faithfully and generously over the years. I hope this newsletter has shown you that your constancy has saved lives (and created new ones…) and that nothing you have sacrificed has been in vain. Thank you from all of us!
