Kenya Projects
Tanzania Projects
By Grace Orphanage
Highlights
Started by Salome Wambui Muturi (now known as “Grace”) with just a few orphans in 2003.
- 250 orphaned children
- 8 small rooms
- volunteer teachers
- children sleep under desks at night
- food cooked on roof
- beans are diet staple
- most months no meat and milk
Where We Work - Kenya
By Grace OrphanageNairobi, Kenya
By Grace Orphanage is both home and school for orphans of all ages in Nairobi, Kenya. Started by Salome Wambui Muturi (now known as "Grace") several years ago when a few orphans needed a place to stay, today Grace has 250 children living and studying together in eight tiny rooms. By day the children attend classes taught by volunteer teachers and by night they sleep shoulder to shoulder under their desks in the same rooms.
Up on the roof they cook their food. On any given day you will find a dozen little children as young as 4 and 5 peeling beans for the three big cooking pots. Beans are the staple of their diet and most months they lack basic nourishment including meat and milk and other necessities like shoes, school supplies and sanitary napkins.
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Meet Otieno
When Otieno's parent's died several years ago, he was left with his aunt and uncle. His uncle died last year and his aunt, who is also HIV positive, is now caring for many children from the extended family. With the recent death of his uncle, making end meet became even more difficult and the family seemed to loose hope. But today, for Otieno, life is less uncertain. He is now in the care of By Grace, surrounded by the love at the orphanage and with hope for an education and a future.
Meet Kathambi and Kagengo
Kathambi and Kagengo lost their mother this year. During the last stage of their mother's illness, when the girls were begging on the street, the community introduced them to By Grace. When they arrived at the orphanage, their health was not good, but today it has improved and they have adjusted well to their new life. Kathambi and Kagengo are still together and are now cared for and loved.
Meet Caroline Atieno
Caroline was brought to By Grace by her aunt who had been caring for her and ten other children. When her husband died, her aunt, who is also HIV positive, was desperate. Caroline now lives at By Grace and receives the love and support from the staff and other children and is able to benefit from the orphanage's schooling. By Grace helps Caroline's aunt and the other children when possible.
Meet Florence Wanjiru
Florence's mother died when she was very young. She lived with her father until 2002 when AIDS took his life as well. At first, her grandmother was able to care for her upcountry but, when this was no longer possible, her aunt got together enough money to bring her to Nairobi. Not able to care for her long term, Florence's aunt found her a loving home at By Grace. Today, at the age of twelve, Florence has found a family at the orphanage and is dedicated to continuing her education. When Florence grows up she hoped to become a pastor.
Meet Carol Wambui
Wambui was born into the slums of Kirinyaga and into extreme poverty. Sometimes homeless and deserted by her parents, Wambui often went without food or care until 2002 when she first came to By Grace. Today, she has completed the first four years for school and is eager for more.
Meet Emmanuel
Emmanuel was cared for first by his sister and then his grandmother after the death of his parents from AIDS. His sister managed to find a job as a house girl and the opportunity to pursue her education. Emmanuel was not as lucky until he found By Grace. Today, the seven year old also has the chance to get an education and find a better life.
Meet Wangechi
Wangechi lost her parents and brother to AIDS. Her sister found employment as a house girl and, through her employer, found a place at By Grace for her little sister. Today Wangechi is nine years old and has completed two years of schooling. Despite her difficult childhood, Wangechi still dreams big and believes in the future -- she would like to be a doctor when she grows up.
