The children were later relocated to the much safer Kasarani District, and then in September, 2009, they began to attend local boarding schools instead and return to their extended families during the school breaks, eliminating the need for the house altogether. This has ensured a more cost-effective and higher quality of education for the children, allowing them to stay connected with their own clans and villages, while still under the supervision of the Amani committee members.

In addition, a small educational outreach was also developed in the remote village of Shinyalu in western Kenya, assisting 12 orphans to go to school. As of this date it has grown to 26, mostly in primary grades. Since the dynamics of village life are markedly different from that of the big city, the program is also adapting now and expanding to include specialized trades such as agriculture and livestock that can secure opportunities for the children to make a living and provide for themselves and their families, without moving away when they finish their education.

Amani is now run by a team of local Kenyans whose hearts are united in the best interests of the children. They are committed to a holistic approach of physical provision, quality education, spiritual growth and future self-sufficiency, and they monitor the children both at school and home to ensure they are receiving the best help to attain those goals.

We are pleased to say that Phyllis, the woman who began this work is now on the Board of Directors of To Raise up a Child, and we are partnering together to move this work forward, hopefully and prayerfully, to reach and help more children in Kenya. If you would like more information, or are interested in visiting this work, feel free to contact Phyllis directly at pfeatherstone1@juno.com, or 503-930-0381.