Holly House Christmas Fundraiser

(pictures from Holly House Christmas 2015)

Fall is flying by and the holidays are just around the corner.  Christmas is a special time of year in Kenya – one that traditionally revolves around visiting relatives, food, and gifts of clothing.  Most of the students living in the Holly House orphanages, however, do not have family with whom to share these traditions, and will instead be spending their holiday break on campus. 

Each year, sponsors and supporters of Galilee raise money to provide these children with a memorable Christmas experience.  This typically includes a chicken dinner, drinks, dessert, and other edible treats.  For children whose typical meals consist of beans and rice, this Christmas dinner is a true feast that they look forward to with delight. 

We also hope to raise enough money to provide each child spending Christmas at Holly House with a gift of clothing.  Clothing is a traditional Christmas gift in Kenya, and the children at Holly House are always in need of clothing to wear when school is not in session. 

Let’s all come together to give the kids at Holly House a magical Christmas this year!  Fanuel (the school director) indicated that there will be approximately 70 students staying at Holly House over Christmas.  Dinner (including beverages, desserts, and treats) is expected to cost $17 per child for a total of $1,190.  Providing the children with a gift of clothing will cost an additional $18 per child for a total of $1,260.  Thus, the grand total for a Holly House Christmas to remember will be $2,450.  Any donations received in excess of this amount will go toward other needs of the Holly House orphanages.

Donations towards the Holly House Christmas event can be made here using the button under “general donation.”  Please specify “Holly House Christmas” on your donation.  All donations must be received by December 1!

Meet the Staff

Rosaline

We are going to have a new feature on the blog where we introduce some of the staff and community members who work so hard to educate and care for the children at Galilee Primary and Waddington High Schools. 

Today, we would like you to meet Rosaline.  Rosaline is an independent seamstress who has a small one-room shop set up right outside the gates of the school.  For the last five years, Rosaline has been making the uniforms that the children wear to school.  She sews shirts, dresses, trousers, skirts, and shorts for the children at GPS and WHS (sweaters are sourced elsewhere).  She also sells dresses and other civilian clothing to members of the local community.  In addition to being the school seamstress, Rosaline is also a proud Galilee Primary School parent.  She has a child enrolled in the nursery class at GPS. 

Uniforms are always a great gift idea for a sponsored child.  You can purchase a uniform and support Rosaline’s business at our on-line shop.

Child of the Week

Suleiman Moses Mambo

This week’s spotlighted child is Suleiman Moses Mambo.  Suleiman is fifteen years old.  He resides at Holly House and attends Waddington High School:

I am Suleiman Moses Mambo.  I was born in 2001.  By that time my family was financially unstable.  I was the first born (after me there are two children). Due to lack of money our family suffered and lacked food sometimes.  My life at home was very hard.  It was not easy for me to join primary school because my parents did not have money to pay for school fees.  I was taken by my uncle to primary school who would pay for school fees.  It was not easy for him to pay for school fees and also his children’s school fees, so I was usually sent home for school fees.  In class four, my parents argued with my uncle and from there he stopped paying for my school fees.  I was chased away from school to go for school fees.  I stayed home for three months before I was taken away to school by our chief and paid for me school fees for one year.

Due to continued taking of alcohol and cigarette smoking, my father suffered lung disease and unfortunately passed away.  The life in our family changed and became even harder.  From there I was taken by a well wisher from the village who paid for my school fees until I finished class eight.  I managed to pass well but my mother could not manage to pay for my school fees in secondary school.  So my mother went to search for assistance to the chief but she was unable.  She then came to Lorna Waddington and talked to director and told him about her status – how I don’t have anyone to pay for my school fees here in this school.  Life is not easy because there is no one to pay for my school fees.

                                                              Yours Sincerely,

                                                               Suleiman Moses Mambo

You can sponsor Suleiman for only $30 a month.  Your sponsorship will cover school fees and help pay for room and board.  The sponsorship fees for Holly House children do not cover the entire cost of their living expenses, but help supplement the monthly needs for caring for the children in the orphanage.  The remaining portion of their living expenses are covered through separate donations.  As a sponsor, you will receive an annual photo and personal information about your sponsored child.  Your sponsored child will send you letters, and you will receive information regarding how to correspond with your sponsored child, should you choose to do so. 

To sponsor Suleiman or for more information, please visit His Hands for Kenya or contact us here.  Please sponsor a Kenyan child today!