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Dear Friends,
As you can see from the Report from Leonida, the WkW Centre has started very well but has been extremely busy. Almost 400 primary, secondary and post secondary students returned to school early January. As usual there was much excitement as the boys and girls attended the Centre to get their cheques to take to their school, to get their new uniforms and shoes, the books and stationery, travel fares (some schools do pick up students in their school bus), bedding, plus all the little requirements need daily eg. tooth paste, soap etc. All these items are provided in the sponsorship package for sponsors so sponsors please be assured that when a child is sponsored, you give much more than just a basic education and accommodation.
The WkW Centre, opened in 2013, is now bursting at the seams with children, women and their programs, IT programs, counselling, food and accommodation support, meals for children, tuition and the continuous stream of men, women and children coming for support and care. So to meet the constant demand, more accommodation is being sought and at this time, negotiations are taking place for the purchase of a large block of land, with an existing building, very close to the Centre in a thriving commercial area. Leonida, the staff and the Trustees, have been looking for a suitable place to expand their work particularly with women – Ugandan refugees, Maasai women, Women’s education and the women’s table top banking program, as well as housing the growing and very important IT programs.
With two very generous donations from Australian families, this property can be purchased, after it has been signed off by the WkW legal representatives. The property does have an old house and buildings that can be used immediately but it is hoped that in the near future a purpose built development can be built to meet all the requirements that, are so needed today, to support the work of WkW. However, that will require much financial funding to make it happen.
The Safe House is a wonderful home to 12 to 14 girls between the age of 4 years to 21 years. The girls maintain the house, grow their own vegetables, have chickens and rabbits and the company of a much loved dog and cat. It has been a haven for small girls who have been abandoned or abused. Leonida Kwamboka often spends a night with the girls, enjoying dinner and companionship and sleeping in her small room on the property. They all enjoy these very special evenings.
You will have received notice of the new date for our very special Function at Glamp in Little Collins Street on Sunday 1st May, from 3pm to 6pm. Please come along and bring friends, and enjoy the wonderful hospitality given so generously by Jeanelle and Dean Mariani. Leonida has sent us some wonderful items to sell, most made by our women, but also other pieces that typify Kenyan beauty. There will also be major auction items, all donated, to take you away for that special holiday, or enhance your home.
We recently have had an increase in bequests to WFWIA. These will help ensure the future of the programs so needed in Nairobi. Mr Peter Toms is very happy to speak with you at any time. He can be reached through info@womenforwomeninafrica.org.au.
I will leave it to you now, to read, first hand, all about what is happening in Nairobi and the wonderful work being done by the staff and trustees there.
And once again, I thank you for your support, consideration and friendship.
Marguerite Ryan AM
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