A project to support orphans, aged over 18 years old
Vocational training, medical care and counselling for 23 young people, who are orphans as a result of HIV/AIDS.
January - December 2018
Sister Jane Wairimu reports:
"The project is enabling 23 older orphans to study on vocational training courses at different schools and colleges in the area. Their subjects include teaching, accounting, tailoring, catering, car mechanics, building, fashion and design and midwifery.
When we were deciding which orphans to enrol in the project, we considered the economic situation of the families, the interest and commitment of the orphans and their academic performance. These were the criteria that we used to ensure that the selected orphans would benefit and work hard to build themselves a brighter future.
An important element of the project has been psychological support and counselling to the orphans and their guardians, individually and in groups. We have also offered the orphans medical treatment for common illnesses and major sicknesses, including malaria and typhoid.
Our long-term vision is to start small businesses for the orphans, so that they may become self-reliant in the future. We hope that by supporting them to start up small businesses, they will help to alleviate the poverty of their families.
Through our visits from house to house, we have been able to build a personal relationship with each beneficiary and discuss with them the challenges they are encountering. During our school visits, we have talked to the class teachers about academic issues and discipline. All this has helped us to develop a sense of one family, working hand in hand for the common good of all.
The orphans and their guardians are very grateful for the support rendered to them. They count themselves among the lucky people. The older orphans say that, looking at the country’s reality, the vocational skills they are learning will be of great help since they are taught practical skills as a way of earning their living. They feel happy and hopeful for a brighter future."
"The project is enabling 23 older orphans to study on vocational training courses at different schools and colleges in the area. Their subjects include teaching, accounting, tailoring, catering, car mechanics, building, fashion and design and midwifery.
When we were deciding which orphans to enrol in the project, we considered the economic situation of the families, the interest and commitment of the orphans and their academic performance. These were the criteria that we used to ensure that the selected orphans would benefit and work hard to build themselves a brighter future.
An important element of the project has been psychological support and counselling to the orphans and their guardians, individually and in groups. We have also offered the orphans medical treatment for common illnesses and major sicknesses, including malaria and typhoid.
Our long-term vision is to start small businesses for the orphans, so that they may become self-reliant in the future. We hope that by supporting them to start up small businesses, they will help to alleviate the poverty of their families.
Through our visits from house to house, we have been able to build a personal relationship with each beneficiary and discuss with them the challenges they are encountering. During our school visits, we have talked to the class teachers about academic issues and discipline. All this has helped us to develop a sense of one family, working hand in hand for the common good of all.
The orphans and their guardians are very grateful for the support rendered to them. They count themselves among the lucky people. The older orphans say that, looking at the country’s reality, the vocational skills they are learning will be of great help since they are taught practical skills as a way of earning their living. They feel happy and hopeful for a brighter future."
Students at the St. Kizito Vocational Training Institute: Emmanuel, Joseph, Viola, Cathy, Jane and Prossy.
Mr Anthony (left) is the project auditor and sometimes accompanies the team on home and school visits. Sister Jane (back row, right), is the project coordinator. |
Asumpta (right) is a third-year nursing student at the Villa Maria Nursing School. She is pictured with Sister Jane during a school visit.
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A home visit to Joel's family. Joel lives with his sickly grandmother and other children who are relatives.
Mr Matovu (left) is a teacher who collaborates with the team during home visits. Joel is at the back in a black t-shirt, next to Sister Jane Wairimu. |