Home of Hope Orphanage in Kenya

There are many wonderful charity projects around the world. What are the distinctive of Home of Hope?

The Home of Hope Orphanage in Siaya Kenya is run by 2 very dedicated Christian men. Pastor Josiah and Erick Owino. Pastor Josiah is now in his 50's and started taking in children from the streets when he was only 17 years old.

Two and a half years ago he was joined by Erick Owino an outstanding young man aged 21 at the time. Erick was an orphan who had lived as a street child from the age of about 7 years. When he was about 10 years old he was rescued from the streets by James and Rose Osare who run the Osare orphanage in Kisumu Kenya which is about 40 miles from Siaya.

Erick did his schooling and studied business administration. He is also an English interpreter.

He agreed to leave Kisumu and join Pastor Josiah at Siaya as the administrator and coordinator for the Home of Hope orphanage. It is very unusual for a street child to finish his schooling and then help run another orphanage. Especially as the Home of Hope orphanage had no sponsors. They have just 2 dormitories for 72 children. There is also a small store room. Erick and Josiah have built themselves huts from mud and thatch. They are helped by 15 widows who live in a small mud hut on the premises and help with the children in return for food and a place to live.

what part of the world does Home of Hope work?

Siaya, Kenya.

How did Home of Hope come into being?

It was started by Pastor Josiah because there were young children being abandoned because their parents had died. They were living on the streets and many were dying.

Are there current plans for expansion?

The new child protection laws mean that this orphanage will need to be registered and brought up to the required standard. Each child will need their own bed, mattress, bedding and mosquito net. Mosquito nets are urgent as there is malaria in the area and recently 5 children had to be taken to hospital for malaria treatment.

They will need additional dormitories and eventually a kitchen and toilet facilities. At present all the cooking is done outside, the children have to use a field as a toilet and there are not enough beds for all the children.

Marilyn White has taken on the role of UK coordinator and is working hard to raise funds for these needed projects and also sponsorship for the children in order to ensure that they have adequate food.

What is the biggest challenge for Home of Hope?

Sponsorship for the children and funds for the needed facilities.

How can folk get involved?

You can become involved by praying for this work, making it known to your friends, family and church and by giving. We urgently need sponsors for the children at £15 per month each. We also need donations to help purchase and build the necessary facilities for these children.. Donations can be made through PayPal at www.christian-housesitters.com/kenya.htm