Sowing seeds for the future at SOS Eldoret

Negotiating a bride price

2009-03-25T09:26:00.005+03:00

On 10th January, led by the Village Director and the School Principal, I had the honor and privilege of attending a dowry negotiating ceremony for one of our independent youth from Mombasa Village who works at the SOS Children’s Village Eldoret. When we arrived at the venue, we were met with curious stares from all corners. Firstly, we had to dust ourselves because the road to the bride’s home was a dusty affair. Secondly we had arrived slightly late and we could almost sense an atmosphere of unease. Ironically, the people showered us with warm hospitality. The Nandis (a Kenyan tribe) were the quintessential hosts; warm, welcoming, caring and constantly plying us with the best food I have ever eaten. I left each meal with an ear to ear grin, a full belly and two notches looser on my belt.

We were both looking forward with much anticipation since we had scant information about what it was like in such ceremonies. The Village Director, Mr. Peter Mungai was the spokesperson (or is it the broker?) from the groom’s side. The atmosphere in the house was tense and the conversation intent. We were constantly reassured by the spokesperson from the bride’s side that nothing will go wrong. No food was served for the entire period of the negotiations until a bride price was agreed. The brokers from both sides engaged in lengthy negotiations on the size of the dowry. Both parties made concessions.

While I thought the figures quoted were “very high, extremely high,” the bride’s team moved quickly to reassure us that Bride Price is not about monetary value or even a comparison of like for like. It holds an extremely emotional and symbolic role in the psyche of the people and family from where the bride comes. After four hours of strong negotiations, offers and counter-offers both parties emerged from the meeting room with a smile on their faces – bruised but happy that they had accomplished a big task and that Loice (bride) and Alexander (groom) will finally start living as a man and wife even as they prepare to tie the knot at a date to be announced in December with the full blessings of their families and community.
After the negotiation was complete, part of the ritual involved being offered “Mursik”, (fermented milk) to drink as a sign of friendship. Then there was cooking oil passed to the mother of the groom by the female friends and members of the family of the bride to signify a new bond between the two families. The groom’s father and the old men accompanying him also received a “sotet” (gourd) and a cup. It truly enhanced the experience. I was touched, moved and awed. Indeed, the traditional way of doing things becomes different when two cultures are introduced into the equation.

The negotiation ceremony ended with some humor and fun! The close relatives of Loice and Alexander paraded for introduction. They then gave them a few short words of advice about maintaining a successful and happy marriage.

This was a wonderful event overall. At least we were not thrown out of the home of the bride as sometimes it is when tempers flare up during dowry negotiation in some African societies. I will continue to cherish the values that the SOS family and that of the bride hold in common. It became clear to me that despite the apparent contrasts in culture and way of life, we really are very similar. Perhaps that is why Alexander found his bride in a small village in Eldoret!

by Fredrick Ochieng

SOS children emerge winners in the Collect-a-Kiwi Can competition.

2009-03-24T10:11:00.001+03:00

Two children from the SOS Children’s Village Eldoret, Desmond and Victor who attend the SOS Hermann Gmeiner Primary School in Eldoret were recently declared overall winners in the Sarah-Lee Kiwi competition which ran between May-July 2008. Interestingly, both come from the same house.

The theme for the completion “All about Making”, required the pupils to collect shoe polish tins of different sizes and colours and to answer questions. The judgment of who was the winner was based on the highest collector and the ability to answer the questions correctly.

Participating schools were encouraged to collect and deliver as many used shoe polish tins as possible during the period of the competition. The children collected the tins and took them to school, giving them to them to a teacher who was coordinating the exercise.

Desmond and Victor received beautifully branded T-shirts from the shoe polish company. Speaking after donning his beautiful shirt, Desmond described the day as his best day but one that also made him feel nervous. “When my name was announced, suddenly my heart started beating faster and harder. I was so nervous; I could not imagine myself walking past the students and teachers in the parade to receive my gift. But I gathered courage and gently walked to the Principal, and yes, it was a nice experience since I had never won anything before.” Victor was equally happy and proud for been awarded for a good job done.

This year promises to be full of exciting opportunities as the pupils in standard 4 to 7 will be participating in an essay competition whose theme is “Born in Africa”.

by Fredrick Ochieng

Ululation and joy mark the Village Father’s Award ceremony

2009-03-02T15:50:00.000+03:00

It was jubilation and happiness all the way at the SOS Children’s Village Eldoret during the academic awards function held on 26 January 2008, to celebrate the success of various children in their academic performance. The academic arena honours the achievements of our children in primary and high school. Every child looks forward to the village father's award at the end of each term. Our village places a special emphasis helping its children build a strong academic foundation for a lifetime of success.

32 children who demonstrated significant academic improvement were recognized at the ceremony that was also witnessed by the Village Director, Peter Mungai. Others in attendance were the mothers, youth leaders and the village educator. The children were rewarded with books and candies while the most improved house received a flower vase. All the mothers were also given a book entitled “How to teach your children about sexuality”.

There was a light moment when the young children in the Kindergarten and class one were given balloons as presents which they promptly started bursting leaving the children and staff in stitches.

Speaking at the ceremony, Baba Mungai, as he is popularly known, said: “The academic arena is an outstanding opportunity to celebrate and encourage academic excellence. Each child should therefore make it a desire to work hard and win something”. Responsibility, time management and discipline were underscored.

We congratulate our young people for all of their hard work during the last term and wish them continued success as they move ahead in the next school year and beyond.

By Fred Ochieng, Youth Leader Coordinator

USHERING IN THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE

2009-02-02T14:22:00.002+03:00

Youth from Eldoret get together to mark the beginning of the New Year

We had an absolutely fabulous reunion with our youth at the beginning of this year. About 70 youth, some in colleges, others from their places of work and those aspiring to join colleges met at a large get together party in Eldoret to usher in the New Year. It was a sight to behold as the youth engaged themselves in chit chat. What a wonderful time! This was a good opportunity to meet all the youth some of whom have taken a long time to visit home considering their daily engagements in school and work places.

The mothers could not hide their joy as they hugged and embraced their children in a show of love and affection. They renewed friendships and touched base with what each one of them was doing and their future plans. Each of them relived their childhood experiences as they jostled for seats closer to mummy. Some broke down in tears as they shared and recalled fond memories and happy times. During their meeting with the mothers, youth care co-workers and the village director; they appreciated and recalled what the organization has been able to do for them. The care givers reminded the youth that they have made each working day fun and challenged them to utilize their time well while still in the organization so as to have a bright future.

The get together, whose theme was “moving from school into the workforce”, targeted youth in college, those already working, those with families and youth who are preparing to join tertiary colleges. It appreciated the complex transition that most of our youth undergo when setting foundations for their lives. It is a critical period when young individuals develop and build skills, based on their initial education and training, that help them become productive members of the society. It is complex in the sense that many young people are being employed; others perform casual or unpaid work, or are easily discouraged from job searching.

The village director urged the youth to remain focused and push for their issues rather than adopt a wait and see attitude noting that they could be easily forgotten. He recognized those with outstanding performance and asked their counterparts to emulate them. “The society is going to demand your strength and, indeed, you will be strong to make this world a better place than you found it”, he added.

They did do more though than visit and enjoy each other's company. It was a great day that carried meaning. Speaking on behalf of the youth, Michael had this to say: “We are safe in saying that all of us have great admiration and appreciation for your support and endurance to help us be who we are today. There aren't enough words to express our appreciation to you our care givers”. What great memories!

One year after the post poll violence…….

2009-01-15T10:18:00.002+03:00

Kenya's worst ever ethnic violence was sparked off by a presidential election held a year ago today. A once stable and prosperous nation went from being known as a land of big cats and safaris to a country beset by brutal mob violence; a place where a church full of terrified worshippers could be set ablaze with dozens inside burnt alive. At least 1,300 people died and more than 300,000 fled their homes.
Since then, an internationally brokered peace deal to end the strife has held, and the coalition government is intact. But for many victims, the struggle to rebuild lives has barely begun. One issue is money. The other reason, especially in Eldoret which was the epicenter of the violence is fear and mistrust. There have been no more attacks but there are still verbal threats. Neighbours peep at each other through broken fences as they see their stolen property in the other’s compound. It is painful but one asks what wounds would be opened were they to claim what belongs or belonged to them.

Children’s games are now tailored between “us” and not with “them” creating a near-permanent hostility in their fragile minds. You can now hear children talk of others by their tribes which a while ago was foreign to them. Worst hit are the public schools mainly in the rural setting. Although our SOS School was not affected, our children witnessed what was going on at that time. We are very proud that our children in the village have been able to cope with the trauma thanks to the post election counseling debriefing that was conducted after the violence. They have been appreciative of each other although the subject of what transpired keeps coming up. They are encouraged to talk about it so that they can heal faster.

The plight of the internally displaced persons being repatriated back to their ancestral homes has raised questions as to how they can ever trust people they once regarded as their friends and neighbours, people they interacted with on a daily basis and with whom their children played together? Will friendships and relationships that are slowly starting to heal be broken again come the next elections?

The physical scars of the violence are still clear to see. Drive along the main, potholed road from Eldoret to Kitale and you can’t miss the burnt-out crumbling shells of former shops and restaurants, targeted and destroyed because their owners were from a rival ethnic group. The truth is that it's been quite a rollercoaster year for Kenyans. The violent fallout from the elections left them stunned. High food prices and ongoing drought has left the country in dire need for much of the year, while rising fuel prices made the cost of everyday life spiral thus affecting not only the SOS family budgets but also the greater Kenyan populace.

Most people are rebuilding, but they’re rebuilding smaller houses because they don’t have enough money. Business is slow now because people don’t have money. At least tension is now low and most people are eager to get on with their lives. Peace forums around the Eldoret town have been encouraging different communities to come together to talk about issues that were at the heart of the violence. Community leaders and elders have been leading discussions that aim to find local solutions to local problems.

Many of the displaced families around Eldoret are still living in tents and camps despite a sizeable number having returned home. These people are overwhelmingly desperate to regain their independence. They don't want to be stuck in limbo for another year. They receive food handouts once a month and this is a vital lifeline, with rising food prices putting even basic staple foods out of reach for those who lost everything when they fled their homes. Even then, sadly, they have been criticized as spongers, layabouts, and people trying to extort from the system.
Along the side of the camps, small business people are starting to re-establish their trades. But it's not easy, having seen all of their stock burned along with their stores in the violence. Local farmers are also struggling to replace tools stolen by looters and to buy fertilizer to grow a healthy crop next year.

Some of the emotional wounds are healing, while others still require a triple portion of healing balms and a continuous change of bandages.

In the picture above you see a house which was torched in Eldoret when marauders invaded a family in Kimimu Estate in Eldoret. Nothing was salvaged although the family escaped unhurt. They had sought refuge at a friend's house when it became evident that they were targeted for beloning to a different tribe.

Fredrick Ochieng - SOS co-worker Eldoret

Cheers and tears as Mama Stephen retires

2009-01-09T12:58:00.001+03:00

The day was favorable, the sun had passed its zenith, and was retiring towards the West when the SOS Children’s Village Eldoret witnessed the second farewell party for its second retiring mother. The big retirement party on January 2nd was one to remember as members of staff from the four villages gathered at the Kenmosa village to pay tribute to Mama Stephen (house 1) for her long years of service to the SOS Children.

Mama Stephen retires after serving the organization for close to 22 years. She is a living icon of courage, perseverance, and resilience in the challenging work of raising children. The transition has been in the works for 7 months since she announced her plan to step down from daily duties. The incoming mother has taken up her duties with enthusiasm and has been adequately mentored by the outgoing mother.
The ceremony was led by the Village Director, Mr. Peter Mungai and graced by the first retired mother from Nairobi village, Mama James. He commended her great sacrifice, dedication and diligence in work.

There were dozens of poignant moments throughout the momentous occasion that was punctuated by songs and dance. But the most touching of them all was the reality that the children had to contend with - their mother retiring from active duty. It was a tearful moment as the children, some of whom are now independent, shared the memories and the connection they had established with their mother. They heaped adulation on her for her love, patience and care. "Our mother gave us an enormous, enormous opportunity to grow up as children naturally," her eldest daughter Elizabeth Hassan said, breaking down into tears. "And I want to thank her for the love and care she gave us”. Mama Stephen’s children acknowledged that it won't be easy to move on, given how naturally they had bonded with their mother, but promised to support and cooperate with the new Mother.

Her fellow mothers showered her with praise. They equated her effort and subsequent passage to the biblical journey of the Israelites from Egypt. “Today the baton is handed over to Joshua (symbolic of the new mother taking over the house) who must rise above the challenge and complete what Mama Stephen had started. At the ceremony, Mama Edna, a longtime friend to Mama Stephen presented her with a white handkerchief that signified her sincere and honest work.

“I actually never thought she would really retire”, said Mama Ngudi. She has been talking about it for the last few years, but her end date kept getting pushed further and further back or maybe to a different time of year, until I finally decided she never would leave.

The School Principal, Mr. Elijah Omobe applauded the retiring mother for her selfless service and reminded the audience that it is not how we start that counts but how we finish. “The works of Mama Stephen is manifested in the children that she has raised”, he added.

For her part, Mama Stephen thanked the co-workers for the support they gave her in the duty of raising children. She observed that even the times that were the toughest, the support of everyone made work a bit lighter. She noted that the retirement seminars she attended adequately prepared her to transition to a new beginning. "So let me just close by saying you've made it so much for me. There won't be a day of my life that I'm not thinking about SOS Children’s Villages, and the great things that it's doing, and wanting to help” she concluded.
With those words, Mama Stephen marked the end of a career that has lasted for 22 years.

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS AT THE SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGE ELDORET

2008-11-28T10:17:00.008+03:00

In line with the SOS Kenya National Association development plan, the SOS Children’s Village Eldoret is at the moment undergoing an expansion plan. Construction of an additional 3 family houses has already started in Eldoret village to cater for the rising number of orphans. This will bring the total number of family houses to 15.

Construction is also underway for an SOS Community Health and Social Centre inside the Children’s Village. It will address HIV/AIDS issues and serve as a VCT Centre, providing anti-retroviral treatment and counselling services to HIV+ persons. It will also provide basic services and rehabilitation programs for children in need of special protection drawn primarily from the Eldoret catchment area. The former craft center will undergo reconstruction to house the project.

The village is rearing cows as an income generating activity and the milk from the cows is being sold to the family houses and the youth homes. Each family house has a small garden where they plan to grow kale to supplement the family budget. A new electric fence was also recently erected to improve security. A new sentry house for the guards has also been built. The former chicken coop has been refurbished to house the craft centre, the laundry, workshop, youth leaders' office and a library.

A modern parking spot has also been erected near the administration block.

YOUTH ATTEND PEER TRAINING ON CHILD PROTECTION

2008-11-14T08:59:00.000+03:00

Two of our youth attended a peer training in Eldoret on 4th and 5th November that was organized by an Ex-Street Community based organization in conjunction with Save the Children. The thematic focus of this seminar was the area of child protection and covered sensitive issues such as child abuse and violence.

In total, 18 participants attended the two day training. Participants were always on time, allowing an accurate adherence to the schedule. Common lunches as well as tea breaks allowed the participants to mix informally and share experiences. One of our youth, Leah Nyambura who attended the training aptly puts it this way: “The two days were very exciting as we learnt many things that concern children and youth. I learnt new things and gained so much in this seminar. This has had a huge impact in my life”. “We were given advice on how to interact with children in an appropriate way - by building confidence, listening patiently and placing oneself at the same level as the child”.

Simon Wambua equally describes his experience during the group tasks as humbling. “The facilitators guided us through the definition of a child and described the distinct phases of childhood development. They explained that children had specific needs that depended on their age and that fulfillment of these needs was vital for the child to fully develop”. “We engaged in group work to list the effects of child abuse on children, families and communities. We also discussed how events affecting the latter two groups could have an indirect impact on children, who were thus exposed to triple danger (once directly, twice indirectly). They both promised to share the knowledge gained with the children and fellow youth.

All participants who attended the seminar in its entirety were awarded a certificate.

By Fredrick Ochieng, Youth Leader Coordinator

Dreaming beyond the Horizon

2008-11-14T08:51:00.002+03:00

Maureen Mueni is a celebrity among her folks both within and without the SOS Children’s Village Eldoret. Growing up, Maureen has been a quiet young person but she has always been an enthusiast. Her quick wit and academic determination to succeed has served her well. She has been dreaming of a better life. She dreams of becoming someone someday. How? She is not sure but she knows the first step is an education. Maureen recently graduated with her Diploma in Mass communication and has already registered at the Moi University for a degree programme on the same. Such is the passion for career progression that this 22-year old youth from house 2 has for her future.

Maureen is quite philosophical and envisions challenges for those who want to live an easy life. Whilst she appreciates that the desire to be successful is what motivates humanity to take action, she advises that one must have raw determination in order to make progress. “I always believe I can succeed because what my mind can conceive can be achieved”, she says. “I remember when I was growing up my mum used to tell me and my siblings that success only comes to those who plan, prepare; to those who are persistent and to those who are willing to endure pain to achieve their goals”.

I can say that I did get what you would call a head start in life. I got everything I needed to enable me attain my dreams. I attended the best schools and got the best in primary and secondary education. After my “O” level examination, I did not attain the required grade to join university and I almost gave up because my dream was to join a public or private university to pursue a course in Communication or Law. I had interest in Journalism or Media Law but I wondered how this going to happen with the results of my “O” level exams not quite what I anticipated.

She recalls those moments when they would be asked by the Mothers and the Village Director what they wanted to do and to be in future and they would tell them all the careers that they thought were “good”. “I would change from nursing this year, to teaching, journalism and so forth just because I knew it will make my mum happy, she says. But gone are these days and times have changed so fast you’d better be realistic in your goals. I settled for my dream career-Journalism.

In 2006, she received 5 admission letters for different courses from different colleges. She did not know for sure what to settle for and decided to talk to her mother and the Village Director who told her one thing-follow your dream. Maureen then joined Aphax College to pursue a Diploma course in Mass Communication and Journalism. The course took 1- 2 years and last month during her graduation, she got exemplary certificate in the high achievers category with a distinction emerging top in the 2006-2007 Journalism class. This enabled her to secure admission at the Moi University to pursue a Bachelor of Science Course in Communication and Journalism.

I believe for me to reach the port of success, I have to sail, sometimes against the wind, while other times with the wind. Either way, I have to sail and not lie at anchor because success is not reaching a goal but it must continually be won and is never finally achieved. I attribute my success to my perseverance and determination not forgetting the support and encouragement of my mother, the Village Director and the Youth Leaders. I also thank the SOS Fraternity for giving me this chance to advance my studies to the degree level.

By Fredrick Ochieng, Youth Leader Coordinator

UNITED BY DISTINCTION

2008-08-20T14:44:00.007+03:00

There was jubilation, song and dance during the graduation of two of our youth, James Marema and Michael Mwangi. It was one of those moments that the entire SOS Children’s Village Eldoret went into a celebration mood to honour our youth who, after several difficult and challenging years at the Kenya Methodist University, successfully completed their studies and were declared ready to commence a new, productive and exciting but challenging life in the real world of work. It is was an occasion when our youth felt that their joint efforts were not only successful, but inspiring.

The graduation ceremony was a historic moment for us because we were witnessing the graduation of the fifth cohort of youth at degree level in the history of the village. The floral decorations at the graduation square and stage set up were impressive; the crowd arrived early, toting gifts, balloons, some very large pictures of individual graduands and, of course, cameras of all kinds.

There were exuberant displays of celebratory dances in diverse styles, jubilant shouts, hugs both modest and engulfing, thrown and blown kisses— all of which drew increased response from both graduands and the audience. The celebration continued with dancing, eating and fun. During the dinner the two graduates were congratulated by all present including their Village Mothers, brothers, cousin, uncles, youth leaders, educator, retired mama Gitahi and Mr Peter Wambugu the Village Director of the Meru Village.

They were advised not to be choosey in jobs, to have respect to all and not to forget their brothers and sisters in SOS. Their uncles gave a very touching speech on how they should be thankful to SOS and their mothers for guiding them through their academic journey. We were also privileged to have in attendance retired Mama Gitahi who also advised the two graduants to remain focused in life.

The two graduates, James and Michael, expressed their sincere appreciation and were thankful to the organization for enabling them go through their education from the kindergarten to the SOS Herman Gmeiner International College and now the Kenya Methodist University where they graduated with Bachelors of Business Administration in Human Resources and Management Information Systems respectively. For them, this was an accomplishment worthy of celebration. And there was no better time than now to their caregivers and teachers, whose love and support brought them to this day.

The patience and endurance of the mothers who had waited for a minimum of 4 years for this momentous event in the lives of the youth finally paid off. Mama Namale recounts her experience and feelings about her son’s graduation. "I have attended other people’s graduations but it felt very different when I attended my son’s graduation. It is the best feeling I have ever felt. To see my own child’s efforts being blessed and the fruits of my work being rewarded, I feel a lot of joy in my heart as a mother. It also confirms the saying that Kuzaa si Kazi, Kazi ni kulea (meaning 'Giving birth to a child is not a big task, the challenge is in raising a child'). It was very encouraging to have mothers, children and administrative staff, representatives from the other villages and youths coming to celebrate and to witness my son’s success. I was moved to tears when I listened to my son appreciate what I have done for him as a mother. We both shared our beautiful and painful moments. All mothers know the pain and the joy of bringing up a child and an SOS Mother is no exception.

Mama Stephen too had her story to tell. "We arrived in Meru that evening and met my son Michael and we got to talk and share what he felt as he awaited his graduation the following day. The graduation ceremony was marvelous, enjoyable and well timed. When their names were read out, we all shouted with joy and I felt proud of myself. I praised God who had seen him all though his studies. We talked a lot and shared ideas. When I looked at Michael and remembered how tiny he was when he joined my SOS family many years back and now he is here graduating. I feel so good and thank God for him."

By Fredrick Wills Ochieng Youth Leader Coordinator

ROASTING MAIZE IN ELDORET TOWN

2008-08-11T11:36:00.000+03:00

Kenya is globally reputed as an athletic country with most of the runners emerging from Eldoret town. Before the post election violence there was an evident rapid growth of the infrastructure and business. Much of this is attributed to the principal of Urban-Rural investment, the spirit nurtured by our athletes. Eldoret town could only be compared to Nairobi Metropolitan City in terms of development; even economists prophesied that it was likely to emerge as a hub of socio-economic activities in Africa. All these prospects were shattered by the political upheavals in the town that witnessed potential investors change course.

With the signing of the peace accord between the President and the Prime Minister, life seemed to return to normalcy in most parts of the country. However, the simmering discord between certain communities within town based on the resettlement process has held so many programmes at ransom. For instance, businesses are on their knees. Small traders cannot move on with life. The municipal authorities have determined the type of business to be carried out on the streets consequently locking out many ordinary business people from making their daily bread. The survivors have resorted to maize-roast that is thriving late in the evening after the municipal authorities have vacated the town and estates.

Uasin Gishu being a maize growing region already has the first harvests ready for sale. Retail traders traverse the villages collecting maize cobs at an average of five Kenyan shillings each (about 65 shillings to the dollar). After roasting the maize to a golden appearance, it is sold at a maximum of 10 to 15 shillings depending on the size of the maize cob. It’s exciting to see Kenyans queuing for a cob on a first-come first-served basis. One would be surprised that about eighty percent of travelers in a Matatu would be enjoying a hot nicely roasted maize cob on their way home. I sought to find out from Mama Mahindi why she has fully immersed herself in the maize business; “Most of my customers have changed their appetite from fruits due to the prices and cold weather; they prefer maize because they are cheap and fresh from the farm. This enables me to make quick profits without paying unnecessary taxes to the municipality.” With the rainy season at the door, she is afraid that her business will be adversely affected leaving her with few options on how to raise her young ones.

I have a deep seated conviction that once the political feuds subsides, the Eldoret Municipality will loosen its policies to allow small traders to carry out their businesses in order that they may support their kin. With free trade going on, money will exchange hands and youth will be self employed. This is the path that will enable Eldoret municipality to regain its glory and momentum as a fastest growing town in the region. With many tourist attractions including the Great Rift Valley, tourists are likely to flood into the town, consequently improving the country’s economy. Kenya can only achieve its vision 2030 when all Kenyans own the vision and actively contribute towards the process. I therefore submit that with political stability in Eldoret, all communities will coexist again and businesses will flourish including the smallest trader, Mama Mahindi.

by Simon M Mudi
Youth Leader, Eldoret.

A walk down the aisle…

2008-07-29T10:44:00.007+03:00

6th April 2008 would continue to be remembered with fond memories for a long time to come as the entire SOS Children’s Village Eldoret was invited to the wedding of one of their daughters in Nairobi. It was a happy moment for the entire family of Mama Ngundi in Eldoret from where the girl had grown up. She had phoned out of the blue and told us that she had met a guy at the university. She had known him for a while and, he had asked her to marry him. She described him as being, short, brown, and handsome. Also he was a kind and gentle man.

Naturally, the mother, the youth leaders and “Baba” Mungai (Village Director) asked the usual questions. Her answer being, “Do not worry”. “I know what I am doing and I love him”. We gave her our blessing and began the wedding preparations.Eventually, the big day came. It was forecast to rain all day. We hoped and prayed to God that it wouldn’t rain on the wedding day for our daughter. We embarked on a long and bumpy journey from Eldoret to Nairobi for the wedding the following day. The church where the ceremony was to be held was decorated in maroon and white with fairy lights everywhere. Everyone looked so nice, you would have thought that we were attending a fashion show. All the women were dressed beautifully, many wore makeup and high heels, and their very colourful dresses and veils were lovely.

A cavalcade of vehicles lined up for the procession that snaked its way from the Nairobi village to the church. First down the aisle were the flower girls, followed by the bridesmaids and escorts to the sound of a piano playing. There must have been thirty people in the procession. Then the pianist started playing the bridal march and our daughter came down the aisle. She looked so radiant in a fitted dress scattered with hand sewn crystals, that twinkled when the light caught them. She was walked down the aisle by “Baba” Mungai to the hands of the priest who officiated.

After their arrival at the reception to a standing ovation, we were served dinner followed by speeches from both sides of the family. The 3 tier cake was cut and photos taken again. Everyone milled around drinking and talking and generally having a good time. The wedding was an incredibly a colorful affair. The cameramen and the photographers all frequently focused on the same thing, so it was a bit like being at the Oscars.

Rhythm dominates as music fest concludes

2008-07-19T13:03:00.005+03:00

The two month district and provincial music festival concluded with the rhythms of the students from Herman Gmeiner Secondary School Eldoret creating the mood at Kericho Teacher College, the venue of the competition. This year the music club was eclectic in the choice of items for presentation during the festivals. This was boosted by great participation of the new students that were admitted in first term. The numbers were large enough to enable us participate in a variety of items from set verses to instrumentals. Emma Makoha, the music club patron at the Hermann Gmeiner School in Eldoret gives an eye witness account.

At the district level, the club presented 9 items. These included four instrumentals, four set verses and one traditional dance from the Luhya community. The set verses were presented by Patricia Ngina, Christine Mwende, Brenda Akinyi and Faith Wariara, all from SOS Children’s Village. Six students qualified for the regional competition. Notably, the dance and all the instrumentals were placed first. Faith Wariara’s was placed at position two.

In the regional level we met schools from Uasin Gishu Marakwet and Keiyo district. Competition was stiff. The dance took position 2 out of the six dances presented. The stringed, wind and percussion instrumental, African and Western instrumental ensemble, percussion band, all took position one. Solomon Chege of Eldoret children's village played the marimba and came second. Faith Wariara, also from Eldoret village was placed at the third position. The provincials were scheduled to be held in Kericho from 1st July 2007 to 5th July 2007.

The team left for Kericho on 2nd July 2008 in the wee hours of the morning. We arrived at 10.00 am and we only had twenty minutes to present on stage the string, wing, and percussion instrumental ensemble. We were placed at position 5 out of the 12 schools that presented.

The second day, the team presented a percussion band (own choice) and was placed third of 12 teams. There was a difference of half a mark between the second team and our team. The team did not lose hope.

On the third day we had two items to present – African and Western instruments ensemble and barred or spoken instrument solo of own choice. Both of them were placed fourth out of twelve.

Our major item was performed on the final day. The Luhya traditional dance troupe was composed of children from the three Kenyan children's villages of Nairobi, Eldoret and Mombasa. Competition was very stiff compared to other classes because the class included dances from the Luo community. Schools from Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia and Nandi South were presenting dances under this class. Out of the fifteen dances that were presented, we were positioned fourth. The students showed a lot of gusto. It was a great achievement considering that this was the first time we were presenting such items during Music Festivals.

The club would like to thank the school administration and the entire SOS community Eldoret for the support it received from them. It was crystal clear that we have talent that we need to nurture. The team would also want to appreciate the extra energy and team work displayed by all those students who participated during this year’s Music festivals. This activity was an eye opener. It dawned on us that preparations should commence early and that to gain an edge, the club should envisage broadening its instrument capacity.

CELEBRATING SOS DAY

2008-07-15T13:17:00.009+03:00

SATURDAY 5 July 2008 was a special day in the village, continuing the tradition of celebrating the SOS Day. It's the one day of the year on which the entire SOS community has the opportunity to come together as one to commemorate the day and to honour the late Hermann Gmeiner. His outstanding achievement was to make the children’s universal right to a family his claim. He dedicated his entire life to creating a family-like-environment for abandoned children, which later evolved into SOS Children’s Villages. While the content of this day has changed over the years, some things remain constant: notably the spirit, time to reflect and sense of community generated on this day for participants.

Children from 9 children’s homes were invited for the occasion. During last year’s celebration, SOS Children’s Village Eldoret visited various children’s homes in a programme dubbed “Reaching out to the Community” and spent time with the children. These homes benefited from donations of foodstuff and clothes. This time round, we were playing host to these homes. It was a simple yet meaningful ceremony. The guests were allocated to each family house and had an opportunity to meet and mingle with the SOS children from each of the family houses throughout the day. Their faces radiated happiness as they strolled in the village, eliciting excitement from their hosts who welcomed them with a rose flower as they arrived.

Children from the invited homes mesmerized invitees and guests during the function, performing beautifully choreographed dances, songs and choral verses heavily laden with scriptural messages. It was the performance of a fashion show that displayed the power, talent, vigour and strength of the children, leaving the entire audience spellbound.

The theme for this year’s celebration “Children’s Responsibilities” was aptly captured by every speaker. The Village Director, Mr. Peter Mungai Muiruri enlightened the guests on the progress of SOS Children's Villages and highlighted the upcoming programmes and developments. Stressing the theme, he challenged the children to take advantage of the opportunities around them to learn and uphold good values that will make them worthy members of the society. He lauded the representatives from the various homes for complementing each other in the work of childcare.

When I grow up I want to be a musician

2008-07-11T11:47:00.002+03:00

When I grow up, I want to be a musician.

When I was in school, I was deeply obsessed with music so I decided to join the church choir. Now I am playing the piano in the church and I am very happy. I would not mind playing any instrument and I will be content as long as I get to be a musician. However, I love playing the piano.

I have wanted to be a musician since I was in kindergarten when I first learned how to play the piano. I like to play the piano because it always cools me down when I am angry. Besides playing music, I also like to listen to classical music. I would like to be an accomplished pianist playing classical music in concerts. I hope many people will attend my concerts. I will give part of the money from the concerts to charity.

If I want to become a musician I will have to practise very hard and pass all the eight grades of the music examination. I hope I will become a famous musician because my 'father' has promised to support me in my talent and this makes me very happy.

Narrated by an SOS youth
to
Peris Cheruiyot – Youth leader

A new village fence to protect the children

2008-07-07T10:55:00.003+03:00

Since the inception of the family strengthening programme (FSP) in the village there has been a bee-hive of activities in and out of the village. Children were amazed at the rate at which lorries carried construction materials in and outside the gate with so many workers criss-crossing the compound. As a matter of fact they exclaimed at the rate at which the tarmac was being erased by the trucks carrying cement.

The FSP is expected to attract a substantial number of clients ranging from children to old people on the compound once the construction comes to an end, but not all may be in need. Thus the electric fence will come in handy to control the entry and exit of people to the facility through one focal point.

In addition there has been a challenge from marauding dogs that spill litter all over the village in search of left over food from the family houses. The electric fence would curb the mess once and for all and keep the dogs out.

The current electrification project has been done with much skill and professionalism compared to the previous fence that could not do much to protect the residents from predators. The system is centrally controlled; the Village Director is in a position to monitor the happenings with the security systems and therefore make instant and necessary decisions at the appropriate time.

In summary the electrification of the fence around the SOS Children’s Village was a land mark project in the district bearing in mind that it was one of the areas worst hit by the post election violence. So many children were exposed to the hazards in the community brought about by the sense of homelessness. Its all thumbs up to the National Director for assisting this project to take effect. It gives a sense of both physical and psychological security to the residents making the Children’s Village a real home for children to stay, play and grow towards independence.

SOS soccer teams take part in Eldoret league

2008-06-06T12:39:00.002+03:00

The SOS Football Club was initiated in March 2006 by Edwin Mugoha as the team’s Captain. This is a formidable club made up of different fans from various European Football namely Man – U, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool. They disagree over the seniority of their clubs, and while facing their competitors they tend to emulate foot stars such as Ronaldo and Drogba in order to trounce their adversaries. Best amongst our players is Wilson Burugu the Menace; he is in tune with Manchester United and nothing has ever stopped him from marshalling support for the team.

In regard to the league, there were three categories of teams: senior boys over 14 years, junior boys under 14 years and girls.

So far the SOS senior team has won two games and drawn one while the junior team has won one game and lost two. The league table standing is to be published after every 5 games. The league games are continuous and have been playing over the weekends from April to August 2008.

The boys were quite motivated to play in the league and interact with other youth from the community and their football skills have been improving tremendously. They even hope to do much better during the secondary school football tournament come second term. The girls' team on the other hand has not resumed due to physical fitness. They look forward to competitive games soon.

The major challenge facing the team is professional coaching and friendly matches with other teams. In addition, most of the players are our own students, and this combination of training and studies has proven to be a stumbling block to the sport. We are however grateful for the purchase of the sports kit that has been of great help to the boys.

Inter SOS Children's Villages Games which had been planned were unfortunately rescheduled due to post election violence. These games therefore were a boost to the team’s morale in preparation for the inter-village sports competitions in the coming months. The tournament coincidentally took over the opportunity to keep our youth busy during the holiday season. With the kind of attention given to sport our youth need encouragement and support to reach their desired levels. Perhaps with proper guidance, it’s most likely that they would also improve in their educational activities. Its all thumbs up for Mr Mugoha the Youth Leader who has tirelessly worked hard for the success of this team.

By Simon M Mudi Youth Leader

Success at a youth workshop

2008-05-12T11:24:00.002+03:00

Following the holiday program of activities, we organized a youth workshop to address some fundamental youth issues. Based on personal testimonies from the youth, four key areas were highlighted for assessment: Relationships, Sexuality, and Reproductive Health (HIV/AIDS).

Having identified the relevant topics for study, one of the Youth Leaders was mandated to source for the facilitators. She proposed the National Organization for Peer Counsellors (NOPE) as the constituent body that could effectively reach out to the youth in an endeavour to address their issues.

On 19th April, 2008 we set out for Pastoral Centre at about 9.30am. All the youth were in jovial mood anticipating fun and lots of entertainment. As it’s the tradition, the convoy was delayed by a group of girls who took the their time adorning themselves for the occasion. Due to limited time, we ran out of patience and left behind about ten girls who were still undergoing manicures in their rooms. They were brought later by other means of transport.

We found the venue and due to the large number of participants in the forum, we opted to split in two groups. The discussions began at a high gear causing another group to launch a formal complaint that youth were interrupting their lectures through giggling. According to the facilitator, youth discussions ought to be vibrant and enthusiastic otherwise you risk losing the objective of the meeting. Therefore, we relocated to some distant room to allow the youth to vent their feelings. The nature of the discussions was flowery and open. For the few occasions we stood away from the groups, a lot of information was given without withholding anything. We learnt that our children harbour so much and need a constant psychological therapy from trusted counsellors to heal. We can't be their counsellors per se.

The most interesting topic and well discussed was on relationships and sexuality. Facilitators came down to their level in language, style, mode of dressing and so forth. They felt close to one another setting the mood of openness and trust amongst them. The slang language adopted carried the day; most learning was effected through it. Youth felt more embarrassed to talk about sensitive issues in English than in sheng. It was amazing how artistic the youth were while drawing reproductive organs; they gave it their best in talent show! On the contrary they quickly got bored when the subject on HIV/AIDS surfaced; it’s an area often talked about and they feel that nothing new can be reintroduced within its realm.

The day was not complete without tea breaks and lunch. Youth felt professional and prestigious to be served a nice tea with cakes. Lunch out was superb! Everyone was served with chicken accompanied with different dishes based on ones needs. Most of the participants enjoyed the well fried local chicken served with French fries and a soda.

It is worth mentioning that the youth expected to attend the occasion with eagerness; this gave the facilitators an ample opportunity to pass across their teachings making the workshop a success.

by Simon Mudi

Learning how to manage HIV/AIDS

2008-04-07T10:31:00.010+03:00

It’s my heartfelt appreciation to (OFID) The Opec Fund For International Development and The Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) for their dual support and sponsorship ofthe HIV/AIDS workshops in Nairobi, Meru and Eldoret. The two bodies have worked tirelessly in support of various social and educational workshops around the globe zero in on HIV/AIDS pandemic.

From 17 to 19 March 2008 all roads led to Sirikwa Hotel in Eldoret for the above forum. Through the Family Health Options Kenya (FHOP) the above mentioned bodies managed to reach quite a substantial number of youth and middle aged people from other organizations to attend the workshop. The opening remark from the facilitator that got most of the young people off balance was about the rate of infection among the middle aged people. He reiterated that the global figure of People Living with HIV stands at 46 millions and if there is no determination towards behaviour change, especially amongst the youth, then the figures are likely to sky rocket.

The mood of the workshop became gloomy once the theory surrounding the origin of HIV was brought to the fore. It was unpalatable for some youth to learn that the two viruses, HIV1 and HIV2 are traced from the African soil. It was alleged that HIV1 has its roots from chimpanzees in Central Africa and HIV2 was found in Sooty Mangabey Monkey in Western Africa. It sounded more humorous for the young people when they heard that at some point while skinning the monkeys, blood crossed over to the humans through open wounds! After an exhaustive discussion it was apparent that no one is pretty sure about the origin of HIV in human beings.
From the group exercises, it emerged that most people living with the virus had defaulted taking drugs due to various reasons, chief among them poverty. It was indicated that some drugs from the First Line Drugs (introductory drugs within the antiretroviral therapy) were too strong and could not be taken without food. Therefore, those families that could not afford the food taken along with drugs, had no option other than avoid the treatment altogether. This scenario has cost lives, though the majority have also benefited heavily from the food supplies from Ampath in Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Youth were also encouraged to go for VCT (voluntary counseling and testing). This would enable them to know their status and if necessary change their behaviour and live their life to the full. The three day workshop closed with practical skills on counselling. Participants were made to understand the approaches they need to develop before they offer counselling services to their clients. At the end of it all a vote of thanks was given to the facilitator, the organizers and the participants for the successful workshop.

by Simon Mudi
Youth Leader Eldoret

Healing the trauma of post-election violence

2008-04-01T14:10:00.003+03:00

There are so many versions given regarding the genesis of post election violence in Kenya. It’s not apparently clear as to why so many people were killed, displaced from their homes and their houses torched! Nonetheless, through the mediation process a commission of enquiry has been established to dig deep into the root cause of the problem, to make recommendations and to reconcile the feuding parties.

SOS Children’s Village Eldoret is among the many organizations that were affected due to the post election violence. Staff and children from the SOS Hermann Gmeiner School witnessed all manner of violence committed. Children as well as teachers saw people being butchered, houses torched, and mass displacement and exodus to unknown destinations. These negative experiences have adversely affected the learning process at school: teachers, children and students are grossly traumatized. For this reason the Kenya national office, in conjunction with the Eldoret children's village and the SOS Hermann Gmeiner School sponsored a post election workshop for the staff and children both from the community and the children’s village.

A counseling group was contracted to provide services to the traumatized members of the SOS fraternity. It was a one week exercise that emphasized practical aspects of healing. Children were given priority to draw pictures of things they had experienced after the elections. The violent drawings depicted the real trauma that had engulfed the school community. Children were given group therapy, and those who deserved specialized treatment got personal attention. At the end of the process most children seemed relieved of their burdens to some extent.

SOS co-workers went through the same process but at a deeper level. They were first taken through theoretical aspects of counseling and trauma; then had group discussions through which many horrifying experiences were narrated. Some of the teachers explained circumstances through which they lost either their property or even their relatives; most of the staff members suffered indirectly by being forced to contribute money to self styled vigilante groups.

One of the teachers in the primary school narrated how he was compelled to give money to a gang of boys who wanted to buy petrol to burn down houses. He had to do it or suffer adverse consequences. In addition, another primary teacher is a typical example of an internally displaced person (IDP). She was displaced from her original home on the outskirts of Eldoret town: her house was looted, she was chased away and sought shelter around the SOS Children's Village Eldoret. She confesses that psychological torture was part of her trial, though she has now forgiven the looters. Many more narratives were expressed through drawing and writing. Finally the papers were burned bringing relief to many of the participants.

The SOS Children's Village Eldoret and the Hermann Gmeiner school have resumed their daily chores, the mistrust amongst staff members has faded away and people look at each other as colleagues again. It’s our prayer that the national healing process will be speeded up in order to allow internally displaced people to resettle in their new homes. I would recommend that any other multicultural institutions in the country to emulate this gesture and enable everyone to undergo a psychological therapy so that trauma may be lessened nationally.

by Simon Mudi
Youth Leader- Eldoret.

Horticultural and dairy farming in the SOS Children's Village Eldoret

2008-03-18T11:48:00.001+03:00

Uasin Gishu District is well known for its wide production of food for the nation due to its favourable weather and soils that contribute to the food basket of the country at large. SOS Children’s Village Eldoret is privileged to enjoy these conditions in terms of farming and other socio-cultural activities within the community.

At the inception of the Eldoret children's village enough space was set apart for horticultural farming. Every family house was allocated space behind the house to grow vegetables so that children may learn the need and relevance of work in the community. It was all beauty, and fun to see children take part in farming, though on a small scale.

Way back in the year 2000, Samuel Cheboi, one of the village handy men, was employed to tend the cows that had just been bought. He narrates that he started with two animals that grew to four during his reign and that produced 24 liters of milk per day. Mothers were lavishly treated with creamy milk that was given at a subsidised price from the farm. In addition there was a poultry farm that daily gave 20 crates of eggs that were sold to the family houses at a reasonable fee.

In addition to animal husbandry the children's village also practised growing food crops. Young farmers in the village collectively participated in the growing of maize, tomatoes, onions and so forth. Most of this produce was locally consumed. All these activities contributed to local fundraising programmes for the management of SOS Children's Villages in Kenya.

Richard Korir is currently in charge of the animal husbandry. He coordinates the daily operations including feeding, milking, artificial insemination and treatment of the cattle. The cows have become handy in producing milk especially during the dry season when milk becomes scarce on the market and the family houses are the key beneficiaries. It’s unfortunate that the weather conditions have been unfavourable affecting supply of food from the market; even the village farms have not been tilled to date. It’s our hope that rains will resume to facilitate farming once again for Uasin Gishu District to regain its glory as the food basket of the Kenyan economy.

by Simon M Mudi
Youth Leader

Negotiating at a Dowry Ceremony

2008-03-12T15:19:00.003+03:00

The entire week before the village director left for Nairobi for other assignments, we were held up in an SOS family meeting with one of our girls on her future prospects. She informed us of her intention to get married and indicated that there was a man who had proposed to marry her and that she had consented, but needed our blessings.

The next morning I received a call from the Village Director asking me to facilitate in the negotiation on his behalf. He informed me that the elders from the man’s side had sent word that they want to visit and have a meeting with the SOS Family. Because he was held up elsewhere, he was requesting that I stand in his stead. Unsure of exactly what I was going to do and what sort of questions to ask and expect, I put on my suit.

Again I was unsure of the day’s events and got fairly obscure explanations when I asked, so by the time I arrived in Mama Ngudi’s living room I decided I should stop asking questions and just go along with whatever was going to happen.
The entourage comprised 12 members from the man’s family and elders of the extended family. They were met by the SOS family who had also by that time called their group of elders led by the school Principal and another teacher, as part of the negotiation team from the girl’s side. The visitors brought small gifts of dry foods such as rice, wheat, sugar, tea, cooking oil, etc. This is a common practice when one visits any family, and so this is not part of the dowry.

The SOS family house was modest, fairly furnished with large sofa sets. A small radio sat in a large wooden shelf, playing gospel music. I found a comfy space on a couch next to the Principal who was chairing the meeting. Soon it was time to file up and fill our plates with food. After washing our hands in some hot water, then plates in hand, we walked down the row of dishes, having heaps of local favourites piled high on our plates.

After the food and the warm welcome, the elders of the man said something like this. We have an interest in one of your "sheep", and we would like to bring her to our homestead. This is when I got my first inclination that the event was more than just an eating y and familiarization activity. The talking was done only by the elders and it is a taboo for the young man to speak and in doing so, he could seriously jeopardize the negotiations.

In the cause of the negotiation, I learnt that dowry is not about buying the bride from her family. It is a test for compatibility. Compatibility of the two families involved. It proves that the two families can discuss, even argue about an issue and come to a consensus. It also shows to what extent the groom is willing to humble himself before his in-laws and how much he is willing to sacrifice for his love.

Hardly any wedding takes place in Africa with no dowry having been paid. Even church weddings are a culmination of successful dowry negotiations. In fact some churches in Africa will not officiate a wedding if the groom has not paid bride price or the bride’s parents have pending issues.

by Fredrick Ochieng - youth leader coordinator

The 'pilgrimage' of children and youth to their rural homes

2008-02-27T10:42:00.000+03:00

The December holidays when children and youth visit their rural homes, resembles a pilgrimage. Pilgrims travel to rekindle their connections to a sacred place and thus to nurture their relationship with the divine. Their journeys bring them, if not to a physical home, then to a “home within”, a restful, familiar, healing place that reminds them of who they are. The sacred site to which they return is connected to their roots.

It is a tradition in our children's village that children and youth visit their rural homes over the December holidays to get to know their people. It is one of those avenues through which we integrate our children to the community. Life for them in the countryside is indeed very interesting.

For those who are used to the life in SOS, you will forgive some (but not most) of them for cringing each time the village director and the mothers make plans for a trip to their homes. It means days on end without running water or proper electricity. It also means no television and plenty of time with old people. Rural home visits remind the children of the connections between them and their relatives. They feel an attachment to the countryside, nurtured by lasting ties to family and friends from whom they learn their language, know their relatives better and most importantly, are able to compare life at home and that of the SOS Children's Village and be motivated to work harder in whatever they do.

Many of our children and youth indeed look forward to this time of the year and are eager to meet their relatives. It is a comforting time to be at home. The journeys themselves are very interesting. The villages that disappear as the bus hurtles past them. Visions of riverbeds flanked by rows of trees. Children chasing passing motorists. Cattle co-existing with people in a way that make them more human than animals. Wheat spread out on the roads so that the passing vehicles could thresh them. Villagers carrying produce and baskets on their backs or heads. The sudden lurch of the bus to avoid hitting a donkey that was not fast enough to avoid its path. The appearance of a familiar sign board that announces their village. The eagerness to get off the bus and walk down the small road that leads to the house.

This 'pilgrimage' is a good practice to prepare our children for community life where water is drawn from a well and people bathe by its side. In community life children learn to share and to know that at times one must lack one thing or the other. In the process of living with the community, they also learn resilience. When they come back their stories are often varied and interesting. But one fact that is clear is that all of them want to visit their relatives during the long holidays in December and remembering it always brings a smile to their faces.

A playing child is a creative child

2008-02-25T19:23:00.006+03:00

I grew up near a river and lake in a village with a trickle of a creek down the center that kept me endlessly entertained as I hunted for the frogs, tadpoles, worms and lizards. From these fond memories gone by, I spent this Sunday watching the kids play in the village. The play ground was unusually packed with children playing all manner of games.

It is amazing to see how much time kids spend playing either in the swings, pushing each other round and round, jumping from one monkey bar to another, playing soccer, or communing with cows, birds, insects and more. Nature is truly a laboratory for curiosity. The shortest walk can reveal never-before-seen wonders: live things, dead things, flora and fauna.
Sometimes we tend to moan over the amount of time our children spend playing. Remember when the goal of parenting was to develop a well-rounded child? That concept seems to be getting lost in the hyped-up quest for excellence and achievement that characterizes childhood these days. The demands on our times are great, leaving children with few possibilities for adventures. But we all know the numerous and undeniable benefits of allowing children and youth to play any kind of game they want, from staying physically fit to learning discipline and teamwork. But there are other lessons to learn about in childhood as well, like their relationship to the earth and the living things around them. They soon learn to appreciate what is around them.

The outdoor activities offer children and youth opportunities to learn, inspire them to explore, to wonder, to listen, to dream, to play fantasy games and build forts and sand castles, to dig holes and float sticks down streams and skip rocks across water. In those moments, they can feel powerful in a different way from when we score a point or catch a pass. It is not that it is better, but it’s different. And our children in SOS deserve lots of different experiences. As caregivers, let us not forget the value of getting kids out in the great outdoors. Show them a place where things grow wild, no one is keeping score and they will have memories to last a lifetime. Let us remember that a playful child will always be a creative child.

by Fredrick Ochieng - Youth Leader Coordinator

SOS Children’s Village Eldoret Celebrate Valentine’s Day

2008-02-21T17:12:00.002+03:00

I was walking to work on Thursday morning and was treated to an exciting start of the day when I met some of our youth. They were all jovial and greeted me with “happy valentine” I had almost forgotten about Valentine's Day since I was more preoccupied with pressing work. Then I shifted gear.

Two days ago, I bumped on 3 of our Kindergarten pupils on their way from school with all sorts of flowers and they were singing, and jumping. Indeed this was a tell tale sign that St. Valentine had arrived and that the infectious mood had caught up with all and sundry. Every child had a flower, never mind the colour, which they gave to teachers, mothers and their friends. The signature tune before any conversation was “happy valentine”.

The most romantic day of the year is upon us and there has never been a better time to show the special someone in your life how much you care. Valentine's Day matters. Like it or not. Some love it - embracing the opportunity to express their feelings for someone special. Others hate it - dreading the pressure of coming up with just the right card and gift, or being reminded that they have no Valentine.

For us here in the village, Valentine's Day sneaked up on us and we agreed not to make too big a deal of it. Our Village Director in a kind gesture took us out for a meal.. The weather was a good one, hot and humid. It was very romantic.We went to the Kenmosa restaurant. We'd eaten there many times before and the food was good. The restaurant was decked out in white and red table cloths. The spacious shaded grounds provided a comfortable area for sitting, eating and sharing.. You could not ask for a better time in celebration of St. Valentine's Day and no better friends and acquaintances to share the occasion.

The mothers were outstanding and looked sharp in their black skirts and red or pink tops. Everybody was filled with happy and relaxed faces.

We sat in a circle after the meal and shared our experiences about the day.. “May this love transcend to the children we take care of”, one member of staff said.

The Village Director, Mr. Peter Mungai observed that he who loves also receives love and urged the staff to stick together and show love to one another".

by Fredrick Ochieng Youth Leader Coordinator