Ten years ago, we became aware of the need to support some unprotected and abandoned children. Convinced of the need to respond, we sought a place of our own to house all these little children that we feed, pay their tuition, clothe and so much more.
My God! I said to myself, are we going to make it? We’ll start with no money, no preparation. There were already fifteen children on the list. But how could we start? With what specifications, what programs, what persons, what prospects and above all in what place, with what personnel? Everything, here in Africa, works by a miracle. Each person has been called in his struggle for a specific purpose and behind his actions is God’s plan.
The idea was commendable and would certainly provide a great and valuable service to the children. Several years ago the Metropolis hosted a women’s monastic fraternity. The buildings existed but after their departure they remained closed and dilapidated. So the site was found and developed. Here, in the mission, we always say, when we want to start something, “We make our cross and move on”. We talked, we put everything down, in detail, and already the water started to flow into the river. We visited the site and the first preparations were made. We found local people who would staff the site.
A momentary decision today honours the name of Orthodoxy, not only in the region but also in Kenya in general, because it finally became a model orphanage. We started with thirty-five children. So we entered a new phase in the history of foreign mission here in Kenya. Our effort was becoming known when we had visitors from outside Kenya. They saw that the effort was sincere and was helping a portion of children who were in real need of protection. In the meantime, among the staff, we included a missionary who was a victim of the civil war in Congo, and who eventually took over the direction of the whole project, showing zeal and exemplary dedication, since he had lost his parents and had personal experience; he was living the drama of orphanhood. We did everything in our power to make sure they had everything and were not missing anything. Our seminarian was the one in charge, not only to protect the children and give them courage, but he was the one who ultimately indoctrinated them into the Orthodox faith. Right next door, was the parish of St. Nicodemus, where every Sunday these little children go to church and participate in the sacraments of our Church. Eventually, after deep and appropriate catechesis, the children are baptized and become full members of our One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Already almost ten years have passed. The needs have increased. Today one hundred and fifty children are accommodated. The place needed more buildings and almost reconstruction. The Cyprus-based organization “Wisdom for Children” undertook the entire construction of the new building complex. With great sensitivity and excellent standards, the construction of the new buildings was completed, including a large and comfortable dining room – kitchen and separate areas for the boys and girls of the institution.
We also created a full kindergarten and primary school for the needs of the children. Here it should be mentioned that two more orphanages have already been built, which will be opened soon. Already, on Tuesday, May 21, the official opening of the orphanage, located in the area of Laikipia, took place. We thank the Lord for blessing so richly the work of our Church in the mission field.
† Metropolitan Makarios of Kenya
