Orphans’ Day in Kenya

Inauguration of the playground in Mbale

At the end of June, I came back from Kenya – as always – with a multitude of impressions.

The highlight? My most wonderful experience was at the inauguration of the playground for our nursery and primary school children!

On behalf of “hope”, I would like to thank the pupils of the Schönbornschule Karlsdorf once again for their commitment to social causes, which made it possible for the playground to be built in Mbale.

Almost all of the – meanwhile – 111 orphans and half-orphans cared for by us attended the inauguration ceremony. In attendance were naturally also the women in the self-help group, with whom we work together and who are now also able to earn a part of their own living by producing jewellery.

In addition to the pastor and deacon, other officials were also present, including the executive manager of the regional children’s department and two other executive members of staff. On occasion of the inauguration, all of the “officials” planted a small endemic tree as a sign of hope that the positive developments achieved in Mbale through “hope’s” initiatives will continue to grow further.

All of the attendees enjoyed the day as a very special one in the year – there are otherwise relatively few positive events which can be celebrated. The performances given by almost all of the children and women from the self-help group were most impressive.

Alongside the women’s choir, there is a children’s choir which is conducted by a 12 year old (!) girl. This children’s choir opened the inauguration ceremony for the playground by singing the Kenyan national anthem.

Some children recited poems, which they had composed together with their teachers. In the church building, the school children acted out a theatre piece; individual acts were captivating thanks to impressive interpretation.

Everyone – including many older people, who live in the nearby huts – sat together until late afternoon, enjoying the wonderful day by telling stories and singing happily.

It was a day not often experienced by people in Mbale and which will certainly be the topic of conversation for a long time to come.

Moreover, our nursery and primary school children now enjoy their fantastic playground on a daily basis. They can folly around – just like any other child in the world loves doing.

You can read more about my experiences from this year’s visit to our project based in Mbale here in the near future.

Marlies Huber-Boch, 1st Chairperson