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Meet Grace Njoki 2nd Februrary 2008 - Dear Members, I attach a report received from Karen McCleary of the Balcraig Foundation who run the orphanage in Niarobi where Grace Njoki lives. She will be talking to us at our meeting on 13th March about the orphanage and how Grace is getting on since she moved there nearly 3 years ago. I'm sure she will also update us on how the troubles there are affecting them. Whilst my reason for asking Karen to speak on the 13th and arranged many months ago, was not to push more money in this direction, as we already sponsor Grace at a cost of £420 per year, I feel we should now keep an eye on the ongoing situation and perhaps consider if we wish to provide any additional support at their time of need. Alay Milne.
The orphanage has been extremely lucky. We have not suffered any of the violence, even though we are on the main thoroughfare along which many of the protests have passed. Out of our 178 children, six have been unable to return after spending Christmas with relatives. For some the issue is one of safety during travelling whilst for others it is the actual cost of public transport.
Immediate problems faced by the orphanage are those of food shortage and increased food and fuel prices. Our bread project has had to be halted on occasion and we have subsequently had to increase the price of a loaf from 8p to 10p to accommodate the increased cost of the flour.
A potential problem which may occur very soon is an increase in the number of orphans. Our accommodation is obviously limited but we would not turn children away. We are trying to put into place contingency plans which would allow us to construct temporary accommodation for any new admissions.
Currently we are actively fundraising in Scotland to alleviate the financial problems caused by increased prices. We are also contemplating how we can help our neighbours in Kibera, many of whom have lost homes and all their personal possessions.
At the moment we are restricted to simply collecting money because, until the troubles cease, there are too many logistical problems for shipping clothing and other goods across to Kenya. Many thanks for your message, Karen. 17/11/2007 - Latest Pictures of  Grace who is now 5 years old and getting more beautifull by the day, what a ray of sunshine.  Grace is a little 4 year old girl who along with her sister Julia, was admitted to the Thomas Barnardo House in Nairobi, Kenya on 6th June 2005, and who is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Perth.
Grace's parents, Jackson and Mary, passed away in 2002 and 2003 respectively, leaving Grace the youngest of four sisters to the mercies of their aged and sickly granny, who struggled with the children for quite some time prior to the case being referred to Thomas Barnardo House. The other two siblings are beneficiaries of a scholarship offered by an international tour company, and are doing really well in boarding schools.
Grace's granny died in November 2005, so the only guardian from the family known to the House is a 33 year old aunt who visits reasonably often, but is a slum dweller and a single mother of one. She helped Grace's granny in taking care of the children, and is the one who approached Barnardos seeking help for the needy children.
Grace and her sister have thrived and are fully adjusted to the House at the Johnathon Gloag Academy, where Grace is in Nursery class. Her performance is exemplary and her involvement in co-curricular activities is good as she is a sociable and happy girl who loves swimming, athletics and singing, as well as reciting rhymes.
Although still very young, she is always happy to lend a hand with any household chore that she can manage.
Our Club's commitment to this child is an ongoing sponsorship, covering all aspects of care for Grace including clothing, food, shelter, education, and medical expenses, and this is clearly a most worthwhile club project, and doesn't she make you smile. |
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