We get a lot of enquiries here at Umoja about sponsoring children or volunteering at our orphanage. And while these offers are appreciated, unfortunately we are not yet at the stage where we have children in our care. This can be confusing because we post a lot of pictures of Cathy with children in Kenya; however, these photos are of Cathy volunteering at other orphanages (Footprints and GLO) and helping to feed children at the Kikambala feeding station in Kenya, which is facilitated by the Hindu community.
Where are we then?
- As of January 2013, Cathy Booth (the founder and director) is in Kenya with our first group of volunteers. During this trip Cathy and the volunteer group have visited our land in Ukunda where they have helped out on small building projects, spent time at other orphanages that help to mentor our project, and gone on safari in our brand new van—which will be used to carry building materials, transport staff and children, and be used as a safari side business.
- Our first building, a caretaker’s cottage and storage shed, has been completed.
- Our water bore has been dug and our water tower and solar pump are on the way to being completed.
What next?
This is going to be a very big year for Umoja Orphanage Kenya. Our goal is to raise enough money this year to see the first stage of our project completed: our first children’s home and farming and irrigation projects for sustainability. This will allow us to accommodate up to 12 orphaned children. We have many people who have made a pledge to sponsor our first group of children for the first two years of their care. More information on sponsoring children can be found at http://umojahome.com/kenya/sponsor-a-child
This means a big year of fundraising for our team. The major focus is to raise $75 000 to build our first children’s home. A lot of smaller projects will also be completed this year, including securing and partitioning the land through fencing, clearing the land for land restoration, farming and agriculture projects that will help with sustainability, purchase animals such as cows and chickens, water and septic projects, connecting utilities, carpenter’s shed and tools, and erecting proper signage.
How can you help?
There are many ways to be involved in our project. A simple way is to help us spread the word by telling your family and friends and getting them to like our Facebook page where they can stay up-to-date with our progress www.facebook.com/umojakenya
Donations, no matter how big or small, can be made online, through direct debit, or by sending a cheque. More info on donations can be found at http://umojahome.com/kenya/donate/
Perhaps you would like to hold your own fundraising activity to raise funds on our behalf? Ideas of past projects can be seen in our supporter squad album on Facebook–just recently Katie Trulson raised $3000 for us by climbing Mt Kilimanjaro! Also, you can download our fundraising PDF for other ideas. You can request an Application to Fundraise form by e-mailing info@umojahome.com.
We wish everyone a happy and healthy 2013 and look forward to your ongoing support as we work together to achieve the extraordinary.
