In mid-August 2010, a Children's Hope Home team travelled to the Hope Home. Among the helpers were a dentist, an organisationally gifted manager, a journalist, a talented engineer and volunteers who lent a hand everywhere. Together, various projects were implemented and changes realised, which were rewarded by the smiling faces of the kids at the end.
The Board of Directors took care of the responsible implementation of the previously collected donations on site. Customised wood was purchased, beds were ordered and sufficient mattresses were bought for the many beds. The wood was used to build a total of 12 benches and 8 shelves in the Hope Home's large classroom.
An extraordinary improvement has been made to the drinking water supply. Pumps have been installed at the wells, making it easier to obtain groundwater. This has also improved the hygienic conditions.
A fence was also built around the grounds of the Ebenezer orphanage in Kihara to ensure greater safety for the children.
The children found their first visit to the dentist particularly exciting. They learnt how to brush their teeth - and with their first own toothbrush. Some milk teeth were extracted and at the end of the day, each child went to bed with a beaming smile and a new little toy.
The children also particularly enjoyed watching the changes and innovations. Whether building benches or painting pictures on the walls of the rooms, fun and games were the daily companions of the motivated helpers.
Thanks to this project and the many donors and helpers, the children can now all find a place on the benches in the large school room, sleep on mattresses instead of slatted frames and, in some cases, in their own beds. They also have fresh water at all times, the opportunity to take care of their teeth and all this in a colourful environment.
But that's not all. The education and supply situation were also at the centre of attention on this trip: issues for which constant support must be provided so that the children can be offered an adequate education and sufficient food.
Ansante sana to the bearers of hope who made this three-week project possible and lent a hand.
