Feed 1,800 orphaned children in rural Kenya.

In efforts to keep the entirety of Makindu Children's Center fed throughout the year in 2021, we needed the help of our donors. We received so many thoughtful donations that helped support the children and guardians in this regard. We are happy to say that over 260 children regularly enjoyed warm and nutritious meals at the Center. Saturdays are a favorite amongst the children because that is when seasonal meat is served. The kitchen has 3 industrial stoves. Two are new and highly energy efficient, the third is much older and inefficient. Generally, the cooks make one huge pot of rice or maize and one huge pot of beans. The third is "at the ready" in case more food is needed and used on Saturdays for the meat. As often as possible, fresh produce from the garden or "shamba" complements the meal - this is often eggplant, kale and/or tomatoes. Currently the mangos are ripe and ready and a juicy delight for the children. The beloved cow Thelma Mae continues to provide more than enough milk for all kids and guardians who visit the Center. Her baby cow Winnie is growing strong and will one day also provide milk for the children. Excess milk is often sent home with kids who live near the center. Milk is also sold to the local community to help offset costs. These nutritional meals provide what the children need most to thrive physically and mentally. The meals also allow for growth and conversation through bringing together the community at the Center. This could not be done without the support of our gracious donors.

I have no doubt that the last 20 months of food delivery to our 317 households has kept hundreds, if not thousands, of people alive during the COVID pandemic. Keeping a regular nutritious diet has kept the immune systems of children and guardians functioning well. Further, handwashing stations installed at every household combined with hygiene education, has ensured proper sanitation behaviors from all of the beneficiaries. To date, NONE of our children or guardians have become infected with COVID-19.

These children lives over 25 km from the Children's Center and Makindu town and so rely on bulk food delivery. The nearest water source is 4 km away, and water costs 20 cents a jerry can.  Last year, this region received only ONE DAY OF RAIN. The seeds did not germinate, the soil did not produce, the trees did not leaf. The simple staples of beans, rice and cooking oil helped keep these kids stay nourished and healthy through the drought, through the pandemic, through such difficult times!

Food and water remain so difficult to get for hundreds of our children, many of whom have never even seen a sink faucet!

This holiday season, to add variety to their nutritious needs, Makindu Children's Program hopes to provide two chickens to each household, at $5 per chicken. Protein rich eggs are so good for the children, and chickens can live on surprisingly little, even in desperate climates. 

Also, over the last two years, we have provided two goats to almost every household we support. We plan to provide 50 more goats to the remaining households, at $65 each, hopefully before the end of the year. The goats provide delicious nutritious milk and also live on surprisingly little, even in desperate climates.  

Thank you for your part in feeding these children, and keeping hundreds of others healthy and hopeful through extremely difficult times. Thank you for making their holidays brighter.