Personal experiences
Making A Difference in Kenya
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I am Jenny and I have recently come back from Kenya where I volunteered at the Grandsons of Abraham rescue centre to help street children and I am about to tell you how I decided to sponsor a child.
I met Collins on my first day at the rescue centre; he showed me around and chatted to me about how he wanted to be a car mechanic in the future. He took me to his locker and showed me photographs of him given to him by ex-volunteers.
As time went on I saw a very respectful, hardworking, caring young man. If I needed someone to talk to a child in Swahili I could rely on Collins, if I needed help finding something Collins would always be there. On an outing to the pool (organised by the Volunteers), he asked if I could sponsor him. At first I told him I would only think about it. He was concerned that I had tarred him with the same brush as the boys who sneaked out of the centre. I decided to give Collins a chance and to sponsor him on the provision that he would work hard.
Over the next few weeks all of the volunteers noticed a change in him, he was working harder than ever and many remarked how happy he had become. Collins would get me a plate of food at meal times and we would sit together, often being joined by other boys. He would look after my belongings and once washed my backpack for me after it had become dirty. He would tell me off about not being careful getting to and from the centre, or about where I kept my money. He became really protective. Collins saw me as a Sister who he needed to take care of, he also told me that for three years he wanted a volunteer to have faith in him.
For Collins sponsorship wasn’t about money it was more about having someone who believed in him, who would support him, and be a friend. Of course I get nagged about buying him things, as any little brother would! After he finishes standard 8 I have given Collins the choice of where he would like to study, he was so happy that he was given a choice in his future. Collins has chosen to go to mechanical school and pursue a career as a car engineer.
Jenny Cooper
October 2009
Buy one extra gift this Christmas
Grandsons of Abraham currently cares for approximately 105 children and this year endeavours to make sure every child in the rescue centre has a happy Christmas. We appeal to you to help make this Christmas special for all the children.
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Volunteers
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A major UK based project with links to the Friends group which is working towards linking individuals, groups and organizations in the UK with Grandsons and its wider community. Currently all funds raised by the Friends group are earmarked for the project.
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