Tuesday, December 13, 2016

The Marafun is moving to Kenya!

All systems go! We've just had the first registrations for the Kenya Marafun. See more on the website www.kenyamarafun.com and our new Kenya Marafun Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/kenyamarafun/

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Martin conquers Kilimanjaro...for the 7th time

Well...here I am again, folks! Standing at the top of Kilimanjaro - Africa's highest peak - for the seventh time.
People ask me if it gets any easier. Well, it's just the same height as it ever was, and the air is just as thin, and minus seven degrees is still minus seven, whatever year you climb! So, in a way it doesn't get any easier as my knees get a little more painful as the years roll by.
On the other hand, I am under no illusion about the effort it takes, so I guess I am more prepared mentally, even if physically it gets more challenging! 
But, that's enough about me. Two key things to remember are: it's about the kids we care for in Kenya, not me. Street kids sleep rough every night (not just a few nights under canvas as I did during my climb). And they don't have enough to eat (I had loads of food during the climb). And they don't have many friends., whereas I had Rod and Mike encouraging me every step of the way (thanks, guys).
Together we raised a lot of sponsorship which will keep our wonderful, transforming work going. There's still a chance to donate if you wish to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Martins-SEVENTH-Never-Again-Kili-Climb-2016

Thursday, September 1, 2016

The best rainwater harvesting in the County!

"You've given us the best rainwater harvesting in the County!"

That was headmaster Mr Gitau's reaction when the water tanks at his school were completed. "Once the rain starts," he continued, "our problems of sanitation at the school will be buried in the books of history!"

The water tanks (one large new one, and the repaired smaller one) were made possible by the wonderful generosity of our friends at X1 Church Watford who not only funded the work, but also visited to lend a hand building the tanks.

When Footsteps trustees Martin and Mary Print visit Kenya in October, they hope to see the Sunshine Boys and local children using the water...if it has rained!!

Monday, August 1, 2016

Cyrus - from street boy to university graduate!


Cyrus Waweru used to be a street boy. Today he is a graduate with a B.Sc degree in IT and Business.

Cyrus lived on the streets of Naivasha, Kenya until 2004 when he was offered a home at the newly-opened Sunshine Centre. Under the loving care of our staff, and with good food and the chance to resume his education, Cyrus did well at both primary and high school and seized the opportunity to go ti university.

He is the first of our 'Sunshine Boys' to graduate from university and he is a great inspiration to the 120 boys we care for at the Centre. 

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

No water? No problem! Task team takes action!

A team from Christ First Church, Watford funded a new water tank and fresh paint for dormitories...then visited Kenya and rolled up their sleeves to help.

The 260,000 litre water tank will capture and store rainwater so that the 500 children at Karai Primary School, Naivasha have clean water to drink and to wash their hands.
There is no piped water to the school which relies on infrequent deliveries of poor quality water from a nearby borehole.
"Thank you for helping our school," said Mr Githau, the headmaster. "You have truly blessed us and our children."
70 former street boys from our Sunshine Centre attend the school which is attended by children from the local community.

As well as helping build the rainwater storage tank the Christ First team provided funds to paint the 10 dormitories at the Sunshine Centre. 
The UK visitors gave the local craftsmen a hand, helping to lay stones and mix mortar for the water tank, and painting the dormitories an variety of dazzling shades! The team's visit coincided with school half-term holidays, so the Sunshine Boys who are at high school lent a hand too, led by Bonnie.

The UK team took time to find out about the lives of our former street boys. They made a memorable visit to meet Frederick Kabete's great-grandmother, Nyambura (pictured in front of her house with Frederick in school uniform, and one of his sisters). Although she is 85 years old, Nyambura still works at the quarry crushing stone with a hammer. She earns between 30 and 60 pence a day which she uses to help Frederick's 5 siblings.
One of the highlights of our visit was the walk from the Sunshine Centre to the Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp (our luxury ‘glamping’ accommodation) where the Sunshine Boys enjoyed a refreshing swim in the hotel pool.

Other highlights of included:
1. Meeting Cyrus Waweru who is the first former street boy at the Sunshine Centre to be awarded a degree. He has just graduated from Mt Kenya University with a 2.1 degree in  Business and Information Technology.

2. Naomi Amwayi (on the right with the cake) has just started a diploma course in hospitality and catering. We first met her in 2000 and cared for her at the Tumaini Children’s Home in Mombasa for many years.
3 With the help of grants from local Rotary Clubs, we have established a library and computer room at the Sunshine Centre.
Our social worker Simon Kuria said: “The novels will help us develop a reading culture among the boys that  will improve their English. We will also help the boys to learn basic computing which is  a key skill when looking for work in Kenya.

Monday, June 6, 2016

Marafun 2016: great fun, great fund-raising

Over 500 participants ran a combined total of 5000 miles at the Marafun on 7th May

Ably assisted by 75 marshals and helpers, the day was voted a great success by the runners.
Stuart French, who completed a half-marathon, wrote: "A big thank you to the excellent organisers and marshals for helping us all on a very hot day. It was tough in the heat but they really helped keep us runners going."

As well as raising several thousand pounds for Footsteps, Clive Doubleday of Smile International thank us for helping them raise funds for their charity, too: "Thank you for a BRILLIANT  day on Saturday! Our SMILE international team of 4 raised over £1000 for our work around the world which is a real blessing. 
Great day          Great weather         Great fun       Great work

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Essential maintenance completed

It's rather boring...but very essential!

Looking after our assets is a fact of life. If we want homes for needy children and schools for them to attend we need buildings. And the simple fact is that buildings need attention from time to time to keep them working.
The Tumaini high school roofs have just had a lick of paint. The photo - taken midway through the job - shows clearly what a difference it has made.
A gift of a few hundred pounds means that the roofs are good to go for another 5 years - protecting the children from the harsh Mombasa climate as they study! 

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Fruit of our labour

Kamau and Daniel lived on the streets of Naivasha for years, scrounging for a living at the back of a small hotel, and frequently in trouble with the police. Then, in 2004, they were both offered places at our newly-opened Sunshine Centre. And their lives changed...

Kamau, Jennifer, Veronica and Victor

With a safe place to sleep, a warm bed to sleep on, and plenty of good food, Kamau and Daniel thrived. While Daniel re-started school, Kamau enrolled on a welding course at Naivasha Polytechnic.

The years rolled by and both did well. Kamau found work driving cars and Daniel completed a teacher training degree.

Daniel with Lydia and Mike
During their recent visit to Kenya, Footsteps trustees Martin and Mary Print met up with both young men. Kamau is building houses for rent, and Daniel is working as a stock supervisor at a builders' merchant in town. And, most special of all, both have wives and children! 

How encouraging is that!

Monday, February 1, 2016

From street boy to cool dude!

This cool-looking young man is Cyrus Waweru. When he lived on the streets, he had no idea that one day he would be about to graduate from university with a degree in Business and Information Technology.
"Currently I am proceeding with my internship in a government institution which has been a great experience. I'm getting the opportunity to practice what I have been learning in the campus, meeting different people and interacting with some of the most prominent people in my country. It has been an amazing experience."
When Cyrus's internship ends, he is hoping to get a good job - despite the challenging unemployment situation in Kenya at the moment.  "I believe that God will make a way," Cyrus says. Amen!

Monday, January 11, 2016

Marafun registration is open!

The next Orpington MARAFUN is on Saturday 7th May, 2016.
It will be our 12th Marafun this year, and there are great events for EVERY age and level of fitness:
Full Marathon   (10.30 start)
Half Marathon (11.30 start) – NOTE THE NEW START TIME
10k (12.30 start) – NOTE THE NEW START TIME
PLUS the Half-marathon Walk (10.30), the 2k (2.30) and 4k   (3.00)   
For more details, and to register for the event of your choice, visit www.marafun.co.uk

Last year’s participants said:
“The friendliest marshals in the world!”
“The marshals were always smiling and so encouraging. It made a huge difference.”
“Superbly organised”
“Great course!

Over recent years the Marafun has raised nearly £100,000 to help our street children and orphans!

Register now for our popular day of fun and fund-raising for good causes!