The Children’s Centre is home to 33 children between the ages of 2 and 14 years. Each child has come to the centre as a result of a traumatic situation. Whether they are at the centre due to the death of parents or other family members, abandonment, or abuse, the Stars of Hope Children's Centre provides a secure and nurturing environment in which the children are able to thrive. They are fed, clothed, taken to a local school, given all necessary medical attention – and loved.
Ruth Wanjiru Kamau (whose daughter Emily also lives at the centre, and is treated no differently to the others) is responsible for these children and is supported by a team of Kenyan adults who help with cooking, cleaning and security. The ¼ acre compound is very modest and comprises single story buildings. Only recently has the compound been connected to external utilities. The children sleep in separate girl and boy dormitories.28 of the Stars of Hope children are of school age and attend the local Bright Future Community School. In addition, Stars of Hope financially supports a further 27 children from the local community.
It is a testament to the success of the Children’s centre and the nurturing care afforded to the children that many of them are at the top of their respective classes. Also, two children are candidates for the exam to continue onto secondary school.
Stars of Hope currently funds all of the costs of the Children’s Centre and the educational costs of the additional 27 children from the local community. The educational costs are likely to increase significantly in the next few years given the likelihood that some children will be successful in obtaining places in secondary schools which are significantly more expensive.
Sari Hati - Bali, Indonesia
Our other main project is the funding of Sari Hati (which means “essence of the heart”) in Bali for 11 disabled people, both young and old. Stars of Hope has recently paid for the renovation of this facility; and, on an on-going basis, funds the wages and training of the local people who work with the daily residents at the centre. Stars of Hope also provides healthy food, educational materials, outings, weekly physiotherapy and medical treatment. Sari Hati has an enormously positive impact on the lives of these 11 disabled people who, but for the project, might otherwise be ostracised or ignored because of their disabilities. They are now able to lead happier and more enriched lives.
