In a world where bad news are good news, it’s about time for some really good news that show us something else instead.
My sweet and beloved niece is celebrating her 2nd birthday today, and while she was busy unpacking all her many presents, I couldn’t help but thinking of those many kids that have to share their toys with others. As soon as my niece grows up, I will teach her the joy of sharing.
One of those places dominated by kids and lots of love is The Nest Home in Limuru, Kenya. The Nest Home is “a Project for the Rescue, Rehabilitation and Integration of Children in Conflict with the Law & Children of Imprisoned Mothers” and was founded some years ago with the help of many different people who all contributed to this worthy cause.
The children’s orphanage is located about 20 km outside of Nairobi and provides a loving home for those less fortunate, who’s parents are either in prison or dead.
screenshot of The Nest Home’s website
The fact that their website currently runs on my webspace actually prevented me from blogging on them for a long time, as I didn’t want to be biased on this. There are in fact many wonderful experiences I could put here, lots of joy I encountered while visiting the Nest last year. This is such a wonderful place!
As MB, who diligently maintains the website, already mentions on one of the pages: there are many ways YOU can actually help these kids!
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On a very personal note, and why I decided to blog about this anyways:
- fellow blogger AfroM recently informed me that she, Hash, Mental and others are having plans to visit The Nest soon – great! :-)
- we’ve built this website (running on WP) not only to inform others on the project, but also to show the transparency of the project and that the persons in charge don’t “benefit” in any (financial) way as some sceptical pundits might assume for whatever reason or so…
- i really appreciate the “ownership” from the Kenyan side, and how locals in Limuru have started to acknowledge the home being inside their community.
- i recently read this note on the Cutting Edge @ the DN on fathers who want to do some DNA / paternity test to see who’s the real father of their children. now that’s so stupid! that’s exactly why some of these children have never seen their fathers. Being a father, I believe, isn’t about having a coherent DNA with your kid, but about giving it the love it needs. I actually changed my mind on adoption after visiting The Nest Home.
- maintaining a website in at least two different languages isn’t easy, as some contributions come from countries like Germany where not everyone (especially the older generation) speaks English. The challenge is to include all audiences and showing them how their contributions are being used for the benefit of the children.
I know many critics will mix up Charitable Trusts with overfunded NGOs, but I can assure you that The Nest Home has a remarkably low expenditure on overhead costs.
First, Happy birthday to your niece!
I always gain pleasure in seeing human beings who take their time out and help others especially many young children who due to no fault of their own are left wanting.
The Nest is doing a wonderful job and great to see fellow KBW joining in a worthy cause.If only more and more able Kenyans could join hands and assist the less fortunate.