Giving Back to the Community: A visit to Children’s Home

During Ramadan 2024, Safe Womanhood-Kenya, in collaboration with Safeway Medical Clinic, conducted a series of charitable visits to Mama Fatuma Goodwill Children’s Home and Islamia Orphans Center in Nairobi. The purpose of the visits was to celebrate the spirit of giving during the holy month of Ramadan by making in-kind donations, sharing meals, and organizing fun-filled activities for the children. These efforts aimed to bring joy, comfort, and a sense of community to some of the most vulnerable members of society – orphans and disadvantaged children.

The visit aimed to:

1. Celebrate the spirit of Ramadan through acts of charity, providing meals and entertainment to the children.
2. Support the well-being of orphans and vulnerable children by donating essential items such as food, clothing, hygiene products, and educational materials.
3. Foster a sense of community by spending time with the children, participating in games, and sharing meals in a joyous atmosphere.
4. Promote collaboration between Safe Womanhood, Safeway Medical Clinic, and local children’s centres to build sustainable support systems for these institutions.

Overview of the Visits:

1. Visit to Mama Fatuma Goodwill Children’s Home: The first visit took place at Mama Fatuma Goodwill Children’s Home, an established shelter providing care for orphans and abandoned children. The event began with a warm welcome by the children and staff, followed by a short program to introduce the purpose of the visit.

• In-Kind Donations:

Safe Womanhood and Safeway Medical Clinic donated a variety of essential items, including:

• • Food supplies such as rice, cooking oil, beans, flour, and sugar.
  • Hygiene products including soap, toothpaste, and sanitary items.
  • Clothing for children of different ages.
  • Educational materials like notebooks, pens, and school bags.
• Celebration and Activities:

After the formal donations, the children were treated to a delicious meal, featuring traditional Ramadan foods and sweets. A team of volunteers helped serve the food, and the children were thrilled to enjoy a variety of treats. The afternoon was filled with games such as football, sack races, and board games. The children, staff, and volunteers shared in laughter and joy, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Visit to Islamia Orphans Center:

The second visit took place at Islamia Orphans Center, where Safe Womanhood and Safeway Medical Clinic aimed to replicate the same spirit of generosity and celebration. The centre provides education and shelter to orphaned children, most of whom have lost their parents to war or displacement.

• In-Kind Donations: A similar set of donations was provided, including:
  • Foodstuffs like dates, flour, grains, milk, and fruits to support the children’s daily nutritional needs.
  • Clothing and bedding materials.
  • Medical supplies donated by Safeway Medical Clinic, such as basic first-aid kits, vitamins, and health supplements.
• Celebration and Fun Activities:

The children were served a feast to break their fast, including snacks and sweets that delighted them. Volunteers engaged the children in a series of fun games, including team sports and storytelling sessions. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and gratitude as both the children and staff appreciated the companionship and generosity shown.

Impact of the Visits:

The visits to both Mama Fatuma Goodwill Children’s Home and Islamia Orphans Center were met with overwhelming gratitude from the children and staff. The in-kind donations addressed immediate needs, particularly in terms of food security and hygiene, while the interactions with volunteers helped uplift the children’s spirits during Ramadan.

Some of the key impacts include:

• Improved morale and well-being: The children, many of whom lack regular visitors or outside support, felt a sense of belonging and care through these engagements.
• Tangible support for daily operations: The donations of food and essential supplies relieved some of the financial burdens on the homes and ensured the children had access to necessities for the coming weeks.
• Promotion of community involvement: The visits demonstrated the importance of collective action in supporting vulnerable children and helped strengthen the bond between the local community and the orphan centers.

Conclusion:

The visits by Safe Womanhood-Kenya and Safeway Medical Clinic to Mama Fatuma Goodwill Children’s Home and Islamia Orphans Center during Ramadan 2024 were not only acts of charity but also expressions of solidarity and compassion. Through these activities, the organizations successfully created a joyous and fulfilling experience for the children, highlighting the importance of community support in the lives of orphans and vulnerable children.

Moving forward, Safe Womanhood and Safeway Medical Clinic are committed to continuing their efforts to support underprivileged children, especially during critical times like Ramadan, while building long-term partnerships to create sustainable support systems for these institutions.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making these visits successful and impactful, and we look forward to more opportunities to spread love and care within our community.