A part of the family, Baraka Paul

Baraka Paul came to Happy House because of problems at home which meant he could no longer be cared for by his mum.
Already a scholarship student in our school, Mama Sue brought him into our family to ensure he was well cared for.
He will stay with us for as long as is needed.
He is enjoying being a Happy House kid and settled in straight away as he tells us on today's blog.

Home news: Kidz Club celebrations

There were celebrations and congratulations at Kidz Club this week.
The weekly family meeting celebrated two birthdays - Saumu Safari (pictured below left) turning 11 years and Lydia  (below right) who is also turning 11.
The girls received gifts and greetings.
The Room of  the Week Award is now being fiercely contested as the children sharing all want to win the prize for their bedroom.
Auntie Velma gave a run down on how the rooms looked and mentioned the highs and the lows of her daily inspections, when each room is scored out of 10.  
Mama Sue explained that being spick and span on Tuesdays only ,when the award is announced, isn't enough as the rooms  are being monitored every day!
This week's winner was announced and the prize handed over room captain, Natasha.
There were lots of songs and a special welcome song for our new arrival, Amani, who is settling in to our family.

Home News: Our Auntie Dawn

Dawn Heather White "Aunty Dawn" to our kids at Happy House,  has visited many times since 2010 when we first opened.
She first volunteered in 2011 and has raised funds, and organised gift campaigns for clothing, plus sponsoring  Amani, one of twins.
In this lovely video Dawn Heather talks about the reasons she loves Happy House, the joy of seeing children grow up and encourages others to volunteer and to sponsor .
Auntie Dawn is a wonderful friend who loves our family, and we love her.

Home News: Mama brings an update

As new children come into our care others are about to to leave.
On today's video, Mama Sue explains how the coming long school holidays will provide an opportunity for some kids to go home to relatives on extended visits - a trial run to see if full repatriation is possible.
Mama rightly believes no child should stay in care longer than is necessary and that if a relative is back on their feet, after whatever problems led to their child going into care, they should be reunited.
Every case is carefully monitored on a regular basis to ensure all remains well. The interests of each individual child are paramount, always. 

Amani - safe at last.

This little boy with a big smile is discovering just how joyful life can be.
The newest member of our family Amani, 11, was alone and neglected when he was found stranded at a bus staging post last month.
The third born in a family of eight, his parents divorced and, as is  the culture,  Amani was left in the care of his dad who suffers from a drink problem and was often absent for as long as a week.
Amani was often sent home from school because fees were unpaid.
Early this year he tried to find his mum, even though he has no idea where she lives, and boarded a bus in Lamu wanting to get to Kilifi.  No one noticed he was alone and when he reached his destination didn't know where to go. He was taken to the police and then to a rescue centre but he ran away.
He managed to get by and eventually arrived in Malindi where he was found by a kindly person who, concerned for his welfare, intervened and took him to the Children's Office.
The Children's Office is looking for his family, but he will be staying at Happy House for as long as is needed and is settling in, going to school,  and smiling!
Welcome Amani.

Home news; Reward for roomies

There was a special treat for the group of boys with the best kept bedroom at Happy House. 
Room captain John and the boys he shares a room with  stepped forward at a Saturday Kidz Club to receive a prize from Mama Sue and Papa Dave.
There was great excitement as they opened the gift ... which will be put up on the wall in their room.
Well done John and boys.

Home news: Chicken chat

Papa Dave took some of our little ones down to the chicken run at  Happy House on Saturday tosee the recently-hatched chicks.

The kids loved seeing the tiny birds running around, and watching Papa as he gave them some feed.

They also did their best to count them, not easy when they are so fast on their feet!

We are building up our stock of chickens, the adult birds were kindly donated by a local businessman, to provide both some of the eggs and meat we need to feed our big family.