Securing a water supply

​Having a water supply is something that most of us can take for granted but in many part of the world it is another story entirely.

.In Kenya, at our Happy House the well we use to keep our greenhouse and garden plants watered has dried up over the years.

So in order to ensure we can get the need the crops we grow to give fresh fruit and vegetables to our large family of children, Mama Sue made the decision to have a borehole drilled. 

This will ensure we have a secure supply of water, but it comes at a cost - approximately £1000.

It's not money we wanted to spend but it is absolutely necessary now we no longer have the well.

We also have to build a another store for items that need need to be secure. Everything comes at a cost, but keeping a family of almost 60 children happy, healthy and safe is an expensive business.

We are so grateful to all our friends who support our charity and who ensure the Happy House is the home it should be for our family. 

Thank you, we would be lost without you.

A talent discovered

A bundle of energy, Saidi was just three years old when he came to Happy House in 2013. He joined his sister Rukia who had been in our care since 2010. The children were in the care of their grandmother who was not able to look after them or to send them to school. Safe at Happy House both children have flourished and Saidi has discovered a talent for making people laugh. When the children performed a version of The Three Little Pigs, Saidi was cast in the role of the Big Bad Wolf and had everyone laughing!

Opportunity knocks

We continue to bring you news of the success of remedial classes at Happy House School. Children from lower primary classes who were struggling in a particular subject are or who had missed out because of the pandemic were the first to benefit from the classes with dedicated rooms and teaching staff. And how they have improved. Our David Hayward, who you will all know as a very special little boy who has overcome so many obstacles, managed to achieve an amazing 78 per cent in his recent maths exam - after just three weeks of remedial teaching. Now the classes are being extend to those youngsters who need them from upper primary. And because of the way they have been presented to the youngsters they are eager and keen to attend - everyone wants to take up on the opportunity to be the best they can be.

Celebrating success

After most of the academic year out of class because of the pandemic, many children returning to Happy House School needed help catching up. Unlike those living in the care of our children's home, who were home educated the entire time, many children from the community had no formal schooling. To address the issue of catching-up, and thanks to a very generous donation, we have been able to empty more teachers and open remedial classes so that individual children get their educational needs addressed. In the short time since we started these classes, we are already seeing great improvement and after last week's exams Mama Sue decided this should be celebrated with treats!

Announcing results

Exams last week - result this! It was to a gathering of very excited children that Mama Sue has the important task of announcing results at Happy House School. Mama and the teachers talk to each individual child about their results, but it is always important to celebrate success as a school family too.

Start the week with a smile

The week always starts with smiles and laughter at Happy House School. Mama Sue and Papa Dave lead the Monday assembly encouraging and inspiring the whole school family. And the humour they share isn't lost on the children who enjoy their friendly rivalry over football. Papa, who they have called Radio Watamu, gives his weekly soccer broadcast which they all look forward too.

Tropical treat

Praise for doing well is a huge boost to a youngster's confidence. Like many of the children in our family, Gift had little schooling before he came into the care of our Happy House family. He tries hard and Pat Johnson, a member of his sponsor family, sent a donation to buy a treat as a way of recognising his efforts Treats are shared with the whole family and Gift was asked to choose what he would like. Pineapple was his choice and just how delicious it looks. Thank you Pat for your kindness and for making one boy and all his "brothers" and "sisters" very happy indeed!\