Colourful end to school year

The curtain fell on a busy school year with a spectacular showcase of talents for parents, guardians and friends at Happy House School on Friday.
Founder of our charity, Mama Sue chaired the colourful gathering and was joined on the top table by Papa Dave,  general manager Uncle Billy, administrator Auntie Rose and guests, Brenda and Red Groves.


Class by class the children and young people, coached by their teachers,  entertained with a varied programme including Scottish dance, Indian dance, songs, poems, plays and breathtaking acrobatics

Our KG3 children, who will be moving up to primary school in January, had a lively and happy graduation ceremony and finished with a song, much to the joy of the assembled audience.
Closing Day is also a time to reward outstanding success and improvement.
The best class in lower primary was class three, while class six was the best class in upper primary
The most improved class in the whole school was class seven.
It was a very happy day in a happy school,

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Happy House, by Jedida

Happy House kid Jedida writes today's blog

My name is Jedida Wangare.

I am 13 years old.

I learn at Hayward’s Happy House.

Happy House is found in jimba location.

At  Happy House we have a director who is Sue Hayward.

In Happy House people live as a family.

I enjoy being in the Happy House with my sisters and brothers.

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Welcome back Auntie Gussy

Our Happy House magic touches everyone who visits.

Its love and warmth, casts a spell that leaves them longing to return.

Gussy Bunbury, who spent five months volunteering in our school earlier this year, is now back again.

The children are overjoyed to see their Auntie Gussy once more, especially the little people she worked so closely with - Lesley, David and Earnest.

She brought with her some wonderful learning resources for our pre-school and kindergarten.

Gussy, who has worked in schools  all over the world, says that none is as special at our Happy House,

"Mama Sue and Papa Dave have truly created something magical here. Every child, teacher, volunteer and visitor  cannot help but have a little bit of that magic rub off on to them," she says.

Welcome back Gussy.

Learning from Lucy

Learning about life beyond the classroom, understanding what jobs involve and discovering their own abilities is key to the future for our kids,

So we are fortunate at Happy House to have skilled people working for us who are willing to illustrate their work and to talk about what it involves.

Our Form 1 secondary students who have been learning about sewing machines are pictured here on a visit from school  to Auntie Lucy, our Happy House seamstress.

Lucy, who makes all our school uniform and does repairs and any other sewing work required,  brought what they hae learnt in class to life as she talked them through they various parts of her machine and explained how they work.
Everyone was invited to have a go and she was delighted to answer their questions.

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A day to remember

 Friends who visit bring so much to our family,  so in return we want to give them memories that will live on in their hearts forever.

So this week Mama and Papa hosted a special Kidz Club for our guests.

It was a chance to  welcome two of our oldest friends Brenda and Red Groves, to thank Jacke and Colin McLean who leave  on Friday, to say hello again to returning volunteer, Gussy Bunbury and introduce to Sebastian and Hongwei and their daughter, Mia, who are on a break in Watamu from Congo, to our family.

The youngsters put on a programme of entertainment with dancing, singing and a catwalk show.

In a tug of war the girls flexed their muscles to beat the boys, but in retaliation the boys were not being left behind and mastered a splendid pyramid in their acrobatics!

As a treat the children had a chance to bob for apples and the afternoon ended with all the guests getting up to dance.

During the afternoon, on little boy was rewarded for outstanding effort.

Brian Hayward, six, has been trying so hard to learn his tables and on Saturday told  Mama and Papa he had now learnt his nine times table!

He recited it perfectly, just as he can all the tables up to and, now including, nine.

Mama presented him with his own colourful times tables book, brought by Jackie and Colin, to congratulate him for trying so hard,

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School Report: School year draws to a close

It's a huge week for our Year 8s as they sit their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examinations.
Tight securiity is in place in all schools where KCPE  is being taken, which underpins the serious nature of this exam.
We send  our Year 8s our very best wishes.

They have worked hard to prepare for these national exams and deserve the success which will take them on to secondary school in January.

Throughout the school  the last week has been taken up with the year-end exams which decide whether kids wil go up a class in the new year.

Meanwhile, our KG3 are preparing for their graduation to primary school at the end of the week, which is also the end of the school term and the school year and rehearsals have been in full swing across school for the closing day ceremony.

Make our movie a winner

Please vote for Children of Watamu in the Charity Film Awards (documentaries section). 

Please vote Children of Watamu today!
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Welcome Jackie and Colin

 A lovely couple, Colin and Jackie McLean had just one reason for wanting to go to Kenya - to visit the Happy House.
So it was with great pleasure that Mama Sue, Papa Dave and all the family joined together to give them an unforgettable welcome.
With singing and dancing, the kids greeted Jackie and Colin who were delighted to spend Saturday morning getting to know them.
Star of the show was our David who took to the floor for a solo dance spot.
They were specially thrilled to meet the two girls they have taken into their hearts, Sanita and little Eve.
Jackie and Colin, who live in Cleveleys, started sponsoring after they heard about the Happy house from their granddaughter, Cody.
Cody, a pupil at St Aidan's School, Preesall, had been inspired to help after being at a workshop led by our Auntie Libby, (Elizabeth Gomm).
She put on shows for her family to raise some money.
Colin and Jackie very kindly took a case full of lovely items for our children to the Happy House with them.
Thank you both for your generosity. Mama and  Papa and the kids are looking forward to seeing you at Kidz Club later today.
Colin said: " It was so wonderful to meet all the children but especially Sanita and Eve, can't wait to see them again.
" Mama Sue and Papa Dave are truly amazing people."

Make our movie a winner

Please vote for Children of Watamu in the Charity Film Awards (documentaries section). 

Please vote Children of Watamu today!
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Scouts honour heroes

 Our Happy House scouts took part in the local celebrations for a national day.

They travelled to Malindi to join in the celebrations for Mashujaa Day, also called Heroes' Day/

 As  a public holiday, it honours those who contributed towards the struggle for independence or who contributed in a post-independence Kenya.

Mr Steve said: "The activities were fantastic especially when John Muchiri, one of our Happy House kids, rocked the crowed with his thrilling dancing styles.

The Scouts also enjoyed learning from other Scout troops present."

PLEASE VOTE, NOW:

Please vote for Children of Watamu in the documentaries category of the Charity Film Awards to highlight our work with children from despair at our at the Happy House and our founder Sue Hayward's inspiring story told in the beautiful film made for us, free 

of charge, by our friend Massimiliano Zeuli. Please vote for Children of Watamu and ask your friends to do the same.

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My class, by Vanessa

Today's blog is written by day pupil in our school, Vanessa, who wants to tell us about her class:
I am Vanessa and I am in Standard 6.
A class is consists of pupils and a teacher.

It is where pupils learn from their teacher when she is teaching.

My class teacher she is called Madam Nelly. She is teaching us English and Social studies.

In our class there are boys and girls.

My class prefects they are two, a boy and a girl that is Jedidah Wangare and Salim Charo.

There is another prefect Antony M Benson, he is the prefect of cleanlin

ess.

Birthdays for four

There was a bumper crop of birthdays to celebrate at the Happy House this week.

Thomas, Jeremiah, Jedida and Samson were all treated to gifts and greeting at Kidz Club when their brothers and sister joined together to sing birthday songs, plus other songs to mark the day.

Our pictures show  Left:Thomas, four,  centre: Jeremiah, five,  right top: Jedida , 14,  and bottom, right: Samson, 14.

Happy birthday kids from all of us.

YOUR VOTE COUNTS 

Please vote for Children of Watamu in the documentaries category of the Charity Film Awards to highlight our work with children from despair at our at the Happy House and our founder Sue Hayward's inspiring story told in the beautiful film made for us, free of charge, by our friend Massimiliano Zeuli. Please vote for Children of Watamu and ask your friends to do the same.

 http://www.charityfilmawards.com/videos/children-of-watamu

INVEST IN THEIR FUTURE APPEAL

We have set up a saving account to help our first intake of secondary school students, all from abject poverty, through university when they leave our Happy House School in 2019.

Please help them to achieve their dreams of changing their world by donating at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/collegefund

Now life is joyous for Joyce

In just two weeks, five-year-old Joyce has discovered a whole new world of happiness.

Running around and looking cute in her blue and white stripey top and skirt, she no longer carries the weight of the world on her shoulders.

She is happy, and she is safe, 

Joyce ,who was living in uncertainty with the anguish and volitility of an unstable mum,  was brought into the care of our family by an uncle desperate tio protect her but unable to look after her himself.

Unsure and shy, she had no idea of what she was coming to, but within hours our Happy House had started to weve its magic.

Since then she has made lots of new friends , has a lovely bed to sleep in and good food to eat, and she just loves being able to go to school every day.

Her ready smiles and infectious laughter, confirm the Joy in her name is well placed and no longer a painful irony.

We desperately need sponsors for Joyce and other recent arrivals.

 Sponsorship is £20 a month and will bring you, and your sponsor child, so much joy. If you would like to know more please email: elizabethgomm@childrenofwatamu.net

YOUR VOTE COUNTS 

Please vote for Children of Watamu in the documentaries category of the Charity Film Awards to highlight our work with children from despair at our at the Happy House and our founder Sue Hayward's inspiring story told in the beautiful film made for us, free of charge, by our friend Massimiliano Zeuli. Please vote for Children of Watamu and ask your friends to do the same.

 http://www.charityfilmawards.com/videos/children-of-watamu

INVEST IN THEIR FUTURE APPEAL

We have set up a saving account to help our first intake of secondary school students, all from abject poverty, through university when they leave our Happy House School in 2019.

Please help them to achieve their dreams of changing their world by donating at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/collegefund

A new start for sad little trio

A tragic little threesome woke up to a nourishing breakfast this morning after their first night in our Happy House family
Five year old Faith, her brother Joshua, three. and elder sister Lydia, nine, were brought to their new home yesterday after being discovered living in  extreme hardship and neglect,
Our intervention came at the request of the Children's Services Department who had been alerted to the children's plight by the police and neighbours.
The children were being left alone for days at a time by their parents who work as casual labourers on building sites and neighbours, who were doing their best to help,  were fearful for the children. 
They came home to Happy House to a warm welcome from the children and staff and after a shower, a meal and new clothes were much happier and starting to make friends.
Children's Services are in touch with the mother's family up country and it is possible that they may, in time, find a safe home there.
But for the foreseeable future they will remain in our care and can enjoy a happy and carefree childhood.
We have a  Happy House kids, like these three newcomers, who are yet to have a sponsor.
If you can take a Happy house kid into your heart by becoming sponsor please email elizabethgomm@childrenofwatamu.net for details. Sponsorship is £20 a month.

YOUR VOTE COUNTS 

Please vote for Children of Watamu in the documentaries category of the Charity Film Awards to highlight our work with children from despair at our at the Happy House and our founder Sue Hayward's inspiring story told in the beautiful film made for us, free of charge, by our friend Massimiliano Zeuli. Please vote for Children of Watamu and ask your friends to do the same.

 http://www.charityfilmawards.com/videos/children-of-watamu

INVEST IN THEIR FUTURE APPEAL

We have set up a saving account to help our first intake of secondary school students, all from abject poverty, through university when they leave our Happy House School in 2019.

Please help them to achieve their dreams of changing their world by donating at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/collegefund

School Report: Getting set to graduate

This week teacher, Md Esther bring us our School Report.
She writes:
It's been another interesting and busy week at Happy House school as we head towards the end of another term and also the end of our school year.
In class, pupils are concentrating hard on revising all their subjects ready for the end of term exams, with their teachers ensuring that all areas of all topics are covered and knowledge reinforced.
KG 3 children are preparing for their graduation to primary school with the ceremony taking place at the end of the month.
Other classes are rehearsing closing day items when they will entertain relatives and guests with a varied programme,

We love you Mama Sue

Mama's birthday was just the best reason to party.
Everyone in the family loves our Mama Sue so they wanted to make it a very special day indeed.
Mama and Papa arrived to a musical welcome with the kids singing in full voice.
The children planned every detail of the morning including the programme of entertainment and games.

Their was a catwalk show, musical chairs, a dancing competition, along with apple bobbing,a magic show and acrobatics.
Form 1 students prepared a surprise dance routine which involved getting Mama, Papa, Uncle Billy and Auntie Rose up on the floor to join in.
To finish off there as a tug-of-war contest. Home staff took on and beat school staff; Secondary kids won their pull against Primary kids,  and to much excitement  a girls team beat the  the boys,
Afterwards their was lunch of pizza, ice lollies and, of course, birthday cake.
It was a wonderful party, full of love and laughter, for a wonderful Mama.

PLEASE DONATE

We have set up a savings account to help our first intake of secondary school students, all from abject poverty, through university when they leave our Happy House School in 2019.

The scholarship kids have dreams of changing their world by becoming doctors, lawyers, engineers, social workers etc.

Please help them to achieve their dreams by donating at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/collegefund

YOUR VOTE COUNTS 

Please vote for Children of Watamu in the documentaries category of the Charity Film Awards to highlight our work with children from despair at our at the Happy House and our founder Sue Hayward's inspiring story told in the beautiful film made for us, free of charge, by our friend Massimiliano Zeuli. Please vote for Children of Watamu and ask your friends to do the same.

 http://www.charityfilmawards.com/videos/children-of-watamu

Blogs show our kids how you care

 Our daily blog is just a snapshot of Happy House life.
It gives a glimpse of what is happening in our children's home and school, family events, and of the impact Mama's work is having in the community.
It also tells of what is going on in the world beyond, how our friends and supporters around the world are helping to raise the vital funds we need to keep going,

And Mama Sue ensures the children and young people in our care,and our staff, understand the enormous efforts and sacrifices of our sponsors and friends who go the extra mile to help make a difference.

She doesn't want anyone to be under the illusion that it is easy, and reminds them that the environment they live in or go to school in, and everything they have, depends on the generosity of others.
But, she tells them, they have a responsibility to give something back in return. To work hard, behave well, be kind to others and to strive, when they go out into the wider world, to make a difference to their communities.
In a blog session with Mama, Papa and Uncle Billy, the children saw recent blogs incluiding the video to launch our Invest in the Future College Fund and Auntie Libby speaking at  Inner Wheel District 19 Service gathering.
The youngsters, who write their own blogs on Sundays, listened intently and took Mama's message to heart as these blogs, written by Form 1 scholarship students Kelvin and Moses,illustrate:

Kelvin David: 

It’s really nice being one of the Happy House children.

 I have never been to such a place before where children are taught moral virtues that help them in everyday life. These virtues are conveyed in various ways
A good example is watching various blogs that are chaired by our lovely Mama Sue and Papa Dave not forgetting our hardworking, committed manager Uncle Billy.
 These blogs really mean something to us. 
They  remind us who we are and where we came from. These blogs bring a sense of unity among us. They do build a sense of appreciation among us.
These blogs have taught me how to appreciate whatever one does for me. Love is another value that is bound between us when watching these blogs, that’s why our lovely hearted supporters share this love with us through donations and various ways that leads to rising of joy in our hearts.
 These blogs make me have an ambition of building a children’s home that would accommodate needy children since a sense of caring is built , not forgetting good deeds showed to us by our caring Mama Sue.

Moses Cosmas:

I am delighted to talk to you this day. I would like to talk about the nice blog sessions that our Mama Sue has introduced in the school. 

These sessions have brought a lot of changes to my life, since I have known where the sponsorship comes from. 
I am grateful to see that most of the kind people from different continents give  aid to this family they join hands with Mama and Aunt Libby to make our future bright. 
Your efforts have really motivated towards my academic since somebody somewhere struggles to work in a winter season to better my future life. 
My heart feels the love that am getting from you, and I am thankful.
After my studies  I will give back in the community. 
These blogs that we watch have really given me the courage to achieve my mission and ambitions to help other children one day, since love is like a magic penny, you put in your pocket and you don’t have any, but if take it and you give it away it comes right back to you.

Thank you     

YOUR VOTE COUNTS 

Please vote for Children of Watamu in the documentaies category of the Charity Film Awards to highlight our work with children from despair at our at the Happy House and our founder Sue Hayward's inspiring story told in the beautiful film made for us, free of charge, by our friend Massimiliano Zeuli. Please vote for Children of Watamu and ask your friends to do the same.

 http://www.charityfilmawards.com/videos/children-of-watamu

PLEASE DONATE

We have set up a savings account to help our first intake of secondary school students, all from abject poverty, through university when they leave our Happy House School in 2019.

The scholarship kids have dreams of changing their world by becoming doctors, lawyers, engineers, social workers etc.

Please help them to achieve their dreams by donating at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/collegefund