Celebration for teachers

Our teachers had a special treat when Mama and Papa invited them to their home for a party. The event was celebrate their efforts which resulted in our students gaining outstanding results in the 2016 KCPE exams.

Mr Laurent reports: "It was a day to be merry for members of the teaching staff in Happy House. This celebration of our school being recognised by the heads of education in the county as a pacesetter in academics 

Besides the presence of our cheerful Mama and Papa Dave and their friends Mark and Thalia, were Aunties Rose and Velma,  and teaching staff ranging from those in the kindergarten, through the primary school, to high school,

The party mood came to life through great music and dancing for all.
Papa Dave organised party games  It was Papa’s quick-fired questions  in the "Yes or No " game, that brought out the mental genius in him.

After the games came time to eat and Mama’s cooking was great in the real sense of the word. That is why first servings were follwed by second and, for many, a third

The party then moved to the swimming pool. 

And it was from here that this special gift from our caring Mama and the eventful day came to an end. 

As everyone dispersed our inner eyes focused on another day, another party, but what remained clear was another excellent result."

Welcome home Uncle Ronnie

Welcome home Uncle Ronnie.

We are delighted to bring you the news that Uncle Ronnie will be returning to our family as social worker,

It exactly a year since he went back to college after 12 months placement at Happy House working alongside Mama and Uncle Billy.

Now, following Uncle Billy's resignation for personal reasons, Uncle Ronnie will be working on a part-time basis until the end of this semester in April when he will then become full-time.

He will continue his studies at evening classes to complete his degree.

The children are thrilled to see him. When they returned from activities at school on Saturday morning, Mama told them Uncle Ronnie was in the office.

"There was much laughing and squealing everyone pushing each other to be the first to see  him.

"He is so happy to be back.  I do things during the week and then we talk it through on a Saturday. He is so good with the kids,'' said Mama.

It really is like coming home for Ronnie, who knows and understands many of our children so well, and he is looking forward to getting to know those who have joined us since he left.

We know that you, too, will be delighted he is back home. It will be he who will be going through your emails, letters etc with your sponsor children, explaining anything they don't understand,  and will be keeping you up to date with their news.

My teacher, by Lilian Rehema

:

Judging from this very informative blog, scholarship student Lilian Rehema has the making of a reporter!

Her blog is all about her teacher.

My class teacher is called Mr Karani. He is 28 years old.

Mr Karani teaches us science. He is a good teacher. 

Mr Karani  is as tall as a flag post  and he is as brown as the soil.

Mr Karani lives in Watamu. He is a Christian and he goes to church every Saturday and Sunday. 

He wakes up early in the morning to prepare himself to come to school. 

Mr Karani likes making funny faces and he is a humble teacher. He likes the colour red.The house of Mr Karani is built of blocks. 

He has a daughter called Eosophugus .His daughter is five years old .

An essential today

Our Lets Do IT school computer appeal has risen to £615.
Thanks to everyone who has given to the appeal which has to raise £3,500 to repair and add computers to our school computer room.
We need enough machines for every pupil taking a class, so they no longer have to share.
Learning IT will give these kids a headstart in the jobs market when they enter the workplace at the end of secondary school.
Every class from kindergarten upwards are learning computer skills in our school.
Please can you spare a few pounds, euro or dollars to help?

Every donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference to the young people of today who will, in turn, make a difference to their world tomorrow.
Young people like, Gabriel, a second year secondary student on a free place scholarship.
Before he became one of our first scholarship students, he was working on a building site trying to help buy food for his family.  He was desperate to be in school, but denied a place in a Government because he had no money to pay.
Without Happy House intervention he would have remained on the scrapheap of life  
Now he has opportunity,hope and a bright future,
Gabriel writes:

I am so happy to be in Happy House. Here we have  so many things that  make my study to be smooth. 

We all know that in this world of today computers are essential. I am fortunate to write this using a computer.

For a person to get a job he or she must have learnt computer.

So please can you help us. 

We need more computers because we do not have enough and have to share in computer lessons.

We ask you to help us if you can so that we can do better in our studies.

We will, at the time when we will go out to work, know how to use computers and we will help our economy and raise up our country.

Thank you for always assisting us. God bless you.

To make a donation please go to: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/letsdoit

Birthday boy Elijah

 All the visitors we have been getting lately have been thrilled with the way our children like to sing their special welcome  song.

Mark and Thalia Ventura who are holidaying at Turtle Bay joined the family at Kids Club and it was their turn to be welcomed in song.

Marc and Thalia, who live in Brighton, have known Sue and Dave since 2007 and over the years have done much to support her Happy House in the years since.

Regular visitors to Turtle Bay, it is lovely for Mama, Papa and the children to see them again.

This week, Elijah is celebrating his birthday and Thalia was happy to take on the task of presenting him with his birthday gift bag.

Happy birthday Elijah. 

LET'S DO IT FOR OUR SCHOOL

We  are appealing for your help to buy five new computers and to buy three CPUs to refurbish existing stock.

This will ensure our school's dedicated computer room has enough machines for each child when lessons take place there.

At the moment they are having to share, which causes delays and slows their learning.

It will cost £3,500 to buy what we need and we need YOU to help us do it, please.

Every donation, how ever small, will help get us towards our target,

Please donate today at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/letsdoit

Computer fun gets cake boost

Our mission equip our computer room with enough machines to ensure that kids in class no longer have to share has been given a helping hand.

Carol Sohier, a great friend from Jersey, held a cake and coffee morning for friends raising £200 for our Let's Do IT computer appeal.

Carol's donation brings our current total to £390 - 11%  towards our target of £3,500.

Mama Sue was thrilled with the donation from Carol and friends, which was delivered personally by carol who is holidaying in Watamu.

Carol made lots of cakes which were a huge hit with her generous guests.

Carol said: "A coffee morning is a great way to raise funds as it's enjoyable catching up with friends for a good old chat while enjoying a cup of coffee and a nice piece of cake.

 One friend donated even more to take a piece home for her husband and two granddaughters. 

Also on the back of that coffee morning " a very nice man, Ted" asked if I could make him a malted chocolate cake to take to his daughter's at Christmas for which he paid handsomely! 

So it's a very big thank you to my friends for their kindnesss."

Our thanks go to Carol and to all our friends for their kindness towards our family.

Maybe YOU could follow Carol's lead and host a gathering for friends to help take us further towards our target, or perhaps you have another idea for fundraising or would just like to make a donation.

To make a donation online please go to:https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/letsdoit

School Report: Finger art and plea for computer cash

 It has been a good week in school and the learning process is progressing well with all our children, writes Md Louisa.
 Every student and pupil is busy revising for the mid-term exams.

The playgroup has been busy doing finger printing with their teacher, Md. Sarah.

This helps them in coordinating eye and hand as well as firming the fingers.

K2 have been doing creative lessons, printing of different patterns, including star, apple, fish and crab shapes,with Md. Louisa. 

The lessons have been a big hit with the kids as they are able to print different shapes on their own.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR APPEAL

In a world where computer technolgy dominates our lives, it is viatal that our HappyHouse kids have the skills to use it.

We need to buy five new computers and  to buy three CPUs to refurbish existing ones to ensure our school's dedicated computer room has enough machines for each child when lessons take place there.

At the moment they are having to share, which causes delays.

The total cost of buying what we need is £3,500. 

Please donate today at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/letsdoit

From Watamu Treehouse to Happy House

A party of lovely people from New York holidaying in Watamu took the time to come to see us.

They are staying at the beautiful Watamu Treehouse, a luxury destination for holidays or retreats.

The group listened intently as Mama told them the story of her road to the Happy House.

A guided tour followed, with chief guide,Papa Dave, showing them around. 

Just as they were finishing their tour, the kids were arriving home from school and gathered in the banda to treat our guests to a welcome song. 

And once they start singing it's difficult to stop them, much to the delight of their audience who were thrilled to delighted by such a happy, singing family!

The group all practice Yoga, one of their main reasons for visiting WatamuTreehouse, and the children had a wonderful time doing some Yoga exercises, dancing and singing ancient songs.

Watamu Treehouse (www.treehouse.co.ke) is rated as one of the best hotels in Kenya by the Telegraph and is one of Kenya Airways' Msafiri Magazine's "100 Most Unforgettable Experiences" globally.

Situated on one of the most picturesque stretches of Watamu beach. and located right opposite the Coral Gardens of the Marine Park,  Treehouse has no large hotels nearby - only private residences. 

Built high in the trees, its unique architecture affords a 360 degree panorama of the Indian Ocean coastline on one side and native forest on the other.

You can book a room or two in Treehouse bed+breakfast, half board or fullboard, or larger groups can rent a whole tower or the whole house on a self-catering (or catered) basis, or go for a retreat. 

Guests are well taken care of by the friendly, professional and experienced Watamu Treehouse Team.

Thank you to Paul the team at Treehouse and their visitors for spending time with our children.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR APPEAL

In a world where computer technolgy dominates our lives, it is viatal that our Happy

House kids have the skills to use it.

We need to buy five new computers and  to buy three CPUs to refurbish existing ones to ensure our school's dedicated computer room has enough machines for each child when lessons take place there.

At the moment they are having to share, which causes delays.

The total cost of buying what we need is £3,500. 

Please donate today at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/letsdoit

Sporting success

 Our Kindergarten athletes went through to the second heat of the inter-school sports contest when they entered events at Gede Primary School.

Going on to represent Watamu Ward in the area sports on March 2 are:

Potato race - Priscilla Ponda and  Gift Kaingu

Sorting and grouping - Edward Otieno

Tin balancing - Priscilla  and Gift

Football (girls)- Amina Karisa, Mitchell Odhiambo, Priscilla Ponda

Football Boys - Tumaini Kaingu, Khalid Mohamed,  Moffin Oduor, Stephano Karisa, Lucky Safari, Gabriel Mgomba.

Well done, kids and good luck in the next round!

 Top picture (left)  Boys footall, Gift, Stephano, Khalid  Moffin and Tumaini, Right: Priscilla Ponda.
Bottom picture: Left: Gift; centre: Lucky Right:Priscilla, Amina and Mitchell

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR APPEAL

In a world where computer technolgy dominates our lives, it is viatal that our Happy

House kids have the skills to use it.

We need to buy five new computers and  to buy three CPUs to refurbish existing ones to ensure our school's dedicated computer room has enough machines for each child when lessons take place there.

At the moment they are having to share, which causes delays.

The total cost of buying what we need is £3,500. 

Please donate today at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/letsdoit

My holiday, by Fatuma

Happy House kid Fatuma is looking back to her last school holiday and telling us a little of what she did.

"A holiday is a time that people rest

It was a December holiday, people had their enjoyment in different places.

Some  travelled to different towns.

My holiday was at home. It was brilliant , fantastic, wonderful and marvelous. My family and I went to the beach and swam for some minutes. 

We ate our snacks there and went back home.

When we arrived there our neighbours were cheering while others were in the kitchen cooking different foods.

We were happy to see them. 

Many people were invited to our December holiday.

 Afterwards people went back to their places." 

WE NEED YOUR HELP

In a world where computer technolgy dominates our lives, it is viatal that our Happy

House kids have the skills to use it.

We need to buy five new computers and  to buy three CPUs to refurbish existing ones to ensure our school's dedicated computer room has enough machines for each child when lessons take place there.

At the moment they are having to share, which causes delays.

The total cost of buying what we need is £3,500. 

Please donate today at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/letsdoit

New arrival is all smiles

 This happy, smiley, baby is the newest member of our Happy House family.

And as he enjoys all the love in the world, he's blissfully unaware of the tragedy that has brought him to us.

Emmanuel was found, naked, and abandoned by the village post office in Watamu.

Amina (pictured), who found him, already knew of him and his mother.
She had been giving food to the mum, an itinerant with mental health problems.

So when she found the little boy,  who she knew to be named Emmanuel, she contacted the Child Protection Office and advised brought him to Happy House,.

We now have formal custody of Emmanuel, who is estimated to be three to four months old.

 He has had medical checks and is a healthy and very happy baby!

We do need sponsors for a number of Happy House children, including Emmanuel. To  sponsor Emmanuel or to find out more about sponsoring a child, please email: elizabethgomm@childrenofwatamu.net

Update on another Emmanuel

Another little Emmanuel, the newborn rescued from a pit latrine on Christmas day, is improving in health.

Mama is in touch with the rescue centre, our partners in the case, and is pleased to hear he is now out of hospital but remaining in their care where he is near to the hospital which will provide continuing care to the poorly boy.

Mama Sue says it is in his interests to remain with the centre where he is getting exemplary care and can be at the hospital quickly should an emergency arise.

A home is always waiting for him at Happy House should it be needed. 

We are grateful to the rescue centre for the love and care they are providing for him.

Guests bring lovely gifts

 Our children were happy to welcome unexpected visitors who popped in to say hello.

Holidaying in Watamu from the United Arab Emirates, Gareth and Becky Owen with children Roxy and Jessie Grace  brought with them many lovely gifts including clothes, shoes, books, teddies and crayons.

These will be kept in our store room to be distributed as they are needed.

Thank you Becky, Gareth, Roxy and Jessie Grace it was lovely to see you.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

In a world where computer technolgy dominates our lives, it is viatal that our Happy

House kids have the skills to use it.

We need to buy five new computers and to to buy three CPUs to refurb broken ones to ensure our school's dedicated computer room has enough machines for each child when lessons take place there.

At the moment they are having to share, which causes delays.

The total cost of buying what we need is £3,500. 

Please donate today at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/letsdoit

Hello to old friends, and Uncle Billy leaves

More old friends are back to visit.

From Italy, Marina Temperato, who is in David's sponsor family,  is overjoyed to return to see the Happy House family and catch up on David's progress.

And Dawn Heather White, Auntie Dawn to all our kids, has arrived from Ireland for her latest visit.

Auntie Dawn Heather brought with her lots of crocs, deodorants and other essentials for our family.

Welcome back Marina and Auntie Dawn.

Auntie Dawn Heather was welcomed when she joined Kids Club this week.

The whole family has very special memories of the time she showed them how to do Irish dancing, and also of when she taught girls aboutthe art of belly dancing.

Uncle Billy leaves

After more than six years as our social worker, Uncle Billy has left for personal reasons.

We know you will join us in thanking him for all he has done for our family and in wishing him well in the future.

You can keep in touch with your sponsor child just as you always have but, from today, please use this new email address:  socialworkdept@childrenofwatamu.net

School Report: Building a future

From small beginnings ...

In our school nursery section, children in KG1 have been venturing into construction, building houses from plastic bricks, writes Madam Naomi.

Who knows where this could lead - there maybe a future architect or builder amongst them!

Pupils across the school  are working extra hard with the help of their teachers as they prepare for the mid-term exams.

Everyone is busy revising so as to reach their set targets.

Class One pupils are busy doing extra work in various subjects while asking questions where they need clarification.

In class four, pupils have been doing group work with Madam Charlotte which encourages kids to learn from each other.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

In a world where computer technolgy dominates our lives, it is viatal that our Happy

House kids have the skills to use it.

We need to buy five new computers and to to buy three CPUs to refurb broken ones to ensure our school's dedicated computer room has enough machines for each child when lessons take place there.

At the moment they are having to share, which causes delays.

The total cost of buying what we need is £3,500. 

Please donate today at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/letsdoit

Education chiefs praise Happy House

With Happy House taking top place in the schools' zone, education chiefs made it their number one destination.

They have paid an official visit to Happy House School in recognition of high rankings at zone and sub-county level.

Teacher, Md Elizabeth writes:

During the afternoon of the ceremony, the entire Happy House family was gladdened to have visitors from the zonal educational office, whose main aim was to congratulate us for being the top performers in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) 2016 at the zonal level.

Those in attendance included Madam Priscilla Tsanzi, who is the Curriculum Support Officer in Watamu, Mr Albert Charo, the KEPSHA (Headteachers' Association)  chairman, Mr.Kanundu the KEPSHA secretary and the KEPSHA treasurer, Mr David Jali. 

It was a privilege to have our Mama Sue, Papa Dave, Auntie Rose and Auntie Velma join us for the occasion.

Based on their knowledge and experience, and being cognizant of our hardwork, speaker after speakers mentioned their expectations of better things to come in the academics of the school and of other schools locally who are anxious to compete with us.

Mama Sue said it was very special to hear that our own high achievements were rippling out into other local schools to the benefit of children in the community. This, she said, was the effect of our "Happy House magic".

Our guests were entertained by our children and delighted with their displays of Scottish dancing, Indian dancing and some daring and thrilling, acrobatics.

The event culminated in a ummative meeting between the teachers and the officials in the presence of the , Mama Sue.

Please help buy new computers

Please can you spare a few £s, Euros or dollars to help our Happy House kids key into the future.

We must raise £3,500 to replace three CPUs and to buy five complete sets of upright computers for our school computer room.

Learning computer skills, and being abble to tap into the resources offered by the internet, is hugely important to every child growing up in the 21st century - wherever in the world they may be.

Our target is to have a computer for each child attending a lesson in our computer room so they no longer have to share.

Please make a donation TODAY by going to

https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/letsdoit

Sports Day Triumph

On Your Marks, Get Set, Go!

Volunteer Auntie Gussy writes:The kindergarten classes triumphed when they visited Watamu Primary School to compete in a sports day against the 10 other schools in the area.

Happy House Power reigned with our school finishing first.

The kids took part in a mixture of activities to test their skills, including sack races, searching through sand for bottle tops and filling up and emptying bottles.

 All those who participating tried their hardest and enjoyed themselves immensely; those not taking part cheered on from the side encouraging their friends across the finishing line. 

Overall it was a successful day and all the KG kids should be extremely proud of themselves

We now have 25 Happy House kids going through to the next stage of the inter-schools competition competing in sck race, potato race, tin balancing, football, searching in sand, emptying and refilling and colour sorting.

Well done everyone!

A cat called Don, by Anderson

Scholarship student Anderson Masha has a very special four legged friend, as he tells us in today's blog.

My pet is a cat,his name is Don..He is a very good cat  .

He brown in colour.

My pet has very good eyes, when I go to school  in the morning Don is very sad.

My pet is the greatest pet in my life.

My cat does not eat other pets.

My pet has very good kennel that I built for him, he was my gift when I became   number one in my class

One day my father says that he will take me and Don to beach.                 

MY father choose for me a very good pet.When Don is afraid to sleep in his own he comes to sleep with me and sleeps well.

My bad has very good manners.

Please help buy new computers

Please can you spare a few £s, Euros or dollars to help our Happy House kids key into the future.

We must raise £3,500 to replace three CPUs and to buy five complete sets of upright computers for our school computer room.

Learning computer skills, and being abble to tap into the resources offered by the internet, is hugely important to every child growing up in the 21st century - wherever in the world they may be.

Our target is to have a computer for each child attending a lesson in our computer room so they no longer have to share.

Please make a donation TODAY by going to

https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/childrenofwatamu/letsdoit