School returns

After the devastating loss of our wonderful Mama Sue we want you to know that at the Happy House all the family is well and the children have now returned to our primary school to start a new academic year. 

Here deputy head, Mr Dan, explains that they will use all the resources they have and all the faith Mama invested in them to bring in the best results that they can for the youngsters in their charge.

Ask yourself "What would Mama say?"

 

Despite his profound grief, Papa Dave, found the strength to speak at the gathering at Happy House to celebrate the memory of Mama Sue.

With great affection he told of her love for the children and of how she had become a role model for those who worked for or who did work at the Happy House, inspiring them with her wisdom.

Mama taught us to do our best

Husna has lived in the care of Happy House for seven years enjoying a wonderful childhood and exceptional education. She loved her Mama Sue and, like all the children in our family, is missing her now she is no longer with us. Husna spoke about Mama at a gathering to celebrate her memory. She told of Mama always inspired and encouraged her to do her best and to try her hardest. She struggled with maths but has worked hard to improve. Her results came too late for her to share them with her Mama Sue but, she knows in her heart, that Mama will know that she has done better than ever and will be "rejoicing" with her.

Mama's was a life well lived

A teacher and a counsellor to all the Happy House family, children and staff, was how Mr Paul, our head teacher, described Mama Sue at a gathering to honour her memory. He said her's was a life well lived. With her attitude, her positive thinking, she had changed his life and taught him much.

Celebrating Mama's life

A gathering to honour Mama Sue and her memory was held by the Happy House family attended by those who live and work there plus others from the community whose lives she touched. 

Former Happy House head teacher, Mr Isaac, spoke affectionately of Mama and of the many great things she achieved. 

He spoke about her spirit of sharing and love for one another and how she faced up to very difficult challenge in a positive way.

" When things seem to be difficult, she would tell me "Isaac there is always a way."

And, together, they would find it.

"Sue was the love of my life," Papa Dave

There is nobody who feels the depth of loss at the passing our Happy House Mama Sue more than her devoted husband, Dave. She called him her "rock". With great courage he has made this video telling of how they came to make their lives in Kenya. We send him our love and deepest sympathy.

Mourning Mama

So happy:Sue on Happy
House opening day

Helen Charnley: Beautiful words and such bravery and strength from Dave. I’m so sorry for all of you. A real sad loss and a shock to us all. Love to all xx- Helen Charnley

Dawn Hodgson: How sad! So very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful legacy Mama Sue leaves - she was a true testament and shining example to every child who passed through Watamu as well as an inspiration to all those who worked or volunteered there. She will be so missed. RIP beautiful lady

Chris Franklin: Our thoughts go to Dave, the team and the children of the Happy House. Sue was a loving, passionate lady who changed young peoples lives for the better. Her spirit will live on in all who met her. It’s was an honour supporting Sue and being a friend. RIP Sue your work will continue to change young people’s lives.

Mary Maguire: So, so , sad to hear this news from Kenya, such a loss for Dave & the whole Happy House Family, Sue was a formidable lady helping the children in a difficult environment, sending our love from The Good Life Orphanage, R.I.P. lovely lady 

Beverley Whittaker: Sue’s passing is such a loss to the world and especially her Happy House family. A very special lady who selflessly and tirelessly worked to ensure that so many children could have have a different path in life. That work will go on and many more children’s’ lives will be changed and enriched because of her. Rest in peace Mama Sue, safe in the knowledge that your children will flourish xx

Marilyn Simpson:  Sending love and a huge hug to Dave all the staff and every child in the Happy House. Sue was doing God's work. She was a great success in helping the children. Long may her legacy continue. God Bless Sue.

Carol Sohier: Such devastatingly sad news. My heartfelt love and prayers go out to all at Happy House especially Papa Dave. Mama Sue has made such a difference to so many young lives.  Rest In Peace Sue knowing your children will flourish.

Clare Mullins: I wanted her to live forever. A beautiful soul from the moment I met her. May her legacy live on in all those whose lives she touched. Sending my condolences to Dave, all the staff and children, and the whole of Watamu,  who surely mourn her loss. May she rest in peace.

Joanne Ward:  Devastating to read this news, such a shock. Our heartfelt sympathy and love to Papa Dave and all the children at the Happy House. RIP Sue, we had the pleasure of meeting you while in Watamu. Tragic loss. 

Rebecca Redfern Guzzo: This is absolutely heartbreaking news. What a powerhouse of a leader for all the children Sue was. We were honoured to meet her in 2017 and become sponsors of her amazing home. We are so sad and send much love from Canada 

Shirley Dawson: What can I say ! Sues devotion to those Children and Happy House nearly matched her love for Dave x Courage and determination to the end.

Margaret Lund: Really sad to read this. Sue was inspirational and her legacy is in the hundreds of children’s lives she touched. Sincere condolences.

Brian Grimes: Absolutely gutted what a great woman she gave so much love to all around her. My condolences to Dave and the Happy House family

Louise Webster: Such a sad loss. What an inspiration Sue was and I’m proud to have had her as a dear friend

John Andmoyra:  We’re so sorry to hear such sad news. Sue was an amazing woman who achieved so much at Happy House. Love to all at Happy House, especially Papa Dave.

Erin Flaxman: This is such sad news, but such a beautiful tribute to Mama Sue. My heart breaks for Papa Dave and everyone at Happy House. God bless

Sandra Foulkes: This is devastating news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dave and everyone at the Happy House .

Barry Hay: So sorry.  What a great lady who has left a lasting legacy with her kindness and impacted so many young lives for the better ,Thoughts to Dave and the rest of the Happy House family

Linda Beddows MBE:  What a great loss. Our condolences go to Dave and all the "family" who will so miss her love and passion! RIP Sue - you'll remain in people's hearts forever 

Patricia Beechey:  Such sad, sad news. Sue’s love and commitment to all the children at Happy House was second to none. She was such an inspirational person. My heartfelt condolences to every one at Happy House and particularly to Dave for his tremendous loss.

Jayshee Versani:: So sorry to such sad news. Such a beautiful kind soul with a huge heart. May she rest in eternal peace. Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time

Caroline Rowsell: We are sending much love to Dave and all her family and friends. Very sad news to lose such an amazing woman who changed the lives of many children, families and the community of Watamu.

Tim Thomas:  So sad, such a legacy left for a fabulous cause

Liz Banks: Sorry to hear this. Praying for all at .happy House on this sad news and especially sending love to Dave. God bless and comfort you as you grieve.

Tributes pour in

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Sue and her beloved Dave.

Messages of sympathy have been pouring in from around the world from friends who are devastated at the news of our Mama Sue's sudden death.

They are all people whose lives have been touched by Sue's wonderful work with children in Kenya over 21 years, the last 11 at her Happy House.

Each one is a huge comfort and we would like to thank you all .

Tragic news of our beloved Mama Sue

It is with immense sadness and in shock that we break the tragic news of the death of Sue Hayward, founder of Children of Watamu charity and beloved Mama Sue to all the family at her Happy House.

Sue had been unwell for a few days and died of a heart attack. Her cremation took place this morning in Mombasa and Papa Dave, her "rock" and her soulmate, broke the news to children this afternoon on his return to Watamu.

He spoke in a simple way, with great courage,  so that even the youngest would understand.

For now there are few words. Papa Dave is heartbroken at losing the love of his life. 

Sue had devoted 21 years to children in need in Kenya and transformed many young lives. Her legacy is her Happy House and that will live on and continue to flourish,

We have all lost a dear and inspiring friend and need your love, support, understanding and kindness at this very sad time just as always.

Happy House graduation day

From pre-primary to primary school is a big step in any child's life. At Happy House, as in many other schools in Kenya, we make it their big day with a graduation ceremony. This year the graduates include Happy House kid Elizabeth Anne (pictured). Elizabeth Anne was just a month old when she was taken into our care at the request of the local children's office. A foundling she had weighed only 1.5kg and medics were anxious to get her to a healthy weight before she was discharged. That was in October 2015. She was welcomed by all the family at Happy House and is growing into a bright and beautiful little girl. Her graduation is one of life's milestones made possible by Mama Sue and her Happy House. Elizabeth Anne is one of so many children given a a chance in life because of Mama Sue's vision and determination.

Closing day prayers

School closing day and graduation signified the end of a difficult and disruptive 16 months for pupils, staff and management at Happy House School. The pandemic has brought many challenges and triggered inspired thinking including Mama Sue's roll out of greater e-learning harnessing Zoom. At closing day she started, as always, with prayers of thanksgiving.

Zoom improved my learning

Happy House kid Morphin has found lessons via Zoom an absolute asset to his learning. It has captured his imagination, made lessons with more videos and visual aids more interesting and as a result he is getting much better exam results.

Refresher in first aid

Mama has been refreshing the first aid knowledge of staff and older kids at Happy House. She has talked them through the items contained in the first aid kit and their uses and reminded them of the first aid lesson given by nurse Joanne reid when she has visited our family from the UK. Oscar presents this video.

Musical fun

Children and staff are having some musical fun at home at Happy House in this cheerful video - perfect to put a smile on your face!

Happy House is like home

Nasri was one of our first scholarship students - a boy who came from a home where he lived, in extreme hardship, with his grandmother. After finishing primary and secondary school he is now studying a university course whilst also working in the computer suite at our school. He looks upon Happy House as "home" a place he loves to visit where he can be with the other kids who he feels are like his brothers and sisters. He is a Happy House success story a kind and clever young man keen to share his skills and knowledge.

Makuti men fix roofing

Keeping on top of maintenance of of makuti roofing is very important. The heavy rains will always show up any weaknesses in the thatching made locally from palms. In this video, presented by Musyoka, we see the skilled makuti men at work.

Learning carpentry

Brian who, like Oscar, finished his primary education recently has been working with Uncle Charo the Happy House carpenter while he waits to start secondary school. In the time that he has been with Uncle Charo, he feels that he has really learnt a lot and he is confident enough to say that given timber, he can assemble a chair, table and many other things. it’s nice for the kids to learn these things when they can because we never know where life will take them.

Keeping the taps running

Servicing equipment regularly and doing any repairs necessary is vital to the smooth running of any home. And that's exactly what we do at Happy House where our family is much larger than most! With 60 children in our care we can't risk the taps running dry, specially in a hot and dusty climate. Here Evans, our trainee manager, is with Uncle Alex and Uncle Immanuel as they service our pumps and borehole.

We can't always win

Learning to lose graciously is one of the toughest lessons of childhood. With our Happy House kids all supporting England in the Euro final, there were some long faces at assembly yesterday. But Mama and Papa wanted to pick them up and Papa's talk about the match did that. He told them that all the England team players did their best and that is all you can ever do. Mama talked the children about exams again with the emphasis on trying your hardest and doing your best.

Healthy crops

In this video we join Steve in the children's garden at Happy House.

He is giving us an update on the pumpkin seeds they sowed. 

The kids love the pumpkin soup and they are doing their best to grow more and more pumpkins so they can have more soup!

The rains are wonderful for the crops and  you can see how the pumpkins are healthy.

Good luck England

The family at the Happy House are getting behind the England team for today's Euros final clash with Italy at Wembley. We have wonderful friends and sponsors in both countries but the kids gravitate towards their Mama and Papa's home country when it comes to football. They all follow Premiership clubs and have their own favourite players, some of whom are in the national quad. Here Oscar leads the good luck messages from Happy House ,Kenya, to manager Gareth Southgate and his team.

Clean sweep

With the little ones given a homework assignment to make brooms from natural materials, they needed a helping hand. So the children were split into small groups with one of the lder kids at Happy House to show them how it's done. The brushes, which are used in most homes locally, are made from makuti palm and after collecting the materials they got down to the clever work of making their broom - in one clean sweep! This is Priscilla and her group.

Oscar in the kitchen

Oscar is learning a lot while waiting to start secondary school in July. He recently finished his primary education, and while he waits for the time to come so that he can join secondary school, he is helping in different departments at home in Happy House. While doing this he is gaining different skills which will be a help to him later in life. In this video he is in the kitchen with Aunty Caro preparing a meal for the kids so that they can eat well and on time.

A lesson from Jacinta

Meet Jacinta who is taking a lesson with some of her young brothers and sisters at Happy house. Very soon they are going to take their end of term exams which they are all looking forward to. She has taken the responsibility of reminding them what they have been learning at school. The kids know to share and care for each other and Jacinta is happy to be sharing with her brothers and sisters.

Confident Diana

Our children at Happy house are encouraged to speak up for themselves. This helps to build confidence which will always be with them as they steer their way through life. Here Diana talks to the other children about the importance of confidence and of courage too!

Polished performance

Friends Erick and Brian were busy on Saturday morning, getting school shoes polished up ready for Monday. The children like to help with chores around the Happy House and it was their turn to be the shoe shine boys. They certainly put a lot energy into getting the shoes well polished.

Room captain Brian

At Happy House each bedroom is shared by a small group of children. And one of them takes on the responsibility of being room captain. Brian talks about what it means to take on this important role.

Mama brings us up to date

Mama Sue has been so busy that she has hardly appeared on the Happy House blog lately. So today we are putting that right as she brings you up to date with things happening in the family, She's joined on the sofa by some of her right hand " men" - Lesley, David, Stevie and Edward!

Brothers bonded by love not blood

The children who live in our care at Happy House are all one family, bonded by love. They make friendships that will last through life and really care about each. Saidi and Dulla are best friends and they look out for each other. Saidi is good at drawing and Dulla is learning from him as he draws a human face.

Little growers

Even the smallest members of our family like to get involved in the garden. 

And seeds sent by a wellwishers ensure they can watch their plants develop from seed to fully grown, so they are learning a lot too. 

Here a team of little ones joins Uncle Julius who supervises as they sow seeds recently received from our good friend, Paul Hatch.

Thanks Paul for your kindness.

Busy week for Mama

It's been a busy week for Mama Sue. True to her word, she's been talking to individual children about their most recent examination results both to mentor and inspire them. Mama, who is seen talking to the start of the week assembly in Happy House School, takes a personal interest in every single individual pupil. Papa Dave also took his regular slot at assembly to talk about his favourite subject - football. Top marks for you, Papa!

John: Thank you Mama

John came to Happy House from a rescue centre in Mombasa in 2016, along with his younger sister Diana, and brother, Daudi. He had not been in school and was unable to read. But being at Happy House where he was welcome by the other kids as a new "brother" he found security, love, and the encouragement and education he needs to help him grasp the opportunities open to him At Happy House school he has learnt to read and so much more. He is still behind at maths but has the support he needs to improve. He is grateful to Mama for all she has brought to his life.