GREETINGS AND NEWS
Many lovely greetings from the girls to all of you!! Our first good news is the arrival of three little girls who have joined our family this month of April:
Monica, Mercy and Maurine (right)– ages 8, 7 & 6 – have adjusted to the family of girls, dog, volunteer and staff, as well as the routine—within a couple of weeks! Monica and Maurine are orphaned sisters sent by the Children’s Dept. and Mercy (at centre) was orphaned twice; her aunty also recently passed away. She was a student at our school, but lost days of school due to family troubles. Mercy (above with rose) is very happy to be back at school.
Term One at School
Two primary age girls, who are now mature ‘big girls’ earned very good marks in their end term exams, i.e. Egglah Rukia got 1st position in class 3 and Marita Shitoko was no. 2 in class 2. Both girls are enthusiastic to be starting Ballet Lessons with Mrs. Jean Hughes (who taught Jamuna and Hanako for ten years). We look forward to their first performance in June.
Adela, now 11 years old, loves music, performing arts & looking after the small kids. Mariamu, almost 13 now, tall & elegant, takes good care of everyone. She enjoys cooking, gardening & computer.
The secondary students continue strong: Hanako at Star Sheikh Academy in Athi River; Bahati Kawe at Brainsworth High; Maungala-Rebecca at Mwasere Girls High School near Voi; Jamuna at Rise and Shine Academy in Mtwapa; Mwanaisha in Vitengela School, rural Kilifi, and Mariko Takaishi at Matuga Girls Secondary school in Kwale. In addition to studies, Bahati wanted to help Kenyans; she joined The Kenya Red Cross; she won a first aid contest and will go to Lamu. Jamuna (below right) who went first term in Athi River, is happy to return to Coast Province after her “gap term.” She claims the students and atmosphere are much friendlier near home! Maungala & Mariko (below) both achieved good marks in secondary exams.
Also we do feel pleased to report that Rehema and Diana Okango are now in Standard 8, candidates for the KCPE primary promotional exam. They are motivated to study at high schools next year.
Post secondary girls
Deshana works at Inchcape Shipping Services, a multinational company, where she is very content. Trikuti has been working in a tele- communications firm in Dar es Salam. It has been very hard to find housing, which has made it impossible for her to live there safely, and we are expecting her back in Kenya soon having gained good experience in the business world. Next move for Trikuti unknown! Miira may have an opportunity at Inchcape in the new port they are building. Our hardworking Mainjuri continues at catering college, second year craft course. All are setting good examples for younger gals. Mini the dog is also doing well, especially for a 13 year old. All the girls look forward to your next visit to the “Home” and beach! Karibu sana!
AMURT CHILDREN’S HOME – NEWS FROM MOMBASA – APRIL 2008
HABARI ZA ANANDA 2008
ReplyDeleteThe girls at Ananda Marga were full of energy this October. With the start of November—exam month--let each of them tell what’s going on in their lives:
Jamuna Chai:
My life? I’m at Boarding school, it’s tough! Studies from 4 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. with some breaks for meals. Sima and cabbage, bringels, beans and maize, etc. Fruits? None. But ok I’m adapting. Hoping to be with more students next year. After studies, I think it would be fun to go into acting. I’m also interested in massage therapy.
Hanako Takaishi:
Life’s ok. This year I focused on my studies at Rise and Shine Academy--I found out the hard way there’s no easy way! In the future I’d like to learn graphic design and digital photography. English is my best subject now; the school doesn’t offer much in terms of extra curricular activities—that’s for sure!-- but Didi and I will go search Nairobi for other possible schools in Dec. Bye and thanks to all of u.
Gladys Mzee:
Me I’m going Pwani School. I do writing and numbers. I was weaving and then I carry the loom at home at Christmas. I run the relay, the 4 metres that’s the one going around. For relay, me and Asha are no. 1, and 4 metres, I’m no. 4.
Mainjurii:
At MTTI I’m studying Catering Craft; this is my second of four years in the college. We do plenty of cooking! -e.g. consommé & veg soups, steamed sponge pudding, chef salad, etc. In November there will be a large graduation ceremony for my first year class. I’m looking forward to the entertainment, which should be Very interesting, and also to be getting my certificate for Catering Artesan level.
Halloween night at the children’s home:
Marita:
On Halloween, the girls dressed up and they looked like ghosts. I was a white witch. When we saw each other we started to scream. It was funny! We ran outside and looked for the sweets in the dark.
Mariam:
Here is me, your friendly ghost on Halloween night. The part I liked was the hide-and-seek game in the dark without torches. It was a scream! Behind me is Aunty Grace. Ha, ha!
Adela:
In the centre here is Mariko, the long-haired std. 8 ghost. I dressed like a witch; Didi was a pirate. It was fun this Halloween. Wish you could have been there. Boo!
Others: We’ll let other girls write next time. Trikuti is in Tanzania checking out possibilities for further studies…Deshana is well adjusted in Inchcape Shipping Co. where she has met lots of wonderful people. Good work Desh! Rehema, Diana, Miira, Maungala, Mwanaisha, Devaki, Jyoti, and Kiran & baby Jamal all send their love. Best wishes to Miira & Mariko on their KCSE & KCPE exams.
Project Developments:
Standard One roof was replaced and the classroom looks wonderful. The Children’s Home girls got a new computer, and for the first time, we are setting up Internet in the Home! Water problem is again serious at Kiembeni; we’re getting quotes for more gutters for rain harvesting. Canteen is a great success with about 80-90 students eating healthy lunch every day.