After more than ten months, Kenyan schools will likely reopen on January 4th. With this in mind, we gathered outdoors with Ubuntu Kids and their parents in the cool grassy shade of the Acacia Trees between our organic vegetable garden and our soon to be completed Children’s Wellness Center (CWC).
This year, social workers have made countless phone calls to families and made urgent house calls when needed. Our occupational therapists have held numerous one-on-one treatment sessions; specials need teachers have taught individualized lesson plans, but this was the first time we have collectively met since the start of the pandemic. Even behind masks, and at a social distance, it was palpably joyful to reunite as a community.
Emily Wairimu, our community health worker, opened our gathering by leading us in joyful, celebratory songs, followed by prayers, worship, and thanksgiving by Pastor Wamai — a good friend of the school.
Jeremiah Kuria, Ubuntu Foundation Co-Founder, and Executive Director, outlined the year’s plans, including proposed term dates, the new fee structure, co-pay terms, and updates on the CWC. If COVID-19 cases spike and the government postpones schools reopening, Jeremiah assured parents that the social programs would continue as they have this year.
Thanks to your continued support, we were able to put together a Christmas care package for parents. We can not thank you enough for your kind and generous support in a year of such adversity.
We wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday.
A summary of the day’s events from Jeremiah:
We had a wonderful day with all our parents. It was like an annual general meeting where we discussed our program and shared the milestones we have seen throughout the year. We are looking forward to the great year of 2021. We are thankful for all the support we have received from all our Tribe members and friends. We have a significant number of kids on our waiting list. The better the program is getting, the more children we are getting, and we are thankful that the children can be brought out of the shadows and into the light to give them the services they deserve.
A summary of the day’s events from Mary Kuria, Program Director:
Today was a very successful day. We had almost 90% of parents in attendance. We talked about the things that have gone well and the things we need to improve next year. We have given our parents a Christmas package, and they are very grateful for that because many would have gone without this Christmas.
