Orphans

In 2007 Geoff became aware of the plight of the orphans at his link school in Chebukutumi. There were 30 at the school and that number had increased alarming to over 100 in 2022 due largely to the ravages of HIV/AIDS. No real distinction is made between those who have lost both parents (total orphans) and those with only one (partial orphans). Often a single parent can also be very ill with HIV/AIDS and unable to work. Family support can then fall on the older siblings who miss out on their childhoods and education or the orphans may be cared for by other family members or friends.

In 2008 a start was made at Mapela with a Mercy Ministry for the orphans set up by Lay Canon Mama Rhoda Lusaka following a personal donation from a Mothers Union member in UK. Each of the 30 Mapela orphans received a blanket. The nights at 1500 m can be very cold even on the equator.  Following this start other Mercy Ministries were set up at Chebukutumi in 2009, Tunyo in 2011 and Chebukube in 2013.

All the Mercy Ministries have now been registered as OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Chiildren) Self Help Groups with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Deveopment.  We are awarding grants to each of them year on year to provide some enhancements to basic needs such as school uniforms, shoes, mattresses, blankets, sweaters and food for the most needy.  Although primary education is compulsory and free, a school uniform is a prerequisite which some parents and guardians cannot afford.  Tunyo and Chebukube OVC's also have self help chicken projects and Tunyo have a self help cow project.