street boys

Street Boys

We also encounter street boys making their own fun with whatever they can find.

An inspiring Motto

Scrawled on a crossbeam in the Good Samaritan orphanage is this inspiring motto: “Never lose hope in life.” Despite all its travails, Mathare is a place where people hang onto hope, sometimes desperately, sometimes by a gossamer thread. As John has told me, it is not a lack of material or financial resources that is … Read More

It’s never too early for Christmas

Before John and I left the orphanage, we went up to the playroom to see what the little ones were up to. As you can see, John was a big hit. Even though it was July, one anxious youngster decided to get prepared early for Christmas.

The Finished Product!

And voila, a golden-brown chapatti is ready to wrap dinner. For children in the orphanage that’s usually black beans laced with strips of shaved kale.

Boys’ Dormitory

John and I visited the dorm in which he slept for many years. As John is telling me stories of his time in the orphanage, we’ve attracted a crowd of current residents.

Wash Day

When you have well over one hundred children under roof and no washing machine or dryer, wash day can be quite an adventure.

Newborn

Mama Mercy takes in children of all ages. I’m holding a newborn brought to her by the police.

Good Samaritan Children’s Home

Let’s take a look at the Good Samaritan Children’s Home & Rehabilitation Centre as it exists today. We’ll start by walking through its distinctive main gate.

It’s Bath Time

John would bathe and wash his clothes in this river adjacent to Mathare and just below the Thika Rd. expressway.