Hi everyone, 

In 5 weeks or so Sue and Greg Marinan are to be wandering around East and South Western Africa for just on two months.

Just prior to our travels however we will spend a week or so at an orphanage about an hour out of Nairobi. We, as teachers, just may be able to lend a helping hand in that area or even help out with the day to day chores that come with sustaining 30 orphans in a third world environment. If we can be of assistance, terrific. Hopefully we will not be in the way.

Just why are we so keen to pay a visit to this particular orphanage? This is where the inspirational part comes in.

About 9 years ago a somewhat familiar, handsome young man came to the school I was working at and addressed the students about an orphanage he and his schoolmate were trying desperately to sustain. They were after any assistance they could garner to keep 15 Nairobi orphans from sleeping on the streets. He told the students that he and his mate were on their way to Europe as a post under graduate celebration. On the way however they would offer their services to less fortunate folk for a few weeks.

They contacted an orphanage in Kenya and were accepted. Upon arrival they could see not all was as it should be...3 to a bed, one meal a day, living in squalid conditions, poor if any child protection and a genuine lack of love.

The orphans played on the filthy sewer laden streets of the Nairobi slums, seemingly unsupervised. Even for two unworldly volunteers this seemed inappropriate, even unconscionable.

Sadly one afternoon, post lunch, one child was missing. The lack of pro-activity and concern was breathtaking!

The boys (James and James) went to the various authorities and exposed such a fuss that the owner of the orphanage simply kicked them all out onto the street, locked the gates and walked off!

The boys, using their own funds and some assistance from 2 loving families, managed to keep the kids together, in safety.  Their European dream was in tatters.

It was around this time, James' (both ex pupils as it elapsed) sought assistance from anywhere and everywhere. Their old school was one port of call.

For the next 8 years the college held a fundraiser and managed to raise enough funds to help the struggling orphanage (now known as 'Olturoto Children's Village') move from the streets of central Nairobi to a rural setting. This new orphanage has it very own water (incredibly important), spotlessly clean amenities block, self sustainable solar and wind energy, various crops and animals, a caring staff of house mums, farm workers, cooks and ancillary and increasing up to 30 (plus) proud and incredibly academically focused orphans.

Needless to say, in a third world country, education is the key to everything.

Kenya does not provide public education past elementary level. To have further education one must pass an extremely rigorous series of state run exams. Very few, let alone orphans, manage to succeed.

The 'Olturoto Children's Centre' alumni presently has 1 university student (a mind boggling achievement) and an extremely high percentage of its children at high school.

Success breeds success.

Remarkably, the James' did manage to complete their own post graduate studies. One is in a managerial position for KPMG in their East African office (Nairobi) the other, now married, is a doctor practicing at Westmead Children's Hospital.

Naturally Sue and I are in awe of these 2 extraordinary young men, have been for years and very much look forward to experiencing just what it is they have created.

If there is any one who wishes to donate to this amazing venture I can assure you that every last cent will go directly to where it is needed...no middle man!

For further information the website is WWW.KICKSTARTKIDSINTERNATIONAL.COM

Alternatively email: james.harrison@kickstartkidsinternational.com or james.woodward@kickstartkidsinternational.com

Best wishes,

Greg and Sue Marinan.