Learn about our Current Projects
SAWA is currently building an orphanage that will support up to 50 children in Nairobi.
We also have an amazing sponsorship program to sustain the orphanage until construction is completed.
OUR SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
SAWA has secured several sponsors who each donate $40 a month for our children.
This has enabled us to implement the following improvements:
STABLE SOURCE OF RENT
For years, El Shadai lived solely off of donations from local well-wishers and volunteers. There was never a guarantee that there would be enough money for rent. Several times their rent was late, and they risked eviction. Now they know without a doubt that the children will have a roof over their heads each month until the new orphanage is built.
CHILDREN’S FUND
Before the sponsorship program, many basic needs were only filled when Cara or other volunteers were in town to purchase items for the kids. Now, each month, a portion of the sponsorship donations is set aside to cover these essentials. This has included school uniforms, new shoes, haircuts, and backpacks, and more.
EDUCATION
One of the most important things to provide for these children is a proper education. They now attend local private schools, which are far superior to the giant public school they used to attend. Some of the high school students who perform well are supported by their sponsors to attend boarding schools. This is a privilege, not only to be given money for more expensive tuition, supplies, pocket money, and travel expenses; but also to be given the opportunity to focus solely on their studies without being distracted by other responsibilities at home.
STRUCTURED STAFFING
In the past, the orphanage director was only able to pay staff members what was leftover at the end of the month after covering basic expenses like rent, food, and school fees. Most months, staff received nothing. Now that SAWA can provide salary, there is a work schedule in place to provide proper care for the children at all times. This structure has improved the sanitary living conditions, decreased the amount of time children spend on household work, and increased the amount of time they can dedicate to their studies.
IT ISN’T JUST A HOUSE. IT’S THEIR FUTURE.
The orphanage we are building was designed professionally by a dedicated architect and engineer.
The building will be four stories high: the first two floors serving as the orphanage, and the upper floors with apartments for rent which will generate income to support the children and staff at El Shadai.
Our progress will be directly related to how much we raise over the year, so we appreciate your continued support to complete the following projects:
RUNNING WATER TO IMPROVE SANITARY CONDITIONS
There is no running water at El Shadai’s current home. They have to fetch water daily for washing clothes, cooking, cleaning, bathing, washing dishes, etc. When they have water available in their own home we can improve the sanitary conditions exponentially.
ELECTRICITY TO IMPROVE STUDY CONDITIONS FOR THE CHILDREN
There is no electricity at their current home.
All 25 children do homework in the dark, by the light of one light that they charge daily in friends’ homes.
LARGE DORMITORIES TO HOUSE MORE CHILDREN
El Shadai gets calls regularly to take in more children, but they are simply out of space.
With more space, we can rescue even more kids from the streets of Nairobi.
SPACE FOR CROPS & ANIMALS FOR ORPHANAGE SUSTAINABILITY
With extra space available, we can develop further programs to increase their sustainability and provide for additional income opportunities.
STORAGE UNITS/CLOSETS FOR KIDS TO STORE BELONGINGS
In their small rental home, it is difficult to keep anything looking new for very long.
The kids store their clothes and backpacks in large piles.
They have to climb on them and dig through to access their belongings.
This will change with the addition of storage units for the children.
PLAY SPACE FOR THE CHILDREN
Their home has very limited space for the kids to stretch their legs and PLAY! It is important for the kids to have space to play, out of the way of the orphanage staff who are constantly working hard to take care of them!