One aspect of Children of Hope that sets us apart, is that we financially support each of our children when they go to college, trade school, or university. We want them to have every opportunity available to be successful adults, prepared to make a difference in each life they touch in Kenya.
Once they graduate from college, they start to transition into adult living. Just like in the U.S., this means they will live independently – in their own home, with their own job, supporting themselves financially. We understand that this may not happen overnight, so we do a few things to help:
- Arrange mentorships – No matter where you live in this world, finding a stable job can be challenging. We work with local businesses to set up mentorships with our kids and pray the situation is a win-win – that the businesses receive hardworking, loyal employees and our kids earn a living in return.
- We transition the financial responsibility to our young adults over a six-month period. We slowly lower the amount they receive over these months until they are living completely independent lives.
- We will always cheer them on and give moral support and encouragement. We welcome them home for visits and meals and often send them on their way with a bag of groceries.
We want to highlight three of our kids this month. Two have completely transitioned and one is finishing up his schooling and will be graduating in the fall.
Fredrick Okango
Freddy graduated in November 2023 from KCA University with a diploma in Film Technology. He is a very talented photographer and videographer who we hire often to provide the images we need. We are so proud of him and are grateful to have him close by so we can utilize his skills.
Freddy has a keen eye for detail which is evident in the awesome pictures and videos he captures. He has a quiet personality, is very focused, and will do what it takes to get the desired results. His talent has earned him many jobs like wedding photographer and recently he took photos for a large Kenyan non profit – Water Mission International. Abraham said, “As parents, we are so proud of this achievement and more so the fact that Freddy has a strong relationship with God.”
You will get to see some of his work in this very newsletter! He has produced two amazing videos for us that tell the stories of the other young men. Thank you, Freddy!
Dennis Maina
Dennis studied at Kiambu Institute of Science & Technology with a certificate in Automotive Technology. When our kids pursue automotive courses, we also enroll them in driving school. Dennis’ fun-loving and engaging personality along with his strong work ethic was noticed by his instructors at Seniors Driving School. So much so that they hired him immediately after he finished the course. We are very proud of Dennis and his ability to teach driving skills with amusement and excellence. Uncle Wilson (our driver at the Kikuyu home) gave Dennis extra driving lessons and was always there for moral support.
You don’t want to miss Dennis share his experience in his own words. Please click the link below. It’s sure to bring a smile to your face. Dennis Video
Antony Mungai
Tony will be graduating this fall from National Industrial Training Institute (NITA) with a certificate in Automotive Engineering. He is currently working as an intern with the local mechanic that keeps our vehicles running smoothly in Kikuyu. We pray this internship will turn into a job for him after graduation. We are extremely proud of Tony who is a helpful, humble young man. He has always loved working on cars with Uncle Wilson and loves sharing his knowledge with the younger children. Tony is a hard worker, has a big heart for service, and has an easy-going personality. These qualities will serve him well in his career.
Please click this LINK to see Tony in his work environment and hear his heartfelt thanks.
What a joy and an honor to be a part of our children’s journey as they navigate their career paths and transition into independent living. We thank the Lord for the ability to invest in each young person and can’t wait to see how God uses them in the future!
Uncle Wilson Nganga started as a Driver in 2015 and is now also a House Parent at our Kikuyu Home. He and his wife, Katherine, have three boys, ages fourteen, ten, and three years. Caring for his family motivates him to work diligently at Children of Hope. Uncle Wilson is a very kindhearted and patient man. His godly influence is such an important part of our Kikuyu home.
“Thank you so much, Uncle Wilson, for not only being a wonderful driver, but for being a present father, brother, and mentor to these kids. It has been a joy for me to watch the lives of children take a positive turn because you held their hands. We can’t thank you enough. God bless you!” ~ Uncle Abraham Kiboki
In Wilson’s Words
Working at CoH has taught me so much, but the main thing is how to be a good parent. When I started working here, my second son had just been born. Loving and caring for all these wonderful children has shaped me and taught me how to be a better dad.
My role here does not feel like work at all. It just feels like being part of one big family. Every day I am serving alongside my brothers and sisters, all of us working together to support and raise these beautiful kids. It gives me great joy and peace. I love being a part of the CoH family!
Not only is this a wonderful work environment, but CoH also blesses my family and me by providing financially. This allows me to purchase and raise chickens and pigs at my home and teach my three boys about farming.
One child’s story that has really touched my heart is that of Isaac Kimani who has cerebral palsy. When I first started at CoH, Kimani was confined to a wheelchair. His treatment included surgeries and continual physical therapy with the hope of transitioning him out of his wheelchair.
I was privileged to be a part of this process by assisting Kimani in his home exercises and going with him to his appointments. We did as advised and to my surprise we started seeing amazing results – Isaac started to support himself and soon the doctor introduced a walker! It was a miracle to me that Isaac was able to move from one place to another using just the walker! The power of love, dedication, therapy, and the Lord’s favor has transformed Kimani’s life and mine in the process.
As I am mentoring boys like Tony and Dennis in preparation for an automotive related career, I want them to feel like they are at home, just working with their older brother. I create an environment of family and comfort where they are free to ask questions and learn. The Bible says in Colossians 3:12 that we are to “clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” I try to live this out with the older boys, but also with the younger children. I get down on their level during playtime but other times, I need to rise up and give guidance and support. I change my attitude to meet the needs of each child.
The work we do here is like a light in the darkness. Before coming to our home, these children had little hope and were in dark places. But with the love and care they receive here, they now have the light of the Lord shining through their lives.
If you have never seen the power of transformation that happens here at CoH, I invite you to come and experience the wonderful work that is happening. Children who are hopeless and have no direction are becoming all God has created them to be.
~ Thank you, Uncle Wilson! You make sure every boy gets the extra love and attention he needs. You give them the touch of a father. Your patience and love is growing their confidence and hope which brings transformation.
