In June Orphan Outreach organised a 10th Anniversary Mission trip to Kenya to celebrate a decade of impact, honouring 10 years of partnership with Yatima Outreach.  Orphan Outreach has over the last decade, working alongside Yatima Outreach, helped and supported Patmos Cottage School Mathare, Nairoshi Narok and ACK Madeline School Bungoma and Yatima Outreach has during this time been instrumental in overseeing these projects. 

 

A special event was arranged on the evening of 20th June at the PanAfric Hotel in Nairobi which brought together stakeholders, partners, board members, government representatives and friends of the organisation to celebrate the progress and impact of Yatima Outreach over the years.

 

Guests began arriving at the hotel at 6.00 pm and were given a warm reception.  Patmos Cottage School was represented at the event by the School Founder, Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya, the Head  teacher Mrs. Peragia Masinde, the Head social worker, Ms. Mary Nyingi as well as the school accountant and the assistant Administrator.

 

The opening ceremony was led by the Country Director of Yatima Outreach, Mr. Tom Wambulwa.  A buffet style dinner was served and this was followed by speeches and keynote addresses.  Keynote speakers included the  Personal Assistant of the Hon. Anthony Tom Oluoch, member of parliament for the Mathare constituency, who spoke of the importance of child welfare and education in policy and practice.  The Most Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, shared insights on faith, service and community empowerment.  Mr. Mike Douris, Interim President of Orphan Outreach, then commended the efforts in Kenya of Yatima Outreach and reaffirmed continued partnership. The Board Chair of both Yatima Outreach and Orphan Outreach then each gave speeches.  This was followed by representatives of regulatory bodies highlighting compliance with and the organisation’s role in national child protection. 

 

The guests were then treated to live entertainment by renowned gospel artist Kambua Mathu who is known for her blend of Afro-fusion and classical music.  Beyond music Kambua is a keen maternal health advocate.

 

Success stories were then shared with the guests for all three centres that are supported by Orphan Outreach and Yatima Outreach.  For Patmos Cottage School the story highlighted was the inspiring journey of Elvis, a former pupil of the school whose life was transformed through the support of Yatima Outreach and the school.  Elvis narrated his experience of growing up in Mathare and overcoming personal and economic challenges and how being able to attend Patmos School and then successfully transitioning to high school and eventually university had changed his life.Throughout this journey, Patmos School, Orphan Outreach and Yatima Outreach had stood by him offering consistent support and guidance.  Today, Elvis is gainfully employed and has moved with his parent out of the informal settlement of Mathare into a secure, gated community.  This is a testament to the power of education, resilience and unwavering support.

 

There then followed an awards ceremony to recognize outstanding partners and volunteers who have consistently supported Yatima Outreach’s mission. They were presented with gift hampers as a token of appreciation for their unwavering dedication.  A symbolic cake cutting session followed which was led by Board members and key dignitaries, marking a milestone in the organisation’s journey.  The event then concluded with guests taking group photos bringing to an end a memorable and successful evening of celebration, reflection and hope. 

 

This special 10th Anniversary event was a great success celebrating Yatima Outreach’s impact and reinforcing its commitment to serving orphans and vulnerable children.  The evening also fostered stronger partnerships and inspired guests with a renewed sense of purpose. 

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The Orphan Outreach mission team spent three days at Patmos Cottage School  (18th – 20th June) meeting the children and staff and interacting with them in Vacation Bible School activities, Home Visits and attending the 15th Anniversary celebrations of the school. 

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