On Monday 20th January, 2025 Patmos Cottage School had the honour of hosting 20 visitors from the USA who belonged to a group called Women for Orphans Worldwide (WOW).  They were accompanied by Mr. Tom Wambulwa, Director of Yatima Outreach, as well as the Yatima Outeach Project and Sponsorship officers and their media team.  The visit was spaced out over two memorable days during which time the visitors created an atmosphere of joy and inspiration.

 

WOW is the national auxiliary for Orphan Outreach USA and their members are invested in the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children around the world. WOW volunteers have raised more than $1.5 million for Orphan Outreach ministry partners.

 

On the first day the guests were welcomed to the school by the Founder and Director, Mr. Richard Wanjala Manya alongside the Patmos School team.  They were then given a comprehensive tour of the school classrooms and the kitchen as well as being shown the bore hole, the water point and the generator house.  In this way the visitors were able to gain an insight in the school’s facilities and operations.  After the tour the visitors, the children and school staff all gathered in the school recreation area for introductions, prayers and entertainment which saw children from various classes performing traditional vibrant dances and songs.

 

The highlight of the day was Vacation Bible School (VBS) activities which centered on the theme of obedience/respectfulness.  The group was divided into two teams ‘Rising Stars’ and ‘Shining Stars’ and each group engaged in competitive games such as balloon bursting, balloon races, tug of war and hide and seek.  These fun and interactive games set a cheerful tone and fostered a team spirit.

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There then followed an engaging and practical lesson in which the visitors emphasised the  importance of respectfulness and discipline in everyday life.  The children were then grouped by their grades into 5 different classrooms for interactive craft activities.  The sessions were lively with children enthusiastically participating.  The group donated games to the school and all members of staff received a t-shirt.

After lunch the visitors divided into groups and accompanied by staff members they did home visits.  Each of the families they visited received a one month’s supply of household items.  The visitors’ generosity left a profound impact on the families.   

 

On their second visit to the school  on Thursday 23rd January the focus was on games and fun-filled activities.  The children and visitors engaged in a variety of activities and games including yoga, aerobics, races and balloon games to name but a few.  The session culminated in a lively dancing session which saw children, staff and visitors joining hands to celebrate through dance and song.  The vibrant atmosphere fostered a sense of unity and joy.

 

The afternoon concluded with speeches by the school Director and Founder as well as by the Head teacher and the Head social worker.  Two of the visitors also gave encouraging speeches inspiring the children with words of wisdom and hope.  The event finished with a vote of thanks by Mr. Godfrey Omondi and this was followed by a closing prayer.

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The visitors then said their goodbyes leaving behind cherished memories of generosity, appreciation and celebration.  Their promise to return marked the beginning of a meaningful partnership that will continue to uplift the lives of the Patmos community.

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The visits by Women for Orphans Worldwide were deeply impactful, filled with moments of joy and learning. Their commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children and their families was evident in their thoughtful activities and acts of kindness.  The Patmos Cottage School community is immensely grateful for their support and looks forward to future collaborations.

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For more information about WOW please click on the below link:

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JOIN Women for Orphans Worldwide – Orphan Outreach – Together we can restore hope

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