Before we went to Kenya in March, we had a request for the children to write about their views on their life at Riziki. We invited the secondary school pupils and the older primary school children to give their thoughts and they all were happy to do so. Much of this edition of Riziki News is the response of two of these young people to this request. I have transcribed their hand-written thoughts for publication and removed their names.
One of the older girls wrote:-
I came to Riziki when I was nine years old. Now I am now eighteen. My life at Riziki has been very interesting. Riziki has exposed me to a lot of things I could not understand. I remember when I was living with my parents that life was not smooth. I could not get what I wanted because my grandmother was unable to provide. I was just living not knowing the destination, but when I came to Riziki everything changed.
All my needs have been catered for. I found people with whom I can share my problems, and everything is running smoothly. I have grown spiritually, mentally and physically. Above all, I enjoy the company of my brothers and sisters at Riziki. I love being at Riziki because it has changed me positively and I am happy about it. I love all the people at Riziki because they provide parental love which is very essential for our growth. I thank everyone who has supported Riziki and pray that they continue touching people’s lives.
One of the primary boys wrote:-
My Life in Riziki.
My life has changed here in Riziki. Since I came here, I am being given education and the basic needs.
At home things were very difficult compared to here at Riziki; lacking school fees was a big problem and providing of the basic needs.
In Riziki I go to school every day, I attend lessons just like the other pupils in our class.
Since I am here for a period of time, I am looking forward to succeed in my studies.
I am looking forward to a bright future. I also have a good family at Riziki who are always there for you in time of joy. In time of sorrow they are also there.
In Riziki I get to understand more about life and also knowing about myself. I also have a very different environment compared with that at home. Most of the time I was affected by the harsh weather conditions which caused discomfort for all our family members. But here I am sheltered and protected.
I really thank you for the support you are giving to us and may God bless you.
Further contributions will be shared in future newsletters.
During the week the children get very little free time as the school day is very long and includes Saturday.
After church on Sunday is largely free time and the boys often enjoy kicking a football around. Daily devotions are held, before going to bed. Sometimes one of the children may lead a group. Otherwise, Liz or our social worker will lead.
We are delighted to report that the new cowshed is now completed and occupied by two cows (Turi and Annah) and a recently born female calf, Nicola. Another calf is expected soon. We pray that female calves will continue to be born.
We are pleased to report that the dam has made a significant difference to our farming with irrigation of food crops working well. We give thanks that we have been able to grow surplus crops and have established sales of local vegetables at the Riziki gate. Of course, we still depend on rain falling on Riziki but with the increased water storage we can last longer before crops wither and die.
We are also thankful that our three young people who started secondary school this year continue to do well.
We are thankful for the completion of the cowshed plus the provision of a female calf.
We pray for the provision of a high level water tank to feed water to our crops and for a simple maize grinding mill.
We thank God that many people support Riziki and pray that the everyday costs of running Riziki will continue to be met as they constantly rise with inflation and growing children.
We have recently made a new video with Gaggia Caffe Shop, based in Elland, featuring Riziki on their website. This can be accessed on www.gaggiacaffe.tv
Thank you for reading this newsletter.
Ian & Diana Hogley