A Nyamira orphanage is appealing for financial aid from well-wishers to cater for the growing population of orphans.
Speaking to this reporter on Friday, Nyamira Preparatory Orphanage’s Director Evans Bange said they are straining with meager resources that has prompted them to stop admitting more orphans.
“We currently have a population of 50 orphans drawn from and outside Nyamira County, but due to financial constraints, we are not admitting any more orphans. We are operating in pathetic situation due to poor infrastructure. Our classrooms are built of iron sheets with dusty floors,” he said.
He added: “The demand is overwhelming and if we can get support, we can admit more orphans to the orphanage. We are experiencing other myriad challenges ranging from lack of bedding, clothes, food, sanitary towels, under wares, under-staffing, water and other basic needs. I ask the national and county governments, and other well-wishers to intervene and salvage the situation. Through this, we will be able to transform the society, hence, reduction of criminal activities,”
“Since we have installed electricity in the orphanage, we need computers as part of the efforts to equip learners with ICT skills and a TV for their entertainment during leisure time,” said Bange.
Bange disclosed that they have 10 trained teachers but most of them are seasoned and work on volunteer basis.
“Lack of funds is affecting us so much and impacting negatively to the orphanage because we are not able to pay and retain teachers. I pay them from my pocket,” he added.
However, the father of four and guardians of the orphans lauded an American Organization, Sufferthemnot, for standing with the children’s home and supporting them with food stuffs and other basic needs.
“I want, in a special way, thank Sufferthemnot for standing with us. The organisation based in the USA, has been instrumental supporting us with funds for close to a year now that we have been using to buy foodstuffs, clothes, and bedding to the orphans. Thanks to Sussan Warner, she is the mother to the orphans. I also thank David Onsate who became a bridge between us,” he added.
The mixed (boys and girls) boarding orphanage has been operational since early 2014, and has enrollment of pupils from Early Childhood to class five aged between 3-14 years.
The orphanage is situated along the Nyamira-Kisii Road about 2 kilometers from Nyamira town.