First Lady Margaret Kenyatta Sunday hailed Mombasa SOS Children’s village as a model institution that is doing exceptionally well to rehabilitate and give hope to minors rescued from oppressive circumstances.
She especially took pride in projects being undertaken at the Nyali-based SOS Children’s village including a solar energy generating plant which is selling excess power to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company.
“It’s always impressive to see a charity that is doing so much to practically make a difference to society, and at the same time striving for financial and environmental sustainability,” said the First Lady.
She however said the institution needs more support from stakeholders and appealed to both the National and County governments, the private sector and individual donors to explore how they can further engage with the SOS village in a way that yields the most benefit to children
“Right now, they (Mombasa SOS villages) needs support. And we can help and I would encourage us all to consider chipping in”, she appealed to the government, and other philanthropists.
Speaking at the SOS village, the First Lady, who is the patron of all SOS Children’s villages in Kenya, said she will explore areas where her office will be able to work together with the Mombasa home to promote the welfare of the children.
“I’m confident that as we all continue to invest in the children of Mombasa, and the children of Kenya at large—the future fortunes of our nation, will be immeasurable,” said the First Lady
She lauded the management and sponsors of the Mombasa home for initiating income-generating projects aimed at financial and environmental sustainability.
Besides the solar energy generating facility, the institution is also engaged in a green revolution programme through tree planting and waste disposal and management. There are also proposals to expand the existing primary school facilities and also put up rental apartments within the institution.
The First Lady praised the SOS school observing that it was among the finer and better performing institutions in Mombasa.
She thanked the management of the home for creating an environment conducive for child development and where all the children can thrive academically and socially to reach the pinnacle of their potential.
Many of the Children in SOS villages, including those in Nairobi, Kisumu , Eldoret and Meru are usually rescued from oppressive circumstances and given a life-line through rehabilitation and education.
There are over 15,000 children currently hosted in SOS Children’s Villages across the country.
The Mombasa SOS children’s village is the second institution to open its doors in Kenya in 1979 after the Buruburu home in 1973. It was officially opened by retired President Daniel Moi in 1980.
The First Lady was received at the SOS Children Village by Coast Regional Coordinator Mr. Nelson Marwa, the Chairman for Board of Trustees of the SOS Children’s Villages Kenya, Dr Martin Oduor, the SOS Villages National Director Tom Were and the Director of the Mombasa village Ms Ireneous Kombe.
Nyali MP, Hezron Awiti also attended the function.
By PSCU.