My new project work - Kazi yangu mpya ya mradi

After months of packing, traveling, studying, and unpacking - it's time to get to work!

My new work is coordinating a project called Maryknoll Fathers AIDS Orphans Project in the Archdiocese of Mombasa. It was started in 1999. I am assuming it from another missioner who has worked on the project for the last 9 years and has been a great inspiration and role model for me.

Coralis saying farewell to the children at a community center near the project office.

The mission of the project is be a sign of hope to families and especially the children afflicted or affected by HIV/AIDS, that God does care, and has not abandoned them.

One of our teens leading the others in a song during our recent workshop.

The project addresses the educational needs of children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS. They come from marginalized families who have very limited economic opportunities and live in slum areas surrounding Mombasa. Many of the guardians are living with HIV/AIDS and have other children to care for. Some of the orphans in the project are living with HIV/AIDS themselves. Majority of households live in one room unit, with no access to running water nor electricity. Some households have orphans as the head of household.

Emma, a social worker, teaching the children about their rights.

So how does the project work?

The AIDS Orphans Project operates in ten parishes and collaborates with the volunteer services of 400 health workers who belong to the parish small-group faith communities. These community volunteers identify the orphans, bring them to the attention of the project, and assist in the monitoring of the orphans after their acceptance into the program. The project provides school fees, books, uniforms, and supplies so that the children can go to school.

Based on the progress and personal aspirations of each student, placements are arranged for the students in vocational training schools or secondary schools. Students are currently placed in computer training, tailoring, hair styling, welding, and mechanic training programs. The project has also been able to help a few children in the program attend special schools for children who are deaf or have mental or physical disabilities.

Our annual Education for Life Workshop includes life skills and group discussions.

And for the younger children - a few games just for fun.

The project collaborates with the Archdiocese of Mombasa Community Based Health Care clinics to provide support to the families of the orphans. Many of the guardians are members of a support group for people living with HIV/AIDS. I have just started meeting with the support groups associated with the ten parishes and hope to assist them in the future in the micro-finance and their incoming-generating activities.

I am really fortunate to be working on a project that is well-organized and where I can see the benefits directly for the families I serve. It is still going to have its challenges. I realize already that my level of Swahili is limiting me in my conversation with the kids and their guardians. It is constantly humbling how much I have to learn.

For now, I'm listening and learning as much as I can.