NAIROBI, KENYA/ CAIRO, EGYPT January 2010
Canadian Hearts and Hands' mission back to Nairobi Kenya in January 2010 resulted in many exciting new changes for our organization. A new spirit has been added to the school, with our boys being split into 4 different teams in which they work together and feed off of one another's positive energy. As the years go by, it is truly a blessing to see how these children grow into themselves and become positive members within their community. They are driven for a better life. They are driven for a bright future and they are driven to make those who support them proud…everyday. The permanent presence of Father Makarios, allows these children to strive for confidence, security, and to be an instrument of God in their daily achievements.
Our school, previously called the Langata Center, has also changed its name to the House of the Rising Stars. Along with the change in name comes a big move for the center. Four individuals from Italy have generously opened their hearts to our children and donated funds to build a new home for the Rising Stars (Thank you to Father Felice at Utume). Construction has begun, and we will be able to accommodate 130 boys as of December 2010. This has always been a dream for Canadian Hearts and Hands, and our prayers are being heard. Our objective now is to build a new school to serve all of these new boys, as well as all the children from the community, which includes the Kuwinda Slum. We are looking for support from all those who have always lent a helping hand and opened a generous heart for those in need. Anything you can do to help is greatly appreciated; not only from Canadian Hearts and Hands, but from a group of children whom you mean everything too. Your generosity over the years has actually been an inspiration to these children and a model in the way they wish to lead their own lives in the future.
January was a busy month for Canadian Hearts and Hands as the mission was also taken to Cairo, Egypt to visit the children in the orphanage. The warmth and love witnessed in these children's eyes was overwhelming. It is true that, in life, sometimes the littlest thing you do can have the biggest impact; the tiniest gesture can change your life and how you feel about something. That small gesture in our eyes is what we gave these children and that big impact is the way they made us feel in return. A feeling like this is unforgettable; a feeling like this makes to strive for more, to give more ,and be more in the eyes of the children in Cairo. Please help us in making their dreams come true because we can tell you they have also made our dreams come true.
NAIROBI, KENYA July 2009
Missionaries of Canadian Hearts and Hands just arrived back from a month long stay at our school (The Langata Centre) in Nairobi, Kenya. We are happy to report all arrived home safely and we were overwhelmed with joy to have such a successful mission with our boys.
The group spent 3 days a week with our boys at our school teaching and guiding them. They successfully completed final term exams and we took them on their annual school trip where they spent the day visiting the giraffe center, elephant orphanage, and Crocodile Park. Some of our artistic boys also completed drawings for greeting cards and wrote beautiful letters of gratitude. The boys also had many opportunities to speak with us privately about feelings and challenges. We are happy to report the boys are doing very well and were overjoyed to have this month with us and likewise. The July 2009 mission was a success in that our days there were fulfilling and our boys are so very grateful. We were truly blessed in every moment we had in Kenya.
The other three days. we had the pleasure of taking our mission to Mother Teresa's House of the Disabled. There we spend our mornings doing laundry, brushing their teeth, doing dishes, feeding and spending time with patients, as well as, making and cleaning beds. Mother Teresa's House is a beautiful and inspiring place, as well as quite serene.
The patients at Mother Teresa's House are in wheelchairs, some with physical deformities, and some are subjected to beds at all times. They are all physically and mentally disabled with a need for full time care and assistance to get through a day of normal activity. We know we are not helping to improve health but a simple smile in return is so very precious.
PHOTOS
NAIROBI, KENYA / CAIRO, EGYPT January 2009
The Langata centre continues with its mission to serve the street children of Nairobi. To continue its work, Canadian Hearts and Hands has provided for more staff at the centre; including a social worker, psychologist and an extra teacher. This brings the number of permanent staff to six in addition to a priest to minister to the spiritual needs of the children.
In conjunction to our current Kenyan mission, we are assisting the Missionaries of Charity in their work with handicapped orphans. These sisters continue the work of their foundress, Mother Teresa, who instituted the congregation to serve Jesus in the poorest of the poor.
Canadian Hearts and Hands is also supporting two centres in Egypt: Our Lady, Queen of Peace Centre for the handicapped and the Good Shepherd Home for orphans. These two places provide love, care and support for individuals in Cairo and CH&H is proud to assist them in their mission.
NAIROBI, KENYA July 2008
During the July 2008 mission to Nairobi, Kenya, various works/projects were completed, to improve the structural aspects and increase the capacity of Langata. The following projects were completed:
- Two new additional dormitories and an extra classroom were added.
The classrooms were furnished with updated blackboards and desks.
- The library/ recreation hall was renovated for health and safety reasons
and equipped with books and games, thanks to the donations from generous individuals
and schools in Toronto.
- An infirmary was erected to treat children who are ill.
- A fenced walkway was assembled, leading to the washroom facilities,
to avoid attacks from guard dogs that are used for security during the night.
- Furthermore, as a part of the children's personal, social development
and group formation, a new program was implemented, involving a social worker
and/or psychologist if needed.
- Missionaries taught English, Math, Science, Catechism as well as crafts and
personal hygiene. The children also participated in sports such as volleyball,
soccer and other games.
Although these changes have been made to improve the health and safety features of the centre and to meet the necessities of living, this centre still remains modest, to accommodate the residing children, who come from humble beginnings and to eliminate any social, economic and cultural shock they may experience.
As a special note, Canadian Hearts and Hands would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Douglas May of the Maryknoll Missionaries for his continued assisatnce with the Langata mission.
PHOTOS
NAIROBI, KENYA February - March 2008
In the aftermath of the December presidential elections, the political situation
in Kenya became increasingly dangerous. In the weeks following, violence erupted
in many parts of the country, especially in Nairobi. Canadian Hearts and Hands president,
Chahira Tadros left for Kenya in early February to monitor the situation and ensure the
safety of the children in Langata, as well as the stability of the project.
This visit also help set into motion the work for the Mission Team leaving in the summer.
The 2008 Summer Mission team, which at present is comprised of seven people, will be leaving in July.
NAIROBI, KENYA July - August 2007
- Structurally, the centre's capacity was increased to accommodate 30 street
children. Bathrooms were updated and showers installed. New furniture was built
for the dining hall. Tin sheets on the roof were replaced to prevent leaking.
The children were also involved in these renovation projects, to make the space
their home and foster a sense of pride within responsibility.
PHOTOS
- Landscaping projects included planting of flower beds around the perimeter
of the centre, painting of the exterior walls and gates, and the relocation of
the animal pens away from the dormitories.
PHOTOS
- New classrooms, lockers and changing rooms were added.
PHOTOS
- Electricity and plumbing were upgraded throughout the centre. A water tank was
also installed to provide clean drinking water.
PHOTOS
- A new academic curriculum was developed and implemented, with an emphasis
on each child's personal development and social conduct within the community.
Textbooks and school supplies were shipped to the centre from Toronto.
Missionaries taught English, Math, Science, Catechism as well as crafts and
personal hygiene. The children also participated in sports such as volleyball,
soccer and other games.
PHOTOS
NAIROBI, KENYA May - July 2006
- The current centre in Langata has a capacity to house betwen twenty to twenty-five children. The future aim of Canadian Hearts and Hands is to expand the facility to house at least forty children.
- Children of various ages are gathered from the streets and are given a home-like environment. These children live on the streets and survive on their own means, mostly by begging or petty theft. Many of them are orphans whose parents have died from AIDS or other diseases. Some end up on the street because their parents could no longer afford to raise them.
- Once children are placed in the centre, they are rehabilitated and given a basic education. Many of them lack the social skills that children who live in normal communal circumstances are exposed to. They are taught basic skills like preparing meals, basic hygene and proper behaviour.
- Missionaries also taught basic Math and English to older children.
- After the initial period of adjustment, the children are moved to a larger facility also staffed by the Salesians and are enrolled in school. Those who complete high school eventually are apprenticed to learn a trade.
PHOTOS MORE PHOTOS
MACHAKOS, KENYA August 2005 - April 2006
Structural Renovations
- Installation of new furniture and fixtures in the kitchen and dormitories.
A new sewage system was installed.
- Rusted tin roofs were replaced.
- An eight room guest house was refurbished. An extension to the
staff house and a reception room was added.
- The dining hall was painted and fitted with new window frames.
- Security was increased in the school with the installation of a barbed wire fence, hiring of night watchmen, and the purchase of guard dogs. Extra lighting was also added to the area.
- Designated areas were assigned for proper garbage disposal.
- A storage area was renovated and supplied appropriately for the welding course. This welding shop is used not only for teaching students but also for repairs around the school and to make objects for sale to support the centre.
- The workshop was also renovated. Equipment and supplies (chairs, benches, vises, etc.) were added.
- More than 40 sewing machines were repaired and fixed to train students in tailoring.
- Students were given access to newspapers and periodicals to keep them informed.
- In the beginning the land proved poor and underdeveloped. Now, the property has successfully cultivated the land to provide for the centre's needs.
- An irrigation system was introduced with new pipes and water sprinklers to efficiently use water.
- Not only are there plants, but livestock as well. Goats and sheep were bought for the centre, making it a working farm.
- More the two hundred trees were planted around the school.
- Plants from the garden were cultivated and have become a source of income for the centre.
- The goal of the institute is not simply the physical well-being but rather the complete development of the person in all aspects. Below are some ways that life in the centre has improved for the students.
- Dedicated athletics areas, like volleyball and soccer fields, were developed for students. Equipment was also purchased for their use.
- Areas around the school were designated as walkways and gardens for quiet reflection.
- A sound system was installed for group gatherings and entertainment. Once a week, students were treated to a movie night.
- Monthly social gatherings for the entire school.
- Establishing a prayer area in the middle of the school grounds, with a crucifix and beautiful rocks and flowers.
- A chapel was set up in the school to enrich the spiritual life of the community. Daily Mass is also celebrated in the school for the students and teachers.
- Building pride and respect for the local culture by encouraging the traditions of the area, especially through dance.
- Clean water has, by far, been the biggest improvement for the centre. Without water, the community cannot function. Digging the borehole ensured that the centre would no longer be dependent on rain for their source.
- The water is fed through a system of 450 feet of underground pipes and is then stored in three large water tanks that supply the centre.
- The centre has also provided water for the entire community, free of charge. There are pipes that lead outside the centre to a station where the community gathers in the morning and in the evening to get water. More than 450 families in the community now have access to free, clean water.
PHOTOS Better Centre Before Better Centre After
NZAIKONI, KENYA July 14 - August 15, 2005
The group's work focused on skill building; Math, English, First Aid, Sewing, and other livelihood training as a means to add to the family's income. Other activities included:
- Youth evangelization: supporting and affirming the faith of the youth
- Summer events for youth and children in all centres of the parish
- Visitation and blessing of homes
- Upgrading the youth centre in Nzaikoni
PHOTOS
MISSIONARY REFLECTIONS
Frances Bacani Michael Barr Louie Deblois Brigitte McIsaac Mark SalehPIEDRAS NEGRAS, MEXICO July 26 - August 16, 2004
In addition to activities from the previous mission, the group also contributed to the following projects:
- Completion of one wing of a new centre (which will include a church, clinic, learning centre, and restrooms) - painting, furnishing (i.e. building tables), installation of a drop ceiling, and electrical wiring
- Collection and shipment of computers for the learning centre
- English lessons and the organization of a soccer tournament as part of the "Vacaciones con Jesús" program
PHOTOS
MISSIONARY REFLECTIONS
Shirley Khalil Mark Saleh Louie Deblois Samantha Doedens Kathleen SpadaforaPIEDRAS NEGRAS, MEXICO August 4 - 18, 2003
In its initial mission, Canadian Hearts and Hands began working in various colonias or neighbourhoods of Piedras Negras, in the northern Mexican state of Coahuila. The scope of the work included:
- Community building projects - painting, cleaning and structural repairs with local leaders
- "Vacaciones con Jesús" - "Vacations with Jesus", the children's summer program comprised of catechesis, games and crafts within the various centres
- Distribution of clothing, school supplies, sports equipment, and first aid supplies
- Engagement in Mexican culture through attending and celebrating various special occasions with the wider community, as well as visiting rural chapels and communities.
