The Anchor and Kenya Kids program in Kenya was very pleased to receive Ksh 208,730 which was credited to the Orphan Rescue account. Six families with over 20 children had been identified as the pioneer beneficiaries of this fund in Kenya. The selected families have various material needs but it was decided that assistance with tuition fee would be of greatest immediate help to them all. The recipients of the funds will be able to attend uninterrupted schooling for at least one full year. The care givers with the assistance of the programs will be able to work out how to meet the other needs which are not as financially demanding. The tuition fees, meals and uniform needs total Ksh 222,000.

The details of the selected orphans are as specified below.

Irene
Irene is a robust 17 year old who is actively involved in drama, music, Girl Guides, and was recently diagnosed with diabetes. Irene lost her mother who was a single parent 6 years ago after a long illness. She has since then relied on well wishing families within the Nairobi Christian church for accommodation and up keep during the school holidays. She is currently housed in a family of four. Irene is in her third year of high school in a boarding school located in Mukuru kwa Njenga. The rescue funds have lightened the load on her "foster" family at this time.

Melodie
Melodie is a 12 year old pre-teen who lives with her late mother's sister and her family which includes 3 other cousins and her uncle. She is now in standard 6 in a primary school. Melody lost her mother to Aids and has a younger brother aged 7 who is sickly and lives with their grand mother in their rural home due to unavailability of funds to live in Nairobi. She is a withdrawn child who needs a lot of care, love and support. The tuition support is a most welcome help to Melodie's aunt and uncle who have been straining to support and educate all these children.

Millie
Millie is a double orphan who is under the care of her grandmother. She and her brother Steve are both pursuing their secondary school education. They lost their parent to AIDS. HWWK has identified the most pressing need in this household as education, shelter and food. Through the Orphan Rescue Fund, we have managed to pay school fees for Millie. Their grandmother is a widow who is jobless hence the need for continued support to these OVC. Currently only one child is under our care in this program.

Kioko
Kioko, is a 15 year old who lost his mother a year ago and now lives with his father and three brothers. They live in Mukuru informal settlement. Due to financial hardships Kioko had to stay out of school for a whole year, and was only able to join Form 1 this year. He is an active young boy and expresses himself in rap music during his free time. Kioko is assured of attending school to the end of next year, thanks to the rescue funds!

Catherine
Catherine is one of 17 children in a granny headed household where the grand mother is not able to move about much due to ailing legs. They all live in two rooms within Mukuru Lunga lunga. She has been out of school now for almost two years due to lack of finances and these funds have come in at a most opportune time for her. She is 18 years old and supposed to join Form 3. She has been selected in the household as she is the closest to completing her studies. It is hoped that she will in turn be able to help some of the rest. Much hope has been given to this family at this time.

Moses (age 7), Elvis (age 6) and Celline (age 3)
These three siblings are paternal orphans. Their father died of AIDS a few years ago and their mother who is still alive is HIV positive. She is sickly and down most of the time hence she is not in a position to provide for them. Among the most pressing needs in this household are food, healthcare and education. The eldest of the three OVC is Moses who has run away from home several times due to lack of food among other things. The Orphan rescue fund has come to the rescue of Moses and his siblings by meeting the educational and nutritional needs for this household. Moses can now attend school where besides studying he is offered food through the school-feeding program. This has given hope to Moses' mother who is very grateful to the "Funds" for coming to the rescue of her children.