Category Archives: Success Stories

School children are given notebooks and pens, something Alan and Erick want so desperately.

From Our Student’s Perspective

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This year I was able to spend time with the Matanya’s Hope Mission team. I saw beyond what Matanya’s Hope does for me alone. I now realize that this mission was spearheaded to break the cycle of poverty by saving and changing many more young innocent souls than whose names I know.

Wealth fades away. Civilizations grow old, but the love and kindness that Matanya’s Hope offers to the hundreds of Kenyan children who have faced abject poverty, lack of a good education, food and respectable shelter, is what keeps the flag of this charitable organization high. Matanya’s Hope, you’ve been a beacon of hope to those who were once crying; you are helping us break the vicious cycle of poverty in Kenya.

Child walking home from school in rural Kenya

Child walking home from school in rural Kenya

Just a few days ago, I decided to search Matanya’s Hope on the internet and I learned some amazing facts. The most impressive to me is that Matanya’s Hope has students in the fields of medicine and pharmacy, aeronautical engineering, law, IT and in accounting and finance. Having in mind that these fields not only remain to be the most lucrative and illustrious in a growing market like Kenya, they are also esteemed fields in developed nations like the USA, Germany and many others.

I realized that I had been ignorant of the many milestone achievements accomplished by Matanya’s Hope. I remember telling Michelle Stark, the organization’s founder and president, that my joy would be to see her charitable works become a success in the near future, but I wish I had told her that my joy would be to see her efforts and works continue to grow and succeed. Why do I say this?

Because having nurtured students who eventually have joined such esteemed fields is a clear indicator that Matanya’s Hope is already successful and that the love which has been spread over the poor Kenyan child is bearing great fruits.

Students at Matanya Primary School are excited to thank their donors for the daily porridge and safe drinking water.

Students at Matanya Primary School are excited to thank their donors for the daily porridge and safe drinking water.

Matanya’s Hope reaches multitudes of radically diverse cultural communities across Kenya. The Maasai Mara Region is one which forever encourages me. To this day, Matanya’s Hope works to bring about gender equality to the GIRL CHILD by empowering her through education. The Maasai (at large) consider the girl child inferior among her community. She is seen as unclean and unworthy lest she undergoes the FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION, after which she will be sold into marriage. However, this charitable organization has come to the rescue of many Maasai girls by offering them education in lieu of FGM and forced early marriage.

Slowly, this archaic ritual is being traded in for higher learning and a healthier lifestyle. Efforts such as this remain a benchmark in the fight against gender violence and in the advocacy of gender equality and human rights at large. When I see what Matanya’s Hope is doing for pupils like me, who were once so lost and hopeless, I see Matanya’s Hope as one of the few world leading organizations dedicating their energies to changing the world and saving lives through positive transformation.

Girls as young as 9 years old are forced to undergo female genital cutting. (FGM) Once healed, they are sold into marriage and may become one of many wives in an older man's collection.

Girls as young as 9 years old are forced to undergo female genital cutting. (FGM) Once healed, they are sold into marriage and may become one of many wives in an older man’s collection.

Where would I be today if not for Matanya’s Hope?

I was born into a family of 3 boys. My parents were not able to cater for even the very basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing. These daily struggles brought about pain and turmoil and left me very confused. But, at 6 years old, God sent angels to come to my rescue. And this has been the beginning of my transformation. Until today, Matanya’s Hope has been catering for my school fees and encouraging my social, emotional, academic and spiritual development.

Why do I say that God sent angels? More than 250 impoverished pupils at my rural primary day school also deserved a chance to a better education, to develop their hidden academic potentials, yet Matanya’s Hope specifically chose me.

I, therefore, cannot sleep when God’s divine favour allowed such an opportunity to change my life. Against all worldly odds, I have come far. Once I was barefooted and schooling in a dirt floored primary school. Today I attend one of the most academically esteemed high schools in Kenya! Who could dare to dream of this, especially at the tender age of 6? Opportunities such as this were unheard of.

Thanks to the Matanya’s Hope academic scholarship, I am here to bid appreciation for the good work done by every stakeholder in this organization. Because of them, I have learned that education is the foundation upon which we build our future. I believe that those who passionately cherish knowledge never cease to grow and glow. I believe that education is the only sustainable way to break the cycle of poverty in Kenya, in Africa and in the world at large.

I pray that this little boy is chosen, like I was, so many years ago. He longs to feel hope instead of hunger and abandonment. He is 7 years old, a year older than when I was sponsored. Sponsorship is a light in darkness. Please - consider changing this little guys life.

I pray that this little boy is chosen, like I was, so many years ago. He longs to feel hope instead of hunger and abandonment. He is 7 years old, a year older than when I was sponsored. Sponsorship is a light in darkness. Please – consider changing this little guys life.

Today, I, a young man named Ndirangu, am in highschool. I work hard every day and I believe that one day I will be attending Harvard or Yale as an aspiring lawyer and actuarial.

This song (below) inspires me.

We are the blossoms of our land.
We are the ceram of our generation.
We are the future of our nation.
Where are those who used to doubt us?
Where are those who thought we are not worthy?
Let them come out
and see the builders of our economy.

We shall be doctors, engineers and lawyers.
We are proud to be the blossoms of our land.
We are the cream of our nation!
And together we shall build our nation.

To my sponsors and to my esteemed friend and founder of Matanya’s Hope, Michelle Stark:
Michelle, you encouraged me and I pray that my story serves as an inspiration to others.

I forever thank my family for encouraging and supporting my efforts to better myself every day.

To the Almighty,
I THANK YOU.

Written by C. Ndirangu, Mangu High School, 2nd Year

CHILDREN LAUGHING AT CCM PRIMARY SCHOOL - NANYUKI

Tis the Season

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Matanya’s Hope – Tis the Season

There is so much catching up to do with so many of you, but with the Holiday Season upon us, it is my deepest desire to share a recap of this very successful year at Matanya’s Hope. We could not do this without you!

First and foremost, I am grateful for every one of you, our donors and sponsors, who make our work possible in Kenya. I am attaching some Mission 2017 pictures so that you can see the miracles that you helped us to deliver through Matanya’s Hope and the mission team.

Students at Matanya Primary School are excited to thank their donors for the daily porridge and safe drinking water.

Students at Matanya Primary School are excited to thank their donors for the daily porridge and safe drinking water.

We distributed more rain water storage tanks than ever before! (23 ten-thousand liter tanks to be exact) Imagine the thrill of providing safe, clean drinking water for hundreds of students, orphans and families who have been forced to depend upon contaminated, bacteria infested river water.

This student is at a local river gathering unclean, bacteria laden water for his family to drink. Many suffer from typhoid and cholera due to drinking such contaminated water.

This student is at a local river gathering unclean, bacteria laden water for his family to drink. Many suffer from typhoid and cholera due to drinking such contaminated water.

Students from CCM primary school in Nanyuki gather around the rainwater tank donated by Matanya's Hope

Students from CCM primary school in Nanyuki gather around the rainwater tank donated by Matanya’s Hope

We delivered over 3 tons of school supplies, shoes, backpacks, clothing, blankets and medical/hygiene supplies to literally thousands of impoverished school children and to remote clinics which serve them.

School children receiving book bags donated by the Dawn Brancheau Foundation in loving memory of Dawn.

School children receiving book bags donated by the Dawn Brancheau Foundation in loving memory of Dawn.

This before and after photo shows the ongoing need for shoes that our children face. Your donations helped us deliver thousands of pairs of shoes to needy recipients.

This before and after photo shows the ongoing need for shoes that our children face. Your donations helped us deliver thousands of pairs of shoes to needy recipients.

"We were able to hand out more than a ton of blankets and clothes to those in need."

“We were able to hand out more than a ton of blankets and clothes to those in need.”

A boy receiving clothing and boots at Kagaani Primary School.

A boy receiving clothing and boots at Kagaani Primary School.

Thanks to Jennifer Oliak and the many donors from Manhattan Beach, California, we added a deeply impoverished remote primary school to our porridge program and are now serving freshly made hot, nutritious porridge to an approximate total of 2,000 students attending 4 schools – daily! Prior, many of these students would go an average of 2 to 4 days without food.

Thanks to Oz of Salt, The Bertram Family, Verde Events, The Gail Scott Family, Stephanie Kazuba and Lucyna Czuba... Matanya's Hope was able to deliver approximately 2,000 cups of hot, nutritious porridge daily this year alone! This is sometimes the only meal a child will have for an entire day.

Thanks to Oz of Salt, The Bertram Family, Verde Events, The Gail Scott Family, Stephanie Kazuba and Lucyna Czuba… Matanya’s Hope was able to deliver approximately 2,000 cups of hot, nutritious porridge daily this year alone! This is sometimes the only meal a child will have for an entire day.

We bring Hope and Education through our sponsorship program to hundreds of children and older students in need. Currently through your generosity, we have approximately 250 students enrolled in boarding schools, ranging from primary school through university, across Kenya. Matanya’s Hope is building a future for these students which will impact their families for generations to come. Accountants, nurses, pharmacists, aeronautical…civil and architectural engineers, chefs, teachers and lawyers make up some of our already graduated students.

Wafula was sponsored at the end of last year's mission. Although he was the brightest student of his 8th grade class, he had no way of proceeding to high school. Today, Wafula attends one of Kenya's leading boarding high schools and holds much promise for a bright future. As he puts it, "I am a future star, not a scar".

Wafula was sponsored at the end of last year’s mission. Although he was the brightest student of his 8th grade class, he had no way of proceeding to high school. Today, Wafula attends one of Kenya’s leading boarding high schools and holds much promise for a bright future. As he puts it, “I am a future star, not a scar”.

Our work continues and needs your support as much as ever. When you celebrate the closure of 2017 and the beginning of the New Year, please think of the students we have not reached who need access to clean water, a bed and warm blankets, a jacket to keep warm, a pair of shoes to walk miles to school in, education, or even just a daily meal. These gifts convey the message of love and hope.

With much love from our precious student, Michelle Wangechi and all of those we humbly serve through Matanya's Hope.

With much love from our precious student, Michelle Wangechi and all of those we humbly serve through Matanya’s Hope.

As you plan your end of year giving, please give generously; we are already gearing up for Mission 2018. There are many ways to help. Plan a bake sale, have a penny war at school, donate your proceeds from a garage sale, a read-a-thon, a church or synagogue project, or write a check.

Matanya’s Hope PO Box 562, Homewood, Il. 60430

MICHELLE POSTER 500 dpi

Mission 2017 – Meet Vincent

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Vincent Murithi, Matanya's Hope University student, expresses his joy for the gift of clothing and education.

Vincent Murithi, Matanya’s Hope University student, expresses his joy for the gift of clothing and education.

Landing in Kenya was bitter sweet. I missed my family and I knew all too well that leaving the USA meant leaving the comforts of my high speed internet. It meant headaches – such as an hour and a half to open ONE email successfully.
But, that is the technical side of mission and technicalities are far from the heart of what this mission is all about.

We are about giving the gift of hope to some of the most precious people who might otherwise never have had the chance to go to school beyond 8th grade.

3 days into the mission, our vehicle transcended from Nairobi’s tarmac to the dusty dirt and rock roads of Nanyuki. Henry and Vincent had been busy offloading the donations throughout the night and our rented home was ready for occupation.

None of this could have happened without the tireless dedication of one young man who balanced his pending exams with the leadership of Matanya’s Hope in Kenya. Thank you Patrick for emulating the heart of giving service beyond self.

As the mission begins, I have the honor to spend our beginning days with a current University Economics student, Vincent Murithi. Sometimes, when I only have my own vantage point to reflect upon, I can’t see the fullness of the impact that Matanya’s Hope has on those we reach out to.

This morning, Vincent shared: “It has been an incredible journey as I sit here and reflect way back, 10 years ago. I am overwhelmed regarding what Matanya’s Hope has done unto my life. It has been a long way coming and I am grateful for this opportunity. I am scheduled to graduate next year and I want to appeal to other Matanya’s Hope students to take this opportunity that you are given and to utilize it well, knowing that one day someone else will look upon them. It is about giving back to society. You can only do that when we have a clear plan or vision of what you want to do – of where you want to see yourself in coming years. It keeps you on track. At this age, we should stop dreaming and start working on those dreams. It is a way to becoming responsible and dependable.
I have a plan, in 3 or 4 years to come, to sponsor kids throughout their school life, throughout their education, just as Matanya’s Hope has done for me. It is quite fulfilling experience when you can give back to others in need. I can never forget where I came from.

To everyone who is a sponsor, I want to thank you for what you are doing. I promise you, your gift of hope will not go in vain. To each sponsor and mission participant who I met, thank you for being a part of my life. Jonah, Quincy, Ariel, Ann…. the list is endless. You have all impacted my life and helped me to believe in my dreams.
To my sponsor, Brogan, thank you so much for being my brother and my dear friend. You have walked by my side since I was 12 years old. No words can possibly express all I feel.

Today, I received gifts of clothing and shoes from Matanya’s Hope. I humbly thank each of you who made these much needed items possible.”
Vincent Murithi

Sean Martin is overjoyed to receive clothing and school supplies during mission.

Look Who Just Got Sponsored!

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You may already be a part of miraculous stories in your life, or maybe you are eager to be a part of the miracles unfolding right here at Matanya’s Hope. To every sponsor, prayer warrior and donor, thank you for helping us give love and hope to thousands of children in need. This story is about Sean Martin, a boy who touched founder Michelle Stark’s heart the moment she met him.

Stark tells us, “My entire being ached when I heard Sean’s story from the Director of his school.” Desperate to get her grandchildren educated, Sean’s jobless grandmother walked barefooted and hungry to a “local” primary school. The trek was monumental, demanding this elderly woman to sustain a long climb up the steep, rocky mountain roads until she reached the school gates. There, she told the director that she had no money but would bring some soon. She explained, “Sean has just been orphaned and his cousin Valerie is orphaned as well”. The director took the two children in, but months passed and the promissory fees were not paid. The children’s grandmother was unable to manage the bill. Sean and Valerie were to be sent home… Their hope for education faded. That is when I met them.

Sean smiled but I could see the pain beneath his sweet face. He needed the absolute basic necessities in life: food,shelter and love. When his mother never returned from a recent outing, Sean’s only hope was his jobless grandmother who took him into her 11 X 11 rented room. She did all she could already to support 7 orphaned grandchildren. Sean Martin now made 8.

Sean Martin, pictured after spending a day with Matanya's Hope Mission Team

Sean Martin, pictured after spending a day with Matanya’s Hope Mission Team

Stark recalls, “When I was a child, I rode my bicycle all day and played with my friends.” Sean Martin prays for a meal to eat and an education to carry him throughout his lifetime. He promised his grandmother, “One day, Grandmother, I will be educated and I will get a good job and build you a house.” He held the crayons we gave him and drew a picture of this house of his dreams.

So what does it take to help a child like Sean? It takes action and understanding that not every child has been given a chance to experience life like our children. When bad things happen to these kids, there is no way out… unless we help them. Stark says, “When I see a child finally get sponsored, when they begin to understand that their life matters and that other people care about them – when I see that, it is like experiencing a sunrise in my soul!”

This is Sean with other Matanya's Hope students at school. Founder, Michelle Stark is pictured in the back row.

This is Sean with other Matanya’s Hope students at school. Founder, Michelle Stark is pictured in the back row.

To Sean’s sponsor. Thank you! You have changed the world for this beautiful boy!

To sponsor a child in need, please contact Matanya’s Hope: 708-822-HOPE (4673) or email us at: [email protected]

Donations are needed to help us continue the programs which reach children like Sean.

WAYS TO DONATE NOW:
Matanya’s Hope
PO Box 562
Homewood, IL 60430

Donate on this blog.

DONATE THROUGH VENMO (search for Matanya’s Hope)

IMG_2636

Something Amazing Happened!

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BENO wafula Poster

What pure joy it is to share with our supporters that
BENO WAFULA GOT SPONSORED!!!

Thank you everyone for sharing the story of this beautiful boy!

Beno will now be able to remain in school.
May his future be bright and his soul one of goodness!

Thank you everyone who helped make this possible!!

Michelle

It is my joy to help protect people from disease. Here I am giving free vaccines.

A Message of Thanks from Lydia Muthoni

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I will never forget where I came from and that is why God will always bless you for taking care of His children. Very few people can do your work.

First I was a house girl and then I became a dressmaker, but what I wanted more than anything was to go to school.

First I was a house girl and then I became a dressmaker, but what I wanted more than anything was to go to school.

I still remember the first day we met. You were constructing a house for another needy child. I watched you with awe; your goodness was a true lesson in love.

I am Lydia Muthoni and I am one child in a family of 7 siblings. If it were not for Matanya’s Hope, I would have succumbed to a life of abject poverty and despair.

After primary school, I had no choice but to work as a house girl. My parents could not afford to send me to school. I tried to save whatever small coins I could and I held on tight to my dream to go back to school. After a few years, I felt I could not make it so I took my coins and I learned how to tailor clothes. I gained a skill, but I could not find satisfaction. My heart longed to be in the classroom.

Thanks to Matanya’s Hope and my precious sponsors for hearing my story. You came and rescued me when I had no other hope. I am the only one in my family who attended high school and university.

Through your love and dedication, I made it! I am a nurse. This once hopeless life can now attest that there is hope for the least of us. I can now help provide for my family and I will sponsor another child, needy as I once was.

Never give up. Always hope. Always believe.

This is me, Lydia, acting as a surgical nurse in the operating room. Thank you Matanya's Hope for believing in me.

This is me, Lydia, acting as a surgical nurse in the operating room. Thank you Matanya’s Hope for believing in me.

Ambrose 2007 Nanyuki Kenya "Where you are today is a monumental part of your story...and in some years to come...it will all make sense."

AMBROSE – Journey of Hope

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The Power of Hope Through Education – Ambrose’s Story

Ambrose Lanuko portrait in Nanyuki

I vividly remember the 2007 July day – hot and dry, without much breeze, but with a communal buzz of passersby and a heavy scent of lingering exhaust fumes. The people of this small Kenyan town did not have much access to modern transportation – especially that with clean emissions. Most of them were farmers and either walked or paid public vehicles to carry them. Anything motorized usually sputtered smoke and tossed fumes as an unavoidable torture to the human senses.

During this time of year, the people of Sub-Saharan Africa were experiencing drought. Community members were gathered in town for small business, waiting for the rains to come and the time to re-launch their new farming season.

I waited outside of the market. I don’t know why, but on this day, I did not want to go in. I stood on the makeshift sidewalk, observing… waiting… lost in my own world. A young boy of approximately 9 years old approached me. Though he stood on the opposite edge of the street, his eyes gently locked with mine and his unspoken story whispered straight to my heart.

Ambrose was steadfast. He engaged with my camera lens, in a friendly showcase of playful martial arts moves. His attention shifted from the lens to my eyes and back to the lens again. Dialect was not needed to speak the language between us.

Ambrose on the streets of Nanyuki during our first meeting.

Ambrose on the streets of Nanyuki during our first meeting.

When my Kenyan partner came out of the store, I was eager to tell him about my new friend. He urged me rather boldly to “let this go”…”Kenyan street children are liars”, he said with such an absolute unshakable conviction that it felt cold and shook me. “He will deceive you.” With that, his intentions were clearly laid out: I was expected to follow him to the vehicle and go home.
But I couldn’t. I could not get this sweet, little boy adorned in a torn and faded pink jacket out of my mind. I couldn’t let go of the innocent play we shared – and of the overwhelming love I felt filling my heart – I felt as if an angel stood there with me and brought this boy and I together.

“I can’t leave him”, I said.
I could see the irritation in my partner’s eyes. “I have to learn more.”, I persisted.

With a grudge powered resistance, my partner began to converse with Ambrose, “the street boy”. His first question was going to prove me so wrong… maybe the second…

We were soon in the car, myself, my partner AND AMBROSE – traveling into rough territory where we would check out if “this street boy” was telling the truth. (I had no reason to doubt him).

Our vehicle bumped through the town’s rocky terrain and splashed through whatever stagnant puddles remained along the way. The path was so narrow that at many turns, we brushed up against tall, twig like cacti. They scraped the sides of our car featuring unmistakable screeching as the auto paint was unapologetically scratched from the car.

As we rocked down the last leg of the pitted earth road, a cluster of dirt floored shanties revealed themselves. Several people stood outside watching the unusual sight of a car rolling through their alley ways. I was told to be guarded as I exited the car. Women and children stood still, captivated by our appearance. I looked into each person’s empty eyes and a sense of their desperation became mine. My heart broke for these people – even more so, it broke for my new friend.

“Here is where I live” he said. (translated for me). “I live with my crippled grandfather.” I peeked through the large gaps of 11 X 11 room, walled with deteriorating wood planks. The sunlight streamed through, highlighting the glittering flying dust and a dirt floor. Nothing else. This was Ambrose’s home. “My grandfather is crippled…” he paused. “He goes to town to beg. I care for him. I cook and I wash his laundry.”

“What do you want Ambrose? Do you have a dream for yourself?” I asked.
He leaned against the wooden planks and looked up into my eyes. “I want to become a doctor” he answered. I could hardly see. Tears were at their capacity; any more and they would spill down my cheeks!

We returned to town with Ambrose and took him to the store to purchase much needed food. I visited with him daily (for the time that I was in the area). We purchased a bed for himself and his grandfather and soon, we had a sponsor! Ambrose got his wish; he went to school.

Today, this precious child is a young man. He is in his final years of education, studying with every ounce of passion and drive in him to become a teacher. Yes, his career choice changed. Ambrose said it best: “I want to reach the youth who face challenges much like what I faced in my young life. You saved me. I want to save them.”

Ambrose during his internship - student teaching.

Ambrose during his internship – student teaching.

Ambrose’s story beautifully captures the essence of how gaining access to love and education can change a life and a community. The act of love, of listening and caring – and the gift of education empowered him to unlock the treasure trove of hope.

Literacy is more to our children than simply teaching them how to read; it opens up a new way of living. It provides a path to hope and dreams – to God’s plan for them – that otherwise may not ever be realized.

The seeds of HOPE are planted in the fertile soil of education and a loving support system. We use simple, personal ways, like playing with the children, feeding the hungry, putting shoes on the barefooted and clothing those who are dressed in threadbare material to demonstrate love for soul, here and now. Our prayer is that no child shall ever be forgotten.

Healing IS possible. It starts with a vision. It is followed by prayer and action. And… it culminates with renewed life … more than we could ever have imagined.

Your support makes a big difference!

A MESSAGE FROM AMBROSE:
“I know that I am the way I am because of God Matanya’s Hope and my sponsor, Isabel.

I could not imagine that I could reach this far. As a child, I did not know the importance of education and also being closer to God. Right now, I feel blessed and I pray that my story will be used to help the people who have lost their faith an hope in life.”
Ambrose Lanoko 2017

Ambrose 2007 Nanyuki Kenya "Where you are today is a monumental part of your story...and in some years to come...it will all make sense."

Ambrose 2007 Nanyuki Kenya
“Where you are today is a monumental part of your story…and in some years to come…it will all make sense.”

Ambrose 2007 Nanyuki Kenya "Where you are today is a monumental part of your story...and in some years to come...it will all make sense."

A Message from Ambrose

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The Power of Hope Through Education – Ambrose’s Story

Ambrose Lanuko portrait in Nanyuki

I vividly remember the 2007 July day – hot and dry, without much breeze, but with a communal buzz of passersby and a heavy scent of lingering exhaust fumes. The people of this small Kenyan town did not have much access to modern transportation – especially that with clean emissions. Most of them were farmers and either walked or paid public vehicles to carry them. Anything motorized usually sputtered smoke and tossed fumes as an unavoidable torture to the human senses.

During this time of year, the people of Sub-Saharan Africa were experiencing drought. Community members were gathered in town for small business, waiting for the rains to come and the time to re-launch their new farming season.

I waited outside of the market. I don’t know why, but on this day, I did not want to go in. I stood on the makeshift sidewalk, observing… waiting… lost in my own world. A young boy of approximately 9 years old approached me. Though he stood on the opposite edge of the street, his eyes gently locked with mine and his unspoken story whispered straight to my heart.

Ambrose was steadfast. He engaged with my camera lens, in a friendly showcase of playful martial arts moves. His attention shifted from the lens to my eyes and back to the lens again. Dialect was not needed to speak the language between us.

Ambrose on the streets of Nanyuki during our first meeting.

Ambrose on the streets of Nanyuki during our first meeting.

When my Kenyan partner came out of the store, I was eager to tell him about my new friend. He urged me rather boldly to “let this go”…”Kenyan street children are liars”, he said with such an absolute unshakable conviction that it felt cold and shook me. “He will deceive you.” With that, his intentions were clearly laid out: I was expected to follow him to the vehicle and go home.
But I couldn’t. I could not get this sweet, little boy adorned in a torn and faded pink jacket out of my mind. I couldn’t let go of the innocent play we shared – and of the overwhelming love I felt filling my heart – I felt as if an angel stood there with me and brought this boy and I together.

“I can’t leave him”, I said.
I could see the irritation in my partner’s eyes. “I have to learn more.”, I persisted.

With a grudge powered resistance, my partner began to converse with Ambrose, “the street boy”. His first question was going to prove me so wrong… maybe the second…

We were soon in the car, myself, my partner AND AMBROSE – traveling into rough territory where we would check out if “this street boy” was telling the truth. (I had no reason to doubt him).

Our vehicle bumped through the town’s rocky terrain and splashed through whatever stagnant puddles remained along the way. The path was so narrow that at many turns, we brushed up against tall, twig like cacti. They scraped the sides of our car featuring unmistakable screeching as the auto paint was unapologetically scratched from the car.

As we rocked down the last leg of the pitted earth road, a cluster of dirt floored shanties revealed themselves. Several people stood outside watching the unusual sight of a car rolling through their alley ways. I was told to be guarded as I exited the car. Women and children stood still, captivated by our appearance. I looked into each person’s empty eyes and a sense of their desperation became mine. My heart broke for these people – even more so, it broke for my new friend.

“Here is where I live” he said. (translated for me). “I live with my crippled grandfather.” I peeked through the large gaps of 11 X 11 room, walled with deteriorating wood planks. The sunlight streamed through, highlighting the glittering flying dust and a dirt floor. Nothing else. This was Ambrose’s home. “My grandfather is crippled…” he paused. “He goes to town to beg. I care for him. I cook and I wash his laundry.”

“What do you want Ambrose? Do you have a dream for yourself?” I asked.
He leaned against the wooden planks and looked up into my eyes. “I want to become a doctor” he answered. I could hardly see. Tears were at their capacity; any more and they would spill down my cheeks!

We returned to town with Ambrose and took him to the store to purchase much needed food. I visited with him daily (for the time that I was in the area). We purchased a bed for himself and his grandfather and soon, we had a sponsor! Ambrose got his wish; he went to school.

Today, this precious child is a young man. He is in his final years of education, studying with every ounce of passion and drive in him to become a teacher. Yes, his career choice changed. Ambrose said it best: “I want to reach the youth who face challenges much like what I faced in my young life. You saved me. I want to save them.”

Ambrose during his internship - student teaching.

Ambrose during his internship – student teaching.

Ambrose’s story beautifully captures the essence of how gaining access to love and education can change a life and a community. The act of love, of listening and caring – and the gift of education empowered him to unlock the treasure trove of hope.

Literacy is more to our children than simply teaching them how to read; it opens up a new way of living. It provides a path to hope and dreams – to God’s plan for them – that otherwise may not ever be realized.

The seeds of HOPE are planted in the fertile soil of education and a loving support system. We use simple, personal ways, like playing with the children, feeding the hungry, putting shoes on the barefooted and clothing those who are dressed in threadbare material to demonstrate love for soul, here and now. Our prayer is that no child shall ever be forgotten.

Healing IS possible. It starts with a vision. It is followed by prayer and action. And… it culminates with renewed life … more than we could ever have imagined.

Your support makes a big difference!

A MESSAGE FROM AMBROSE:
“I know that I am the way I am because of God Matanya’s Hope and my sponsor, Isabel.

I could not imagine that I could reach this far. As a child, I did not know the importance of education and also being closer to God. Right now, I feel blessed and I pray that my story will be used to help the people who have lost their faith an hope in life.”
Ambrose Lanoko 2017

Ambrose 2007 Nanyuki Kenya "Where you are today is a monumental part of your story...and in some years to come...it will all make sense."

Ambrose 2007 Nanyuki Kenya
“Where you are today is a monumental part of your story…and in some years to come…it will all make sense.”

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My Name is Shelmith

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My name is Shelmith Njeri Karuri.

I vividly recall how difficult my life was before I was enrolled in the Matanya’s Hope Sponsorship program. My dad passed away when I was at a tender age of 9 years old. He left four young children with my mom who is a housewife. She was not able to raise school fees for us. Even getting a simple pair of shoes was hard. Sometimes we had to go without and we walked to school barefooted on many cold, chilly mornings. Most of the time, I was sent away from school due to lack of school fees. When I got to grade 7, I was even more worried. I lost hope of ever joining secondary (High) school. With hopelessness darkening my days, I began to relax academically.

This is me in 2007. I am front left. It was a happy moment for me to be in the presence of other Matanya's Hope girls.

This is me in 2007. I am front left. It was a happy moment for me to be in the presence of other Matanya’s Hope girls.

It was during this time that Matanya’s Hope learned of my story. I was enrolled in their program. Because my situation was so desperate, they enrolled me in a boarding school as they began their search for a sponsor. Michelle did everything to ensure me that I was loved and that all would be ok. I had not ever had someone to care about me like this before.

This is me in 2008. I was enrolled in Slopesview Academy. I had all I needed to succeed: love, encouragement, school supplies, food.... and a good school.

This is me in 2008. I was enrolled in Slopesview Academy. I had all I needed to succeed: love, encouragement, school supplies, food…. and a good school.

She bought me a pair of shoes and everything else I was in need of. I will never forget that day when I entered Slopesview Academy. It was a great school and my learning was very smooth!

Since then, my life completely changed. The Grad family offered to sponsor me. After primary school, the Grad’s sent me to one of the best high schools. They made sure I got everything and none of the days was I ever sent out of school due to lack of fees! They even came to visit me in school! I could not believe my eyes!

Though the help of Matanya’s Hope, as I write this now, I am a second year student pursuing the course I have always been dreaming of. I attend one of the best Universities in Kenya. I am humbled as I write to tell you that God has blessed me! I am reaching my goals and surely, life is not a hopeless mess. Still under sponsorship, the Grad family has made sure that I get my academic fees and my transport to and from school…and everything else. Matanya’s Hope is REAL. Much thanks to our founder Michelle Stark and our kind sponsors.

My sponsors give me so much inspiration. They encourage me through letters they write and books they send.

My sponsors give me so much inspiration. They encourage me through letters they write and books they send.

You have All changed the lives of many children. And that is just the beginning. As we marry, our future generations will be educated and will suffer less at the gripping hands of poverty. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for all that you do. I know now that I have a bright future.

God bless Matanya’s Hope.

Shelmith Njeri Karuri

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