Children’s Gardens Home and School welcomed Easter donations from international well-wishers this season, bringing joy and renewed hope to hundreds of vulnerable children living and learning at the institution.
The donations arrived during a visit that included international students, reflecting a growing network of support for children who face challenges ranging from orphanhood and abandonment to abuse and life on the streets.
Among the visitors were Siyuan Ren and Nina Sihan Ren from China and Lukas Christof Aliferis from Greece. They joined local supporters in providing gifts, food, and encouragement to the children.
Speaking during the visit, Siyuan highlighted the importance of kindness in today’s world, saying that in a time marked by conflict and uncertainty, even small acts of generosity can make a real difference in the lives of children.
Siyuan added that every child deserves equal opportunity, emphasizing that helping vulnerable children is a shared responsibility for society.
For the children, the Easter visit offered more than material donations. It provided reassurance that people outside the home care about their well-being and future prospects.
Founded in 2001 by director Mr. Moses Ndugu, Children’s Gardens Home and School began with just five children. The couple’s vision was to provide a safe, nurturing environment for less fortunate children and to ensure they had access to education and opportunities for growth.
Today, the home accommodates around 250 children and supports nearly 600 learners in its school, making it both a safe haven and an educational centre.
Mr. Ndugu explained that many of the children admitted to the home come from extremely vulnerable situations, including orphanhood, parental imprisonment, abuse, and street life. Referrals often come from police, courts, hospitals, or members of the public who identify children in need.
Over the years, more than one thousand children have benefited from the institution, with many progressing to universities, colleges, and professional careers. Several former beneficiaries are now employed, married, and raising families—a testament to the home’s lasting impact.
One notable success story is Sophia Zaina, who arrived at the home at age nine after her parents separated. She completed primary and secondary education at Children’s Gardens, later volunteering as a teacher and social support worker.
Sophia has now completed her studies and is preparing for her board examinations to become a clinical officer. She says the home provided the stability, education, and guidance that shaped her future.
Despite these successes, the home faces significant challenges. Daily care for 250 children requires food, shelter, healthcare, education, and emotional support. While donors provide food and supplies, direct financial contributions are essential for bills like electricity, water, and medical care.
A pressing need is a boys’ dormitory. When the Competency-Based Curriculum was introduced, the previous dormitory building was repurposed for school use, forcing the boys to live in temporary shelters. The home also runs a special unit for children with disabilities, including autism and other physical challenges, ensuring no child is left behind.
Beyond shelter and education, Children’s Gardens invests in counselling, spiritual guidance, and emotional support, recognizing that many children arrive with trauma and deep emotional needs.
Under the slogan “A Place for All,” the institution continues to provide refuge, education, and hope, proving that with care and opportunity, vulnerable children can thrive and build meaningful futures.
