::I.C.O.C EASTERN AFRICAN CHURCHES::

NOBLE MISSION
POSTED ON 05 OCTOBER 2009
Nairobi, Kenya

Reported by Austin Oduor

It is a chilly Thursday morning in the heart of Mukuru Kwa Reuben, one of Nairobi’s largest slums. A group of volunteers’ majority drawn from United States of America (USA) are busy erecting a structure for a new block of classes as a way of demonstrating God's love to
overcome poverty and suffering.

The volunteers are part of HOPE Youth Corps (HYC) and HOPE worldwide Volunteer Corps (HVC) - two HOPE worldwide programs that offers an incredible opportunity to volunteers to travel to poor countries.

While away from their countries the volunteers get an opportunity to visit four international sites in third world countries for two weeks to help bring hope and change lives through selfless service.

This year's HOPE worldwide volunteer Corps sites are Sao Paulo - Brazil, Nairobi - Kenya, Mainland - China and Phnom Penh – Cambodia.
“By any standards this year’s HOPE worldwide volunteer Corps was the most successful,” said Kevin Broyles who together with his wife Noelle Broyles were the organizational leaders and site coordinators.

While in Kenya, the team focused on three Nairobi schools: Jovial, Reuben Vision and New Dawn at the Mukuru HOPE center. There were two groups with one half being involved in drama, singing, sport and dancing while the other half in building and construction.

Without hiding his joy and gratitude Laurence Omanga – the Director of Reuben Vision Primary School says the volunteers provided building materials and set forth a foundation for a new class which upon completion will house the upper classes.”

“Our hearts are filled by the recognition that what we have done can make a difference to the life of this children and to the community as a whole but at the same time there is sadness because we are forced to leave relationships that we have builtand solidified over this period”, adds Kevin.”

Josephine Mbelenzu – the deputy head asserts that, ‘the volunteers also painted the school and gave us a small donation – purchased 12 chairs for the baby class and adds ‘ ‘they surprised us because they lifted the schools to a level which we could not have managed.
"Building of the classroom structure would have taken us two or more years if you look at what the parents pay."

With 283 students drawn from baby class to class six and 11 teachers, Reuben Vision Primary School has more challenges than any average school.
The classes are overcrowded with an average of 36 students per class but Omanga is optimistic that things will improve with the foundation for new classes already in place.

“God willing,” he asserts, "and with more funds available, it will be easy for us to acquire the rental houses which interestingly are in the school compound,"

"The school also lacks adequate learning materials and well trained teachers."
The school caters for 11 orphans and there are 52 seriously needy cases. The school has a feeding programme for children unable to get meals from their homes and the immediate community pays a paltry monthly contribution of Ksh. 200 per child for those able to afford.

HOPE Worldwide Kenya in the meantime is assisting the school with training, feeding programme and paying of the teachers who are all volunteers. Omanga says that Reuben Vision has met all the conditions required for the government feeding programme but they are yet to be considered.

Malinda Wheeler, Senior Country Manager of HOPE worldwide Kenya says the organisation has consistently assisted and empowered more than one million of the world's most poor, sick and suffering regardless of their religious beliefs, gender, race, or ethnic background.
“In Kenya we work with harder to reach populations and do nationwide counseling and testing.”

Currently there are 153 orphaned and vulnerable children who receive nutritional, medical and educational support.

To crown it all the visiting Volunteers held a Kwaheri concert at the Mukuru HOPE center during which the children showcased what they had learnt with the volunteers.
By focusing as a group says Kevin Broyles - Director of Urgent Care Services at the Duke University, the teams’ established good relations with the children and concentrated their efforts to actual measurable progress.

Ken Moraa a standard three pupil says the godsend volunteers made them realize the importance of their education.” I have learnt to respect and the need to thank God for giving me a life."

Ellie Parkins from the East Triangle North Carolina church notes that, ‘I had more connection with the students as we were more focused that it became very difficult and painful to leave. We pray and hope to come back. ‘I have learnt to be greatful for what I have and have faith in God."

For Katie Parkins, it was a different experience, ‘As disciples God has given us a responsibility to reach out to the needy and the less fortunate. Apart from making disciples and reaching the needy, we need to give back to the society as it will show our generosity and humility.’

Whitney Overtuff, an education student at the University of North Carolina Greenbelt says the students are not caught up in material things as they just want to learn because it’s a guarantee to a better life.

"Am inspired to be a teacher now before I even graduate. I pray that they will get financial support that will allow them to have quality education and eventually their dreams will come true."

The volunteers met and got acquainted with the Nairobi Christian Church brothers and sisters whose joy, faithfulness and gratitude inspired and challenged them to a higher calling of hospitality, sacrifice and giving.

Kevin says that the entire team has learnt to be more greatful for what God has provided for them. “We will be more sacrificial when giving as we return back to our countries. Everyone came and gave their whole heart and God rewarded us by blessing us and we are gladdened that we received more than we gave.”