Made in the Streets: Staff and Students

Literacy and Medical reports

2012-02-09T11:42:00.009+03:00

We still have the three classes but with less students in all classes. Beginner’s class has eight students i.e. Ian Nandwa, Veronica Wanjiru, Simon Mwangi, Jacqueline Imam, Teresia Wambui, Dennis Kimani and Daniel Mwangi. Middle has sixteen students in total i.e. Peter Simala, Paul Njoroge, Erick Kimathi, Keith Odinda, Lucy Wairimu, Amina Hama, Jane Njeri, Joseph Mbugua, Ian Thinga, Francis Karani, Alex Mwangi,Lydia Waithera, Lydia Wanjiru,Rashid Kamau, Purity wanjiru and Eunice Muthoni. Advanced class has Erick Wairobi, Caleb N’thiwa, Martin Kienjeku, Davis Kuria, Anne Wairimu, Fauzia Hama, Mary Wambui, Jane Wanjiru.

Students that have progressed to skills training are, Simon Inyangala, Nelson Mburu, Sarah Wanjiru, Eric Ochieng, Peter Thuo, Damaris Njeri, Edwin Ndungu, Naomi Waithera, Mary Gathoni, Mary Wanjiku, Francis Ndungu, James Omunga, Mohammed Adam, Duba Hussein, Clinton Maronji, Bill Clinton Otieno, Indale Guyo, Priscah Kerubo, Joseph Karanja.

We have noted that this month, the kids have really pulled up in classwork. It has been uplifting to see them participating and working hard. We hope this will keep up and they will strive to do better.

A few have fallen ill but all has been taken care of like, Peter Mwangi. had to be taken to hospital after he became ill with malaria and typhoid. He was treated and recovered well. Lucy Akinyi. has been having back pain for a few months now and we referred her to a general hospital and they did some tests. She was given medicine and she is doing well now. Her doctor recommended that Lucy change her career since she ventured in Auto mechanics. Darlene Coulston has suggested we train her to be secretary, this way she can still serve in the same industry she majored her skill in once she get employed in a garage that may need a secretary. Priscah Kerubo.had an infection, she got some tests and drugs. She is doing better now.Dorcas is the daughter of Mercy Wasike. Dorcas has been having problems with an ear infection and she was also given medicine and is doing better. Lydia Wairimu and Cecilia Mwenza both had tooth infection, they went to get their teeth refilled. Others were minor cases which we could handle within our sick bay.

The team decided that we could no longer stay with Moses Kubasu, since his mental state was not ready to n be transformed. We had taken necessary steps to try and help him, but he proved difficult. We left him in the care of his mother.

Duncan Mwangi who was a student in Hairdressing and Beauty, has managed to secure a job in the middle of busy Nairobi city. Two of Auto mechanics student too have also secured a place located on the far West side on Nairobi city. George Omondi and David Mutimbi will be starting next week Monday at Four Wheelers Auto garage.

Thank you for always praying for our students' health and well being.

From Alex in his new niche

2012-01-23T21:35:00.005+03:00

DAY ONE AT NGCS

Today is the first day in college, its looking great, nothing bad so far. Am just trying to adapt with the environment and trying to catch up the with the fact of living without Made In the Streets which is my family. I miss my friends already but I will try as hard as I can to catch up with the fact that they are not around but continue to love them as if they are by my side. It is my prayer that everything will turn out OK for me, best because all this I know am doing it for the lord and He will make everything turn out right. As far as I know the food here is wow! just missing some of Brian's' spiced food which has always left me licking my fingers. The bed is not big but it is OK at least my body fits in it but I really miss my warm bed that is filled with love. The dormitories are great; we have sitting toilets and the bathrooms are WOW! Can you imagine we have a bathtub in our dorm, that is so amazing. The dinning room is OK, it fits us all. It is not what I expected with the teachers, they don't live here with us, they just come in the morning and leave in the evening.

DAY TWO AT NGCS

Today I woke up, not that early because we had no classes today and I enjoyed the bathtub for the first time. It is enjoyable. The sleep was not that good because I am not used with this kind of bed. At night it is cold I guess I will have to bring another blanket. We had breakfast, ate six slices of bread and as much tea as you want. In short the breakfast was self services which I liked but I miss to drink tea with Made In the Streets family. Oh! they have rabbits, fish and dogs, but they don't have Emily and Susan (MITS cows), they don't have goats and chicken. It is funny that I am just in the beginning of my second day and the way I miss everyone in Made In the Streets. I will tell you guys more. Let me send my love to everyone at Made In the Streets,I love and pray for them I want them to know that no matter how departed our bodies may be our hearts will remain attached to one another. No matter where I am or who I am with Made In the Streets is my real family I love you guys. Take care.

Pictured is Alex and his mum and siblings.

Alex is currently attending a theological school. The school is located 1 hour far west of the city. He will be there for the next two years doing his diploma in theology. NGCS is a reputable school for leadership training and pastor-ship. We at MITS are so proud and excited for him. He will be our first student in history to attend this course.

Exit students updates...

2012-01-11T16:58:00.003+03:00

Currently we are having having 21 students exiting our program. They have had skills training for the past two years with various skills trainers. Most are almost turning 19years, but most are 17 years.

1.Jackqueline Njoki:- will be staying in Eastleigh for the moment and we plan for her to look for housing in suburbs located near her place of internship. She will be continuing her in internship at Amani ya Juu, this is an organization that make different kinds of onrament, clothing and sells their products abroad, http://www.amaniafrica.org She will be receiving support from MITS when it comes transport money, food and housing until they start take her in as a full time time employee.

2.Mary Muthoni:- We have planned for her that she will be staying with her cousin Mary Waithera in Banana (a suburb located on the far west side of town) and she also will be at Amani ya Juu like Jackqueline, MITS will be supporting her as Jackqueline.

3.Titus Musyoki: He starts his classes at Revlon Professional school of hair dressing this year under Nargis' direction. Nargis Manji is the same woman who employed our second group of girls trianed in hair dressing at an up scale shopping complex known as the Sarit Cetner. She runs and manages the salon there. She has contacts and friends with this international school of haridressing. http://www.thecolomergroup.com This school is the most popular hairdressing school known in Nairobi City This will be a one year program and we will supporting him with transport money,food and housing in Eastleigh.

4. Lucy Akinyi: she finished her intern ship last year, this year we will be helping her move out, she wants to stay together with Mwanahawa and Anastacia where they will cost share the expenses and then looking of a job opportunity for her. For housing they want to stay in Kayole or Banana area. We will support her with fare, food and housing for 3 months as we review her case.

5.Mwanahawa Simaiya: she finished her intern ship last year, this year she is job hunting and moving out, this month she will be working on getting her national id card and then secure a job. She will also require transport money, food and housing.

6.Anastacia Njeri: she is ready to be an intern, but she will have her intern ship here at MITS cafe until Elizabeth Wangare returns (Elizabeth is on maternity leave) and then she will move out to stay with Lucy and and Mwanahawa thereafter as she looks for opportunities.

7.Jackson Issac: He still continues with schooling for 6 months and then after that attachment opportunty for 3 months and then later job placement. We will stil support him with transport money, food,housing and school fees.

8. Dennis Kamau: he still continues with schooling for 6 months and then after that attachment opportunity for 3 months and then later job placement.We will support him with transport money, food, housing and school fees.

9. David Mutimbi : Currently he is working on getting an Id card this month and then look for an attachment opportunity this month too. He is ready for outside housing, we have not finalize on the arrangment for that for him, but he will require fare, food and housing.

10.George Omondi: Just found out that he will turn 18 in August, he just did his KCPE and scored 245 out of 500 and his relatives want to raise money and take him to High school we are still discussing on how that will happen but he is ready for attachment and we will help he get that opportunity if the High school issue does not go through. If he goes for attachment, he will require fare,food and housing

11. George Mwenda: still working on his ID this month and later an attachment opportunity at a cyber place in Komarock connection of Musa, we will support with fare, food and housing in Eastleigh maybe.

12.Charles Kimani: he starts his attachment at MITS as he works on getting an ID card. He will stay with us at MITS.

13. Kevin Mweti: currently working on Id and then attachment opportunity, we will also need support of fare, food and housing.

14.Paul Zakayo: working on his Id card and then attachment/job opportunity we will be going tomorrow to two place for that, he will require support of fare,food and housing

15.Duncan Mwangi: working on ID, then attachment opportunity require fare food and housing

16.Mary Wangui: She has her Id waiting card, ready for a job, and outside housing she will require support for 3 months housing, fare and food.

17. Elizabeth Wanjiku: turns 18 in march, but ready for a job and outside housing when the time comes support fo fare food and housing

18.John Mwangi: working on his id card this month and then an attachment opportunity support of fare food and housing

19 Veronicah Wambui: gotten her id card this month, tomorrow Joel will go with Margaret and Moses in Eastleigh to 2 restaurants to look for attachment.

20 Fredrick Otieno: He lost the opportunity he had at Athi River because the wife of the hotel owner he was working for was mistreating him and was not paying him as agreed, he was put as the manager there.

21. Cecilia Mwinza: She will be 18 in June, looking for attachment in Ngara (local market that dressmaking takes place a lot) for sewing require food fare and housing.

Tomorrow Joel will be going with Margaret and Moses to look for places for the catering students, we have two promising places.

Next week on Tuesday we will go to 4 place for attachment for the automechanics students and then on Wednesday in Ngara for sewing students

Humbled by a Prospective Student

2011-12-24T23:56:00.002+03:00

Interviewees with members of staff

The 8^th day of November 2011 began normally at the Nairobi Great Commission School –chilly and cloudy. We knew we would have to contend with a long day. Interview for prospecting students has been anything but entertaining. On this particular day we would interview eleven individuals endorsed by their espective churches to pursue training at the school.

The process is well defined; register at the gate, have their papers scrutinized to ascertain their validity, sit for written interview in which their level of comprehension, proficiency in the English language, listening skills and scriptural understanding is tested. Then they would appear before a panel for oral interviews.

The Principal, the registrar and I formed the panel for oral interviews. This would be the final stage, where we would ask the students to explain why they want to come to school, what they intend to do with the training, what arrangements they have made for the upkeep of their families in their absence etc. The first candidate came, the second, the third… and then the eighth.

Alexander Atema 18

When Alexander Atema, the eighth interviewee came in, the atmosphere in the room changed completely. It became obvious that perhaps a greater leader had arrived. Chinua Achebe of Nigeria observes in his book, Things Fall apart, that, ‘A chick that will grow into a cock is spotted the same day it is hatched.’ At the interview we can tell one who will be a great student from one who will be a problem. Our great students have been great leaders out there.

This is what happened; unlike all others, Alexander moved in with confidence and yet with deep respect. He spoke with the humility of an African lamb. He shook our hands firmly with warmth when he came in, maintained effective eye contact and was as sincere as he was fluent in explaining issues.

I fought my tears trying to hold them back, sometimes in vain, owing to his eloquence, the experiences he had to endure in his fragile and yet formative years; and the authentic way in which he responded to the question, “Why do you want to come to this school?”

With a friend of his, they changed their base from the city center to Eastleigh where they met missionary Charles Coulston in person. Charles talked to them and enrolled them at Made In the Streets, a ministry that rehabilitates street children in the city of Nairobi.

But Alexander does not attribute his rehabilitation to Dr. Charles Coulston. He attributes it to God. He said, “God showed me love through his people, I cannot shy away from being equipped to serve Him. It is my prayer that God will use me as his instrument of love to the kids and families on the streets of our cities.” He defined his mission.

“I will glean the most from this school. I am on fire for God.” He said with absolute devotion.

Asked how he learned about NGCS, he said, “Charles announced that there is a Church of Christ School that trains preachers and that he would want for some of us to go to that school. Most of us laughed it off. Nobody wants to be a preacher. To former street kids, preaching is not the most desired responsibility. But for me, preaching is my calling.”

Alexander currently leads in songs, bible study and ushering at the church in Kamulu. He has since learned the trade of working with computers. He repairs computers for the Word Bible School Office, a sister organization to Made In the Streets. That is how he wants to program his life after NGCS. As an evangelist, Alexander will be tent-making as a computer technician. Alexander is all one would hope for in a boy.

As a Kenyan, I want to thank Dr. Charles and Darlene, the missionaries who have been our translation of ‘Mama Teresa’ in our churches. They have not been too loud about what they are doing. You don’t hear them brag of the baptisms they are making each Sunday or of the congregations they are planting to impress their sponsoring congregations back at home. But quietly, they are remolding lives of children. Lives that have known nothing but corruption and rejection. Restoring the image of God into the lives that have been abused and scarred. Putting hope where hopelessness abound. Seeing value where others, without the inner eyes that Charles and Darlene have, see worthlessness.

NGCS takes in students who are 21 years and above only. Alexander is merely 18. His fate rested now with the principal. I held my breath and Tom looked like he was praying over all this. We have a policy, God what do we do? And then the principal spoke. “Alexander, you are mature. We will overlook your chronological age and zero in on your spiritual and experiential age. Congratulations, we will admit you.”

Alexander Atema is a chick that will grow into a cock. He will be a great student. He will be a great leader. Pray for him and for all who will join the Nairobi Great Commission School in 2012.

Seasonal greetings from street guys!

2011-12-15T20:44:00.007+03:00

From the beginning of this week the center at Eastleigh has been busy. Plans had been made to give all street families/youths a treat for the festive season. The team bought blankets, and bales of clothes. As always to complete the occasion that were running each day was a meal together.
Monday, all the mothers that have babies and live on the streets were invited to come with their kids and celebrate a meal and were given gifts for both mother and child. A good number of 50 mothers showed up, some with more that one child.
Tuesday was set for younger boys and young girls between the ages of 12-16yrs. They came in numbers, totaling to 96. They were taught some, and games were played, then a meal together. They were sent off on their way with gifts. Wednesday, both the team at Kamulu and in Eastleigh hit the streets to visit various bases within the city. We managed to distribute 100 blankets to almost three large family bases. They were so happy and were thankful because they were not expecting this gesture. In some bases the street youths were impressed that other institutions always buys them food but never think of life after the food. MITS was given a thumbs up for blessing them with blankets. I was impressed as one street boy showed his blanket from last year.
In one of the bases we found an organization that was helping to immunize young children against polio... this is encouraging since the govt is trying to offer services even to street families.
Thursday was a day we faced with uncertainty because we were dealing with older street men. Over the years they always come in large numbers, and always cause commotion and unrest. We had 240 men come in through our centers' gate, we closed the gate by 10.30am. Those found outside the gate started rumbling, shouting and yelling. We got done with the once inside and dismissed all. The once outside the gate were kept silent as we gave them food, and drinks. Then praises started again.
Of course this was expected. This time round the team decided to separated all street youth in groupings like this because we realized that when we mixed them up, the older ones would snatch whatever we give the younger once as gifts and sell them.
All in all, we are happy, streets families are happy.

December 16, we hold a parent/guardian day at Kamulu. The team has made sure that almost all parents or guardians of our kids make it for the event. We want them to understand what we are about and how their kids are progressing in different disciplines.

Committees and updates

2011-11-15T14:20:00.000+03:00

Different committees have been set by the team to discuss different budget and program for the December holidays. We have plans to make this festive season exciting for both our kids and those that live out on the streets. Shopping trips, family day(the students' guardians and family get to come to the farm for a visit), Christmas parties at the farm and parties in the streets, team and student retreat,-just to hang out, bond and rejuvenate; awards for the students who have not only excelled in class work, but also in spiritual and character building.
The Eastleigh tournament started yesterday, and so far, all is well. Teams form bases have registered for the tournament are working hard to be top.
We are still concerned about security and safety in Eastleigh, we are taking precautions with visiting bases, but normal street programs are still running.
Other incidences on the streets are violence and unrest at the bases. Reports from our team in Eastleigh say that, some base 'masters' came together and met to try and have peace between them and the Somalis. They went to the local authority (chief of Eastleigh North), and tried to ask of his help concerning security, but the chief encouraged them to take revenge and take law into their own hands.
So the local authorities within the slum areas are not helping or don't want to make it their business that there is peace on the streets and around the neighborhood.

Violence on the streets

2011-11-11T10:45:00.007+03:00

For the past few weeks, street youths have experienced a series of fights, arguments and misunderstandings.

New buildings are coming up every month by the Somalis who are purchasing properties and investing in businesses. This pushes the street families out of their known niche.

We continually pray for spiritual and moral support for the Eastleigh team. They are the people that deal with such traumatic cases when this happens. Be it day or night. The street youths are fond of MITS, our center is the first place they recognize when there is tragedy amongst themselves. There is one such building that is already built near a base that we commonly visit, called Deliverance base. A fight came out just because the Somalis want the street families living on the dump site there to move away from there. The fights have become serious. Two have died and scores injured. MITS center at Eastleigh has been helping in to dress

the wounded and taking the injured to the hospital for stitches and medical examination. The injuries and cuts are so serious, deep cuts and several of the cases have their arteries cut and oozing blood out and one case, fingers hanging down held by only the skin. For these cases they can only be taken care of at the national referral hospital.

The local authorities too have recognized the sort of work we do for the streets.

Other news, Jackton recently took the Eastleigh Sunday school church kids for a treat, they loved it. Alot of money used for the cases came from the contributions made in the Eastleigh church,which is usually attended by people from the streets.The Eastleigh street church funded for the whole trip and expenses.

Training and Rally

2011-10-18T16:08:00.010+03:00

Terron Talley is here at MITS and is a youth minister. He organizes youth camps and retreats for teenagers of the Biltmore Church of Christ. We saw the need of him coming to MITS and helping train our team that handles Sunday school and other worker in other organizations that has Sunday school in their worship program. A team of about 12 from other congregations showed up and were trained on how to use a story board, audio, visual, hands on drama, skits.colored sheets, songs, different activities, memory verses.

They were also given some pointers on how to hold and run a VBS.

The training was successful and each trainee got a certificate of successful completion.

Last weekend we held a youth rally, invited Terron. He talked to our kids

about looking out for Jesus. He talked about exploring other factors in life, not being too rigid with factors influencing life. Getting out of the

boat like Peter did

In other new, Titus Kioko was buried this week on Tuesday. Titus was a student at MITS, graduated but fell back into his old gang on the streets, He was shot dead by the police.

The Octagon building was dedicated on Saturday by the women group. We had our first worship there on Sunday the 16th.

Thoughts about MITS from an ATM Visitor

2011-10-10T16:44:00.006+03:00

This is a letter that Rebekah Norwood wrote to Dana Hardiman. Dana is a visitor with the Legacy group. She wanted a heads up about MITS before coming to Nairobi, Kenya.

This is what Rebekah had to say:

Hi,

Its so great to make contact with you. Charles and Darlene Coulston came to our church. It was incredible to hear from them how much progress is being made at MITS. Working at MITS was definitely the defining moment, and completely changed the course and direction of my life---so I'm always excited when newbies get to go.

I did a great number of things there. I taught English, Math and basic Reading classes, planned several youth camps, taught basic health classes for women and babies, and helped teach basic tailoring and design. I have to say though, that out of all these things, I only 'planned' to teach one. That is to say, I planned to teach basics reading and English, and they had me do everything else as well. So the biggest advice I can give is to be flexible, and be willing to do things that are 'outside of the job description' and in some cases, outside of your comfort zone.

I remember vividly visiting a base, sitting on an empty bucket in the middle of a trash pile with a group of young boys/men surrounding me and talking with them about heaven and days when

we will all stand equal before God. We had only 'planned' to take some chai and bread to one of the boys who was sick, but it turned into on of my favorite memories.

I hope you know what am talking about once you see it for yourself. I don't think i was ever excited about heaven until i visited Kenya. The reason being that I couldn't wait for the day that their suffering would end and they would stand as equal partakers of heaven's riches. Never before that time in my life had I ever considered wanting our world to end until i saw who the 'least' truly are.

The kids enjoy little gift too, like one year I bought about 1000 'Jesus Loves You' bracelets from Oriental Trading Company and handed them out to every kid I saw (even adults wanted them). They were cheap gifts, but really popular.

Get to know the staff. Some of my favorite people in this world are on the staff at MITS. They are highly knowlagable about social work in Kenya, politics, street life etc. many of them actually have (or are in the process of completing) masters' degrees. So don't discount any one of them, they are a wealth of knowledge.

God tells us to spend ourselves on behalf of the poor, I hope you get to do that in Kenya, and that you will be completely used up by the time you leave. Allow God to use you in ways you never imagined.As you can see I love talking about MITS.

Rebekah has visited MITS more than once.

Dana is currently teaching business classes with our skills students. She also works close with Ashley (her daughter) on beautifying the Tea and Coffee house, Salon inclusive.

Base and other updates

2011-09-21T10:29:00.009+03:00

This past month there has been lots of sicknesses and deaths in the bases. Two streets youths have passed on.

One was knocked down by a car, the other from a gang fight. MITS always plays a role when such incidences occur. We always help the base guys by purchase coffins and sometimes also help with transportation of the body.

At the farm in Kamulu, plans are under to have all students wear black leather shoes. Thanks to those who have helped this happen.

The farm now has two fish ponds, we recently got our fish liner that was offered 'free' from the Government.

The fish will be a supplement to our diet for the students in future...we could go fishing in the pond if Ben allows us!

The Octagon(church/chapel) almost done, painting has been done in it, the floor painted too, all that remains is the wiring and few fixtures. The Legacy Group coming in early October will help to beautify the environs of the Octagon by helping to plant grass and flowers. The groups will also work closely with the team,

to evangelize to the community.

This will be done mostly in the evening hours.

They will also help with a couple if business tips to our church member who

own businesses and

our very own businesses.

On the business side of events, the Coulstons have come with a better idea for our tea and coffee house. We will go with the idea of the famous local stores in the US known as 'Cracker Barrel' restaurants, we are curently drilling a wall to allow for two rooms, one room to be used as a shopping store, then the drilled door leads through to the coffee and tea house.

Pray for our students for peace of mind, we have had two suicide attempts. We know that they are going through a lot and have been through a lot. Drug overdose is common and the team is vigil on issuing drugs. We will ask for other organizations who are skilled in counselling to come in and help counsel our students.

Activity updates!

2011-09-02T14:51:00.005+03:00

Well after closing learning period for two weeks, we are now back at it full throttle.

-We now have a new student with us called Lucy Wairimu, she is 13 yrs of age.

-Eastleigh staff recently organized a retreat for young street boys, we took them to an Arboretum, which is located near the state house, so they got a chance to see where our head of state also lives.

-Three students have left us so far, this is of their own volition.

-One boy, named Frank was taken for home visits, and the parents ended up wanting to stay with him. The parents have been looking for him for the last six months.

-The soon to be Church/Chapel building is almost done and awaits plastering and paint job.

-The learning center is now a hot spot, and internet can be accessed through any medium supporting wi-fi. The is an achievement,because we have plans to have in future, e-learning in classroom.

-The ministry has added to its property a new van to help ease transportation issues. When we decide to go for school trips, it wont be a hustle hording other people to use public means.

-Francis Ndungu' s mother was very ill, but now she is out of danger. Beatrice Muthoni lost her mother early last month. Jacqueline Imam's uncle past on too while Jackton had taken her for home visit.

-A medical team came and visited and helped straighten out some of our health issues with the students, some were dental in nature and were handled, most were referrals written by the doctors on which we are following up with Philips' help.

-School uniforms have been tailored for our newest students, they were really excited on their first day of wearing, some of our newer kids have never been in an informal or formal school. So this is a first experience for them.
-Lighthouse Church helped prepare our kids for classes by giving each student a bag, two pencils, eraser and a sharpener. The made sue we would have enough, so the brought 100 to accommodate incoming students.
-There was a marathon organized for children homes, our students (girls - Cecilia) won some of the races. We are so proud of her.
-The boys soccer tournament is commencing so well. They are taking practices seriously. Jackton their coach puts them to practice most morning, especially on the weekends. Alex Atema as gone for training as a coach, he is the captain of the football team.
Caught a thief who was stealing our property, especially the timber that John was using to building the new church/chapel building. It is now a police case, and the releant authorities are handling it.
-Charles Kimani doing great, physically, his acute pains have stopped and he is back to his normal activity.
Edward Muhea, was attacked by chicken pox, but now has fully recovered, we had quarantined him, so he does not infect other boys. He has recovered fully.
-Exiting students are fairing on well, Mary Wambui has a job now, Jackline Njoki is currently working on her national Identity card, Mwanahawa is on attachment, John Dennis is in school studying Music Production, Isaac Jackson has been doing exams this week in college, he is doing computer engineering., Fredrick Otieno is still looking for a more comfortable place, but currently holds a job at a garage. Bernard Kariuki still on attachment on auto-mechanics, so is Luck Akinyi.
Sarah Aono and Fatuma still in search for placement.
Lets pull them in prayers as they discover life in Jesus.

-

Life at the girls' place

2011-07-25T16:39:00.004+03:00

If you have never been in the middle of a war torn place,... if you ever want to have the feeling,... you should live with 23 teenage girls in a compound haha! However not every day is war day but I can say I have had my fair share of those. I have stayed with the girls since January and its the most rare and teaching experience I have ever had and all I can say is I am humbled by the experience.

A normal day at the girls quarters begins at 5:30 for the teacher on duty and 6;00am for the students where you have to wake them and this may mean heavy pounding on the door and or taking away the blankets from their covered faces and loudly but sweetly shouting wake up! Girls! Then its a round of duties and making of breakfast since the smart girls always know their specific duties for the day. Chapel is at 8;00 am and so by 7:30 am all the chores should be done and inspected and the girls can then finish off whatever else they want to do before we leave the girls place and always this period has to do with putting on make-up and looking good, of course they are teenage girls so dont forget. (we are a little self conscious haha! )

Once they leave for chapel a few minutes to 8:00 the gate is locked. There ends the morning at the girls place. Woe unto you if you are on duty and you forget to open the gate at exactly 5:30 pm in the evening after class otherwise you will have an army of lieutenants and generals and commanders ie girls looking for you because they have to go change for games at the boys place or do their washing trust me it is only at 5:30 that the girls become living alarm clocks and you can never be late.

So round two at the girls place involves them doing their laundry and the girls on kitchen duty preparing ingredients for making supper. Monday evening is study day,and so is Thursday and Friday, Tuesday is devotion day, Wednesday is TV day (their favorite) and Saturday and Sunday is a different program. Usually this can be a very peaceful time amid shouting and singing so long as no one decides to start up an argument of sorts.

How about you and I go on a virtual tour of a week at the girls:

Whoever is on duty whom we will call Teacher On Duty (TOD), gets a knock on the door or window and when you ask, Who is it?, the answer is always the same “Keys za kitchen” (keys to the kitchen)this is short for good morning TOD, I hope you had a good nights sleep I am so and so, may I have the keys to the kitchen.

And so TOD gets up and heads to the kitchen to hand out items for the morning chores and breakfast preparation. Once tea is ready whoever was on kitchen duty will call out.. “kujeni mkunywe chai” (come and take tea) and this is when you can be sure that we do have marathon runners in Kenya because all that is left outside are tools of work i.e brooms and dusters and settling dust as everyone whizzes past to go get breakfast.

After a noisy breakfast which will end well if no one missed their fair ration of slices of bread, everyone resumes their chores and those who are done hit the showers. At this time TOD can come back and take a quick shower and prepare for the day.

Then at exactly quarter to 8.00 TOD has to go round warning the girls that its almost leaving time an then its chaos unleashed “sina viatu” (I don't have shoes) “give me my blouse”...my blouse is wet.. “someone give me socks”” who has taken my eyeliner from here” just to give you a few of the choruses. And don't forget I said this is make up time so everyone is clustered at a mirror and if they cant get access to one, there is always one big one in our (Olive and Fiona)room. Girls will be girls right?

Finally the TOD will say... “get out! get out!” as she bundles them out of their dorms and locks up. Then they will have final inspection at the gate this entails looking at their uniform and general appearance and finally releasing them for chapel.

At 5.30 the girls place is functioning again I mean it has come alive, girls doing their laundry, others plaiting and making each others hair, others telling stories in their dorms laughter and playful screams and of course the occasional argument. Here are some of the titles for the arguments we have witnessed... ‘I want my socks back clean before tomorrow’, ‘who told you to sit on my bed’, ‘why are you staring at me funny’, ‘oh so you think you are better than me’..’don't talk to me like that’...and my personal favorite... ‘you eat too much’.

So TOD comes to give out supplies to those who need them this includes tissue paper, sanitary towels, bathing and washing soap, and toothpaste. TOD will also give out ingredients for the days evening meal so that those on kitchen duty can peel , chop grind cut whatever in order to cook it for our supper.

I know this may mean relaxing but you will never hand out supplies to all the girls at once just when you get to your room have kicked off your shoes and are about to fall on your bed and close your eyes for a second... “TOD come give me soap!!”. So naturally you ask why she wasn't with the others at the specified time to hand out supplies and then come the answers, “i was outside watering the plants” , “i didn't hear you call out”, “i forgot”, and my personal favorite, “i didn't know i needed it”.

This is also a case solving time and just so you know how our girls report cases..

Student: “ Fiona, please warn so and so for me, shes really looking for trouble, warn her,

warn her I tell you, before its too late”.

Fiona : “What has she done?”

Student : “Shes' always on my case

Fiona : What happened?

Student : I was minding my own business when she walked in and stood at the door. She Looked at me from head to toe and left. You tell her its not nice and i am not happy and its not fair and I am going to do the same so she can feel like I did.

And with this words the student leaves and you are left wondering how you helped solve the problem haha! Anyway, we have so much going on at the girls that I may need to write a series of novels but just so you know every day is a new day at the girls place. More next time from the girls place.

Fiona Ondara

God is always with us - camp

2011-07-25T11:03:00.007+03:00

Harding five had for the last week been having a half day camp with our students. The theme was to let everyone know that God is always watching and with us all time everyday.

As always so many activities, were taking place, games, crafts, prayer stations and more games.

Each day was divided into various activities, the kids into different groups helped by a team member.

From at the last day of camp, Anthony Githinji's heart was changed and transformed, he wanted to be baptized right away. Tanner, one of the Harding group, baptized Anthony right away. On Sunday Peter Simala, one of our youngest boys was baptized too by Steve.

Base visits

2011-07-18T11:40:00.006+03:00

Friday, as every other Friday, the team went into Eastleigh. We divided into groups then went out. We had visitors from Harding University with us. They had the chance of seeing street-life. As always the bases are always welcoming and never boring, full of jokes, laughter. We came to a base that had only guys of about 20 yrs plus. Though they were high on something (most likely jet fuel), one was willing to pray for the others. As he prayed we felt the warmth. His prayer lasted minutes, he mentioned almost all living things under heaven, including names of all his friends that he knew on the streets. He also said a prayer for the government, the Somalis, the police who keeps harassing them. He also mentioned the names of all team that were present there.

We went on to another base, only to find a security guard trying to beat a street boy, the boy had helped himself near the building where the guard was guarding. Our friend was so drunk that he was shaking from the drugs he had taken. We talked the guard down and helped remove the excrement that was near his building. Obviously the guard wanted to know more about us... on mentioning kulu (Charles' streets nickname), he said he was a former street boy and was helped some by Charles while he was still principal at KCITI, the guard used to come for the youth program, and remembered the sports and activities that were there then.

Next base, were so many boys that we did not know how to distribute the bread that we had, we knew that a fight would break out and decided to tell a story and the keen once who answered the questions would be ones getting the bread. The good thing was the younger ones were more keen than older ones... so the young ones who were our target, got bread.

At the base called Mlango Kubwa, the team found a girl who is positive. She was in such a pathetic state. We came back to the center to discuss what we could do. Evans, from Eastleigh was so worried that if we don't do anything, HIV/AIDS will spread in the bases. Because that girl, could be raped or sell her body to guys for protection. The lady (Kanini-rival to MITS and claims to protect the street youths) said she was taking care of her, but all she was doing was getting money form well wishers in the poor girls' name and spending it on her business of selling glue and other drugs to young street boys.

So, the team came to a common understanding that the girl be taken from the base and taken back to her mother, then her mother to work out a plan to get her help and support from her relatives. We helped by getting them funds to do all things that concerns finances.

Such events are all on the streets.

SMAC at MITS

2011-07-06T08:31:00.006+03:00

Molly and group arrived Saturday morning after a flight delay. They had 15 crates and...boy were we glad that all crates made it through customs without any glitches.The SMAC will be having various classes with the literacy program and activities with the whole of the student body. They have prepared crafts, lesson plans in Maths, Science, Bible and Social Studies.

In the Social Studies class, they will present something they call 'Living Museum', which they are excited about.

Jan went on to get all the Nursery kids clothes. They were all excited. Jan spent time singing games songs. It was a blast.

Harding group is also here, and will spent the next month with us. They are helping out with the SMAC and all activities happening in classes.
Other visitors coming for a day to see the kids and spent time with the team are, another Harding groups from Mozambique, from Rwanda two people who have started a street ministry and want to emulate what we do here at MITS.

Updates

2011-06-30T12:13:00.004+03:00

Aggies have left, they had a week long camp with most of our new kids. Kelly had a class with all the team, which was very fruitful. They later on went to a safari, then to the coast for adventure.
Expected visitors as of 1st July are Molly and group from South Mac church, they will be coming to have programs especially with the literacy classes. They will be teaching most classes and having activities with the students like crafts and the likes. They will be having Enlgish classes, science, Bible, Social Studies (in the social studies class, they will have a show-case of a museum.) One of the visitors is a counselor by profession and will work with Irene Akinyi with some of our students who the team feels needs counseling.
Students from Harding University will also be coming, they will help out with the SMAC group.

With the increasing number of students and target of 100 kids by end of this year, we are having students who, some have gone to school or either started out and dropped. We have like two new kids who have never stepped into a classroom.
Our beginners class comprises of students who have been to earlier stages of pre-school but dropped out and students who have never been in any form of learning institution.
Their progress is so outstanding, we are even impressed. Darlene and Mary spend their time teaching the beginners to read and write. Darren even made the classes interesting by bringing out Ipod touched to enhance the level of practical education. In the Ipod touches, there are application that teach sounds, phonics, sentence construction and the likes. Francis teaches bible classes, and recently awarded them for their good participation in class and progress since they came into the program.The beginners class comprises of 9 students inclusive of the new students.
The middle class is the largest and has 23 students. They are so competitive in their studies. Sometimes it gets out of hand but with guidance the competitive nature of the class have great results. This is the class that most uses the Library we have to full capacity. Having different age levels, they compliment each other so well.
The advance class has 17 students. This classes really targets being in the fast track program. We practice a lot of life skills with the class mainly, because from this class will come skills training students, so we emphasize on English literature, speech and writing. We put them to the test of having chapel talks, so they get their wording write and learn to speak in public places.
Issues that were pending and were addressed were religious in nature, two of our new male students have come from a background of Islam, so they were having difficulty in adjusting to our christian/bible lesson and classes.
We made special classes for them to be able to understand our setting as MITS and background.
Now they have embraced Christianity and teachings of Jesus Christ.

pictured are Duba Abdul Hussien and Mohammed Adam, they want to go the Christian way

All pics taken by computer skills students

Insight on Somali culture

2011-06-27T18:24:00.008+03:00

Identification. In the Somali language soo maal, a common greeting of welcome refers to the act of milking, offering a guest the opportunity to milk an animal and get himself somethingto drink. Somalis offer amilky tea and burn incense to welcome visitors.Somalis greet one another by saying, "Maalin wanaagsan" (Good day) or "Nabad myah?" (How are you?). Men of the same clan-family then share a long handshake. Women greet one another informally and may hug and kiss one another on the cheek. Members of unrelated clan-families do not shake hands or exchange intimacies. Somalis also use certain Arab hand gestures to communicate. Somalia was known to the ancient Egyptians as the Land of Punt. They valued its trees which produced the aromatic gum resins frankincense and myrrh. Punt is also mentioned in the Bible, and ancient Romans called it Cape Aromatica. Somalia is named for the legendary father of the Somali people, Samaal (or Samale). The Somali people share a common language, Somali, and most are Muslims of the Sunni sect. Somalis also live in northern Kenya; in the Ogaden region of eastern Ethiopia; and in Djibouti, to the northwest of Somalia. In spite of national boundaries, all Somalis consider themselves one people. This unity makes them one of Africa's largest ethnic groups.
Linguistic Affiliation. All Somalis speak Somali, the official language. In the Afro-Asiatic family of languages, Somali is an Eastern Cushitic language. Somali did not become a written language until January 1973. Common Somali is the most widely spoken dialect, but Coastal Somali and Central Somali also are spoken. Somalis frequently use wordplay and humor in everyday communication.
Symbolism. The most widely recognized symbol is the camel, because it provides transportation, milk, meat, income, and status to a majority of Somalis. Other symbols of Somalia are the five-pointed white star on the Somali flag and the crescent, which represents the new moon and is a universal symbol of the Islamic faith. Each point of the star represents a land that is home to Somali people: the portion within the national boundaries, once divided into two territories, Italian and British; the Ogaden region of Ethiopia; the Northern Frontier District of Kenya; and Djibouti. Somalis hope that one day all these territories can become a unified Somali nation. The leopard is considered the national symbol of Somalia. Two African leopards adorn the national emblem, a five-pointed white star on a light blue shield with a gold border.
Division of Labor by Gender. In traditional Samaal clans, men and older boys do the important work of tending camels and cattle, the most valuable animals. Girls and young boys tend sheep and goats. Somali men are considered warriors (waranle ), except for those few who choose the religious life. Adult men are also expected to serve on their clan-family council. Urban men may work as businessmen, blacksmiths, craftsmen, fishermen, or factory workers. Women in nomadic clans are responsible for caring for children, cooking, and moving the family aqal. Women and girls in farming clans are responsible for planting and harvesting crops, caring for children, and cooking. Urban women may hold jobs in shops or offices or may run their own business.
The Relative Status of Women and Men. Somali women are expected to submit to men and to fulfill their duties as daughters, wives, and mothers. Although they do not wear the Muslim veil, they generally do not socialize with men in public places. Somali women living in the cities, especially those educated in other countries, dress and behave more like Western women. Given the right to vote in newly independent Somalia, women began to take anactive interest in politics and served on government committees and the People's Assembly. They served in military units and played sports. Opportunities for secondary and higher education had increased for women before the collapse of the government in 1991. With many Somali men killed during the civil war or lostto diseases such as tuberculosis, women have learned to fend for themselves. They have shown remarkable adaptability and a talent for business. The United Nations and other international organizations launched campaigns in the late 1990s to help Somali women and girls get better health care, an education, and job skills training. Somali natives who have been educated abroad are returning to help with these endeavors. Several programs have been started to promote nomadic women's enterprises, such as the collecting of henna leaves for grinding into natural cosmetics. Women in urban areas sell wares in the streets or marketplaces or run their own shops. In spite of condemnation by the United Nations and by modern Muslim leaders, nearly all Somali girls are forced to undergo the dangerous and disfiguring circumcision rite known to the United Nations as "female genital mutilation" (FGM). Somalia also has one of Africa's highest maternal mortality rates; approximately sixteen mothers die for every one thousand live births. Widespread efforts to correct unsafe practices in reproductive health are expected to improve these conditions in the twenty-first century.
Marriage. Somali marriages have traditionally been considered a bond between not just a man and a woman but also between clans and families. Until very recently, most Somali marriages were arranged, usually between an older man with some wealth and the father of a young woman he wished to wed. These customs still hold true in many rural areas in the twenty-first century. The man pays a bride price—usually in livestock or money—to the woman's family. Samaal traditionally marry outside their family lineage, or, if within the lineage, separated from the man by six or more generations. Saab follow the Arab tradition of marrying within the father's family lineage, with first cousins often marrying. A Somali bride often lives with her husband's family after marriage, with her own parents providing the home and household goods. She keeps her family name, however. Weddings are joyous occasions, but the couple often signs an agreement giving the bride a certain amount of property should the couple divorce, which is common in Somalia. The husband holds the property in trust for her. Tradition calls for the wife to relinquish her right to the property if she initiates the divorce. Islamic law permits a man to have up to four wives if he can provide them and their children with equal support. If a man repeats three times to his wife, "I divorce you," the couple is considered divorced. The wife is given a three-month grace period, however, in case she should be pregnant. Today many urban Somalis choose a mate based on love and common interests rather than accepting an arranged marriage.
Domestic Unit. The Somali domestic unit consists of a man, his wife or wives, and their children. Elderly or unmarried relatives may live with the family. In homes with more than one wife, each wife usually lives with her children in her own house, and the husband and father divides his time among them. In the case of a divorce, children usually remain with their mother. The male is considered the head of the household, except where it is headed by a divorced or widowed woman.

Inheritance. Inheritance passes from father to son in Somali families. A wife remains a part of her father's lineage, while her children belong to her husband's lineage. Under Islamic law, daughters are entitled to inherit half of what sons get, but in Somali society daughters usually did not receive valuable animals or land. Under Siad Barre's regime, social reforms included equal inheritance rights for women, although this was opposed by some Islamic leaders.
Kin Groups. Somali society is based on a clan-family structure. The two major clan groups are the Samaal (or Samale) and the Saab (or Sab), named for two brothers who are said to have been members of the prophet Muhammad's tribe, the Quraysh of Arabia. Many Somalis believe that their ancestor from Old Testament times was Noah's son Ham. The Samaal, which make up about three-quarters of the Somali population, are divided into four main clan-families: the Dir, Daarood, Isaaq, and Hawiye. The Saab are divided into the Digil and Rahanwayn clan-families. Major clans can have thousands of members, each claiming descent from a common ancestor. These clans are subdivided into subclans and into primary lineage groups. Somali men trace their membership in a particular clan-family through their patrilineage, going back a dozen or more generations. Clan groups with the longest ancestry have the most prestige. Clans and subclans are associated with the territory they occupy for most of the year.
Child Rearing and Education. Somali children are raised with much love but are also disciplined and taught to work from age five or six, with little time for play. In spite of numerous hardships, Somali children are known for their sense of joy and abundant laughter. Children are taught independence and self-reliance and to carefully observe the world around them. Both boys and girls are circumcised during a ceremony and celebration. Boys and girls are kept separated, according to Islamic law, and traditionally do not date, although a group of teenage males do a courtship dance for girls of marriageable age. Because of the high incidence of divorce, many children grow up with only one parent, usually the mother, although boys may stay with their father and his wives. Multiple wives make for family groups with many children. Education for Somali children in all but the wealthiest urban families was practically nonexistent, except for training in reading the Qur'an, before the early 1970s. Boys in rural areas attended outdoor schools where they learned Arabic using wooden slates. Before independence some attended Roman Catholic schools, where they learned Arabic or Italian. Under Siad Barre, a Latin-based alphabet was created for the Somali language, which previously had no written form. The leader undertook a massive literacy campaign in Somalia and achieved some success, although many nomadic children still did not attend school, and many others, especially girls, dropped out after four years of primary school. Students learned reading, writing, and arithmetic as well as Arabic, animal husbandry, and agriculture. A lack of trained teachers, materials, and schools, however, made secondary-school classes inadequate, and only about 10 percent of students went on to secondary school.When civil war broke out, most secular education stopped, as schools were bombed and the government, which had hired teachers, collapsed. However, some dedicated teachers struggled on during the 1990s, often without pay. Students continued to come, eager to learn even when there were no chairs or desks and no roof on the school. In the absence of a government, parents contributed what they could toward supplies so their children could continue to get an education.
Death and the Afterlife. Somalis hold the Muslim view that each person will be judged by Allah in the afterlife. They also believe that a tree representing all Muslims grows at the boundary between Earth and Heaven (some believe the boundary is on the Moon). Each person is represented by a leaf on the tree. When an angel shakes the tree on the first day of the new year, in the Islamic month of Muharram, it is said that those whose leaves fall off will die within the coming year. Muslims also believe that a person who dies while fasting during Ramadan is especially blessed by Allah. When a Somali dies, feasting and celebration are held, as they are at a birth. A Somali wife must mourn her husband's death in seclusion at home for four months and ten days, according to Islamic practice.
Religious Practitioners. Unlike other Muslims, Somalis believe that both their religious and secular leaders have the power to bless and to curse people. This power, believed to be given by Allah, is called baraka . Baraka is believed to linger at the tombs of Somali saints and to help cure illness and resolve other troubles upon a visit to the tomb. Islamic teachers and mosque officials make up a large portion of religious practitioners (Islam has no priests). Somali followers of Sufiism, given the name Dervishes, dedicate themselves to a life of religion by preaching Islam and giving up all possessions. The Sufi are also known for the farming communities and religious centers they established in southern Somalia, called jamaat. Among nomads, a respected male leader or religious devotee might be appointed wadad. His duties are to lead prayers and to perform ritual sacrifices on religious holidays and special occasions. He also learns folk astronomy, which is used for healing, divination, and to determine times for migration. Other religious practitioners include the Yibir clan of the Saab. Yibir practitioners are called on to exorcise spirits and restore health, good fortune, or prosperity to individuals through prayers and ceremonies, including animal sacrifice.
Rituals and Holy Places. Mosques can be found in all Somali cities and towns. Nomads worship wherever they are, with men and women praying and studying the Qur'an separately. In accordance . Tombs of the Somali holy men or sheiks, venerated as saints, have become national shrines. Pilgrims visit on the saint's annual feast day, usually in the month of his birth, when his power is believed to be the strongest.Religious holidays include the Islamic holidays of Ramadan (the month of fasting); Id al-Fitr (the Little Feast); the First of Muharram (when an angel is said to shake the tree of life and death); Maulid an-Nabi (the birth of the prophet Muhammad); and Id al-Adha (commemorating the story of Abraham and his son Ishmael). Islamic holidays fall at different times of year according to the Islamic calendar. Holidays are celebrated with feasting and storytelling, visiting graves, giving to the poor, parades, plays, and ceremonies. Somalis celebrate Independence Day on 26 June, the date in 1960 when British Somaliland gained its independence. They celebrate the Foundation of the Republic on 1 July. At the beginning of August they hold a secular New Year celebration called Dab-Shid (Fire-Lighting) when they light a stick and jump over the fire. Tuberculosis and malaria are the two major causes of illness and death in the nation. Somalia had one of the world's highest tuberculosis rates in 2000, but it also had one of the highest cure rates, thanks to U.N. and other international organizations and their Somali health workers. In 2000 these organizations launched an aggressive program to fight malaria. They have also conducted ongoing polio, measles, and tetanus vaccination campaigns. Cholera and other gastrointestinal diseases had become endemic in Mogadishu and other areas by 2000, largely because of the piles of rubbish and poor sanitation conditions resulting from civil war. Malnutrition and starvation, schistosomiasis, tetanus, leprosy, venereal disease, and skin and eye infections claim life and limb unnecessarily. Somalia is estimated to have a low prevalence of HIV and AIDS, compared with other African countries. In late 1999 studies showed from 8 to 9 percent of the subjects were HIV positive. Health workers are being trained in prevention and management of sexually transmitted diseases.Somali folk medicine is often practiced by nomads and farmers who have no immediate access to medical care. Somalis believe that some kinds of illnesses are caused by possession of the body by spirits, which can be exorcised through ritual.

MITS visits cancer ward kids

2011-06-21T13:04:00.002+03:00

This month we got a chance to visit the cancer ward for the kids in Kenyatta Hospital on the 5th of June this month. Most of us do not understand how blessed we are that we can go through the

day without thinking about simple things like our health every day. It’s the same with the kids that we have in our program, that is, they have lived in difficult situations that, sometimes when the tables turn, it is easy for them to forget that there are others whose lives are also filled with trials and have to go through every day with pain either physically or emotionally. We wanted to present this to our kids so that they understand that so many of us need prayer and support and also not to take so much for granted and simply forget that even though they went through a lot in their lives, there are others who undergo challenges but differently.

As we entered the ward, I could tell that it was the right thing to do. The students went up to the newly remodeled ward and got to see the kids who have cancer. Some had eye and throat cancer and some of them had effects that even changed their physical appearance.

I really admired the strength that these kids have, facing every day with renewed strength that they can live another day knowing that even though they have cancer, it will not bring them down. Our kids were very encouraging and most of them knew that, the most important thing to give was prayer and that is what they said they would do.

The ward had around thirty children but some of them were in different places and others were

receiving treatment for the day.

We got there and even though we were late, the nurses were friendly and allowed us time to play with

the kids and just hang out with them. We left two hours later filled with promise that even though life can bring trials, we have each other to guide us through the trials. This was a great lesson since we now have one of us who is going through the same challenges as those kids, Charles Kimani. Our kids now understand that anybody can have cancer and it is not directed to just specific people in our community.

We greatly need to support and be in prayer for everyone who has cancer.

Hello from Africa--uh, wait--Tecumseh

2011-06-04T21:02:00.001+03:00

I returned from Africa late Wednesday evening after three weeks of exciting, interesting, thought-provoking experiences with my cousins Darlene and Charles Coulston at their home in Nairobi, Kenya. They have lived there for the past 20 years and work with street kids who have no other home, very little food or clothing, and limited contact with a parent or grandparent. There are about 80 kids now, aged 13-18, living in the compound on 35 acres. In return for giving up their "freedom" and "independence" of living on the streets, they have gained clothing (uniforms for school) and shoes (many for the first time), good food, an education and skills training, a safe place to sleep, and people who love them and protect them. MANY of them have been sniffing glue and it may take a while to get it completely out of their system.

I taught 4 different classes, from Beginners, who are just off the streets and have limited prior school experience, to Middle and Advanced and on to a Fast Track, who are 16-17 years old and are in the Skills classes, and who are working on their writing to pass an essay exam along with other end-of-school tests.

The Skills Classes include training in one of several areas, kind of like Vo-Tech, such as mechanics, dressmaking and sewing, hairdressing, carpentry, and cooking.

Days begin with chapel at 8:00, with singing, prayer, announcements; then kids have a break while the teachers and staff have a short meeting. Classes begin at 8:45 and are 45 minutes each.

There is a girls' compound (no boys allowed) and a boys' compound (no girls) which is farther away. Both of these are enclosed with a gate locked at night--that's just the way it is there; we also had a wall around the property with a gate locked at night. It's safer.

Lots of groups come and go during the summer, doing mission trips. While I was there, there were two girls from Pepperdine University in California, a young couple from Colorado, and a group of Aggies for Christ from Texas A & M. Of course everyone doesn't come at the same time. Charles has a list of groups and their arrival times and the assignments they will have.

Church is held right there, as there are qualified preachers who have come through the program long ago and stayed to work there, at Made-in-the-Streets. They preach in pairs, one speaking in English and the other in Swahili so that everyone can get the message. Lots of singing, some in English and some in Swahili. Yes, I learned some words, but not many.

The Coulstons began 20 years ago in a slum area called Eastleigh and that work continues with another missionary couple running it. It is still part of Made-in-the-Streets, however.

Shortly before I left, the three of us flew to the Maasi Mara, a game preserve in southern Kenya, for a safari. That was exciting, as we saw so many different animals--much better than Lion Country Safari near Six Flags!! We saw hippos and rhinos, crocodiles and ostriches, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and a leopard. Herds and herds of gazelles, topi, impalas, cape buffalo, and zebras. More than I can even remember.

I know lots of you were praying for my health and safety, and I certainly appreciate it! What an opportunity I have had!!!

The sleeping mats, sand toys, puzzles, balloons, and stickers and other things that you sent arrived safely, and the toddlers at the Children's Center just loved them!! I do have pictures.

I also have hundreds of other pictures that have to be downloaded, sorted, and edited, so it will take a few more days for this.

Thank you again for your prayers and support.

Report and views of Francine Roark Robison from her visit to MITS for two weeks.

Repairs and visitors update

2011-05-31T14:03:00.010+03:00

The boys kitchen floor was in a mess and it has been re-done, a dorm is also under repair.

Some plumbing repairs has been done on some faucets, drains and drainage systems.

A footpath to the single mothers place also has been made to ease access to their dorm. The former house that was housing the Coulstons has been turned into a dorm, since we are still adding more girl-students, the great hall that was their living room is being partitioned to rooms that can hold up to two girls per room. An additional toilet and bathroom is also been installed. Security lights that light up from motion detection are being installed to improve lighting and security.

In other new, we have had visitor come to MITS, to teach a skill or train the team in order to perfect their servitude to the students. Francine ( Darlene's cousin) was here, she taught English classes with Irene. She is a cowboy poet. She was full of stories of how she grew up with her family and Darlene. She left us a book with an autograph and her CD that are filled with poems and stories of her early life.

Jessica and Shannon also were here, Jessica is the youngest Professor in Pepperdine, she has been at MITS three times before and has had a seminar with the staff on leadership. Shannon too has been at MITS five times and keeps loving every trip she makes. Jessica (known as prof) has been teaching the 4.30 class on how to perfect their c.vs and improve on grammar. Both are currently workers with Life-bread Ministries, that Dusty and Cecily Breeding help run. They work closely to our catering program. Life-bread has helped build ovens made from bricks, a drum and cement.

Still here is Camron and Molly. Molly is a nurse and has been helpful on medical advices to Phillip our medic. She has had Hygiene classes with our girls. Camron is an architect by profession and is really helping us with the drawings of our buildings. He is using sketch-up to put all our building plans to scale and look professionally done. He has also trained and tutored the computer skills kids on the use of sketch-up. The Aggies and Kelly Davidson are gearing up for a camp that involves the whole of the student body as of next week. Kelly will be holding a seminar with the team on Strengths.
Expected visitors to come is Darren Wilson next week.

(pictured above is - Patrick Saulo and Moses Mwangi working closely with John Wambu on the building and positioning on the girls' dorm.)

AFC at MITS

2011-05-31T12:53:00.008+03:00

Aggies for Christ always comes to MITS every summer. We have made them part of our family. Their arrival is always anticipated, the kids always get excited hearing that AFC is coming. The AFC always have interesting stuff like games, camps, retreats and so much more fun for the kids.
AFC have come to hold a three day camp, then a week long camp with our kids.
The three day camp is for our 10 new kids that are recently from the streets. The camp will help train and change the kids to fit our program. It will also help in the orientation period and make the new students know how the program runs and what is expected of them.
The AFC also have also been having one on one classes with our beginners' class. They help the students who are low on reading and writing. The one-on-one classes have really helped and boosted the morale and raised some ability level for our beginners' class.
Kelly Davidson, the leader of the Aggies will be having a strength finders assessment class with all the team, and try to develop and train the team to use their strengths to work and perform better.
Chapel is full to capacity, you can imagine the sweet sacrifice of the children's' voices.

Student News

2011-05-18T10:32:00.003+03:00

Mary Waithera - Got a job at place called Art Cafe and she is doing well. She received her first salary last month. She stays on on her own though we are still paying her rent. We only have one more month to pay her rent as agreed in the exit plan. She stays in an area called Banana near The village Market.

Dotrine Zainabu - She exited and got a job at a beauty shop in a a suburb only 30 minutes away from MITS farm. Her son is doing well. We provide her with fare and rent, which ends in a months' time.

Jane Njoki - She was able to get a job in a salon Called Beauty Zone at the old Embakasi Nakummatt place. We are still supporting her with fare, food and a place to stay. The only problem is they are working on the road which connect to the salon and this has reduced the number of clients, so it has become difficult for them in maintaining and get more clients as they were used to.
NB. she is also thinking of pursuing her talent is acting which, she is very passionate about.

James Mwangi and Fredrick Otieno - both trained in auto-mechanics and have finished their attachments. One of the main challenges when they started off especially with Fredrick, is being under paid. An example is Fredrick is paid Ksh. 50 to Kshs. 100 a week, which is very little to sustain him through the week. We noted that Fredrick was good at washing our vehicles and we are thinking of purchasing a machine used for washing vehicles. Plans are for him and James Mwangi to open up a place and start a car wash business.

Evans Wambua and Mercy Waithera - They are trained at the Art's Cafe, but the issue of getting national Identification has held them from starting work. So they have stopped until they procure a national identity card. We await to confirm if the employer still wants them.

Lucy Akinyi - She is on attachment, but plans are there to take her to a course on car wiring/electronics which is a skill that will earn her some money more than a regular mechanic. Currently the market saturated with mechanics thus hard to get a well paying mechanic job.

Mary Muthoni - She has been looking for a job and was taken to a place that deal with hand made crafts, weaving baskets and traditional African clothing. She has a job interview on Thursday. Imani ya Juu is really interested in our program and has offered to be a place where we can also take our kids for attachment.

Mary Wangui - was on attachment at a salon in town called Serene Pavillion, her employer sold her shop and relocated to another place. The employer is getting the new place fixed up, but has promised Mary that once she finishes the setups, she will definitely consider Mary back to her beauty shop.

John Dennis Kamau - Currently on attachment at Good News Production Intl. this is a christian production house that only records gospel music and videos. Dennis has shown trememdous interest in production and fits in so well with the workers and staff there. Anastacia Njoki who is a graduate of our program work there.

Jackqueline Njoki - Is on attachment at a place in town, she is not comfortable with her current place and is looking for another place to work in.

Sarah Aono - she is a determined girl, and works extra hard to try and get jobs to keep her busy. She is currently working at a hotel near the town center.

Elizabeth Wanjiku - She is on attachment at a beauty shop in the far south of town. The salon is not all that busy, she is getting less experience, the team is working out other venues where she can get more experience and exposure.

Fatuma Amina and Margaret Njeri - Margaret Njeri was on attachment with us here at MITS cafe, Fatuma is still looking for a place. Both of these girls have had indiscipline cases which are currently being handled. We plan to reintegrate them with their families and help them out from there. Both are still on process of getting national Identity cards.

Abdi Jackson - He was suspended from school due to indiscipline cases which we have handled. He has resumed his classes in Computer Engineering.

Brenda Adhiambo - We managed to reintegrate her with her family, though she had indiscipline issues with the girls. We decided to take her back home to help her through her family. While with her parents she still takes off and goes missing for days. We got a good contact with a home that deals with baby care through Hollie Conway, she suggested us to take Brenda for this job, we are still thinking about it.

Bernard Kariuki - Has done mechanics as a skill, he is on attachment. Bernard on counseling with one of the team members, we recently noticed his state of mind and were very concerned. Thanks to the alarms raised by most of our friends in the US about Bernard. We have taken the necessary precautions on the life of Bernard.

Challenges that are facing our exiting students are:
-Peer pressure, in areas they move to and start life.
-Procurement of national identification and birth certificates ( employers find it hard to employ our kids who don't have these documents, they are considered as minors)
Take a moment and remember all named above in prayer!

Base visits.

2011-05-06T21:20:00.006+03:00

Every other Friday the team gets to go out to the streets and meet young teens, mothers and families that live on the streets and try to make ends meet. These streets youths live each day at a time and do whatever odd jobs comes their way. These are the words of Moses, a team that is posted in Eastleigh...

I have been visiting bases on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.This month we have seen several improvements from the boys we visits; Mwaura (street boy) from Liliput base has stopped sniffing glue and petroleum products and has been carrying luggage for people in order to earn a living.

We also saw a young girl from Mawaya base standing on a hot sunny day cooking chapatis to sell to h

er street’s colleague. We have been teaching them about casting their burdens to God.

We also visited Riverside and Grogon bases where we found teenage boys being forced to work just for a packet of milk .One of the scrap metals dealers was very harsh to us because the city Askaris had demolished their kiosks. He complained that we were interfering with his work and he didn’t want to listen to anyone. Therefore we left but later some of the teenage boys followed to explain to us how those big guys were mistreating them. We meet a teenage girl whom has been living in several bases including Kariokor base. Weencouraged her to continuing attending our program.

During the teenage boys program, we also had a slight change on Tuesday program to go to the field to play soccer since we had stayed for a long period without doing this. It was so much enjoyable and a special day for us because Paul (a volunteer) had a good opportunity to say goodbye to the boys since it was the last day for his internship with us.

It is this month we have succeeded to find a children’s home for James Mwangi who was falling below the age bracket for Made In The Street intake. He was admitted at Gathiga Hope children’s Home at Kiambu District.

In other news...

There is a slum area a couple of blocks from our center, closely located to the KCITI, a christian technical college. The slum area has been bought by a foreign investor, thus maki

ng all those in that particular slum area rendered homeless. most are close affiliates of MITS and have come forward asking for help. We have done what we can.

trips, updates and progress

2011-04-05T10:26:00.011+03:00

Student from salon went on a trip to a production industry for hair and beauty products. They were taught how various products that are new in the market are used.
Catering kids also had the chance of visiting their friend Mary Waithera, who works now at a prestigious cafe located at the Village Market (high-end shopping mall located near the American embassy). As they visited Mary showed them the importance of English language and being clean all the time. She also talked to them about time management.
Dennis Kamau is also working with a production house called Good New Production Intl. (GNPI) this is a studio that helps out young christian artist and helps shoot out videos that educate young people. Their most known work was 'Tough Choices' and 'Promise of Love'
New uniforms are out, and all kids now have two pairs of shirts/blouse and skirts/trousers.
A new system of labeling the uniforms for the students has already been put in place. All uniforms and property belonging to the kids have a specific number, this will help both the students and dorm parents to monitor the belonging of their kids.
The skills dorm is finished and boys from the ages of 16years and above will move to this dorm. The dorm is located on the property that has the catering, woodworking and sewing plants. Also within the same property there is a staff housing which has been completed and an agriculture and welding training centers. Another staff housing in in the process of being built.
This is an exam week for the literacy kids...excitement and frustrations are part of the emotions being expressed. but for the teaching staff, we just want to monitor their progress and better their understanding.

Boys to Men

2011-04-02T12:25:00.004+03:00

Every Saturday dawn, am always woken up by a basketball being dribbled on our court and kids laughing from the fun of sport. Or woken up by Kehl, Jackton and Milly's son, coming to the dorm looking for Erick and shouting his street name 'Otindi'. All this really do make one to wake and start the weekend.

Sometimes woken up by light knocks on my door at night or early morning, complaints of groaning stomachs, headaches and other minor ailments that we attend to immediately.

Despite the many short coming that the boys face daily...like small fights, quarrels, mosquitoes biting in the night and many others, Saturday is always a day all boys look forward to. A day of rest, peace, enjoying various games and watching movies non-stop.

In the me-lee of the morning chores, us scrubbing, watering, slashing and pruning the boys' compound, one cannot fail to notice the enthusiasm that teenage puberty presses on the boys. They talk about girls, how they want their families to be, a life of satisfaction. Life filled with hope and dreams.

Yesterday, we brought 4 girls, then we had what we call kesha (like a sleep over at church but while in

prayer and songs)...so this morning there are talks, about the new students, as I walked round the boys c

ompound I could not help notice that almost all young men were doing something to their hair. Making the hair sleek by applying chemical to enhance their masculinity and attractiveness. I could only smile remembering of how I was in that age, wanting to get noticed, looking for the right pick up-lines for make a great impression.

After the end of this day...there will be stories of how the day progressed, the triumphs from the pros, the disappointments from oth

ers due to unforeseen circumstances of the day.

It gives me great pride in knowing that guidance that the team accords these teens will be life skills, in handling relationships, money, friends and their own spiritual life.

Last night there were whispers as all other nights, boys talking, and since I live with them, I sometimes stretch my ears, putting everything off just to participate in the conversations without being there...I hear their thoughts, dreams, wishes, fears, regrets, adventures and crisis. This assists us in helping them the best we can tomorrow. Tonight will be no different.

As I got to sleep tonight, my house will be buzzing with reports, issues, stories of past life events while in the bases, some talking to each other, others playing games, Nzioka giving out jokes in the kitchen as he supervises them.

The weekend is here...and can't wait for the next!

pictured is three of the newer girls

updates

2011-03-28T10:49:00.003+03:00

The Skills dorm is finished, Robin and his team are working on making beds that will be used by the students who will occupy that dorm. All boys who are 16yrs and above will occupy this dorm. The future plan is to have 100 students in the ministry, this is a way to create more room for boys at the boys' center. At the girls, the lounge where a supervisor lives (house which used to be the Coulstons') will also be turned into a dorm, bed will be purchased and more girls will be brought in.

All the 18yr old students have moved out.

Mary Waithera got a job at a prestigious shopping complex in far eastern part town called the Village Market, she has gotten her national identity card and works mostly on weekdays and weekends, her day off is Monday.

Jane Njeri, though still 17yrs, has gotten a place where she can practice her skills that she learnt in college and here at MITS. She will still be staying with us until 18yrs, necesary arrange wil be made once she attains the age of 18yrs. her supervisor at her place of work, has promised a full time employment once she turns 18yrs.

Mary Wangui and Mwanahawa have both gotten places of attachment. Mary, a hair dresser, is showing commitment and her instructor says she has the potential of getting employment, Mwanahawa, is learning new tactics and skills of making different kinds of clothing.

Jackline Njoki is also showing progress in her area of dressmaking. she is learning how to make baby clothes.

Abdi Isaac is still going on with schooling and loves it. Initially he had expressed the desire to change his course, but now he is getting challenges and making him ever so busy. His classes had started out slow. We have provided him with tools that will help in his trade once he completes his course.

Dennis Kamau is on attachment at a production studio called Good News Production Intl. This is a studio that shoots and makes Christian music and videos. It is this studio that has produced most of our music done my our students and former kids like the RTGz, and Christ Warriors.

Fredrick Otieno got a job at a garage not far form MITS farm, he is still learning the trick to his trade and getting good exposure to other challenges that auto-repair comes with.

Margaret Njeri is on attachment at our Tea House, she cooks and does all chores under supervision.

Zainabu Dotrine has completed her course in beauty school and has found a place to work in a salon in town.

One of our new students names Beatrice Muthoni lost her mother and younger brother. We attended the burial and ask for prayers for Beatrice as she goes through this trying time.

The rest are still looking for documentations like national Identity Cards, and Birth certificates. All this takes time and patients is required, so please be in prayer for all our kids as they make trips to these Govt, offices to do follow-ups and inquiries.

New dorm, placement exams.

2011-02-11T22:49:00.012+03:00

John has been working extra hard to finish up the new dorm at the skills training property. The new dorm will house mainly male students who are in skills training. The dorm has 9 rooms which will house two per room. Inclusive is a staff quaters which has a toilet and bathroom.

Right now plastering of the rooms is being done, wiring and plumbing. After, it will be painted, bedding and necessary furniture put in. It also has a kitchen area for the boys to prepare their meals. The kitchen area is big enough to house a lounge area. (pictured above is Moses Mwangi and Patrick Saulo, who work with John is all construction work).
The Agriculture/welding building is done.

New students have been in an orientation period for the past two weeks. They met with almost all team members, mostly those that handle skills training classes, and the

administration. So they got to ask all question they had and exhausted all their curiosity.

Yesterday and today were exam days for them. This is to help the literacy teachers know where and what level to place them. A couple have never had the experience of a classroom, but a good number have been in a formal school before running to the streets. Philip, Irene and Fiona have already come up with a timetable which fits current and new students.

Tribute to Eastleigh team

2011-02-02T19:24:00.002+03:00

Reaching the gates of Eastleigh center we find Evans coming back from an emergency, that early morning a street youth had been brought by other streets youths, pulled in by a hand cart. The injured guy had been in a fight that night and was injured. Evans' shirt had blood stains on it.

Moses has established close contact with the older youths of the streets. Despite the many intolerable conditions they live in, he always joins them in a small time meal called 'jombi', as he and the street families fellowship together, they don't fail to share the common but nostalgic memories of their past lives before joining the street life. Their stories start like this.... 'once I was living with my parents....'and it goes on.

Jane Njeri constantly with the women and girls, sharing and encouraging them. They also haves stories to tell. of their alcoholic husbands and of their arrogance. Them being left hungry and defenseless against the cold night during those night they are thrown out. Girls talking of near rape cases they had and what they have to do to fend for themselves and have a warm place to sleep. Same girls talk of other girls who have done things and stuff like abortions, suicides, early marriages that we here call 'come we stay'.

Augustina's constant daily meals has fed hundred if not thousands. The meals she cooks known as 'pilau' has given some street youths hope and some thing to always look forward to. The youths have always left their plates clean, and you cannot fail to hear some appreciation from those that have starved the whole night.

Teacher or ticha Jane handles all the young ones, those that we count as joy, though malnourished, she plays games, sings and gives them a nap when their parents are having classes with Jane Njeri. Ticha, also helps feed the young ones.

Joseph the guard also chips in by monitoring the students who come into the programs that are held in Eastleigh center. He helps to the secure drugs, such as ndom, biere, kalalu and any object deemed as a weapon. He also controls the use of the sanitation and water use. The street youths come to the center to bathe and do laundry. Joseph also help control time and teaches the youth time management by coming to the program on time, or else they miss out!
The team has been working extra hours since November last year for succession of the intake for the new students. It is because of them, that we now have 29 new kids join us two weeks ago. They made sure we had all requirements.

Where would our current students be without the team in Eastleigh battling with everyday challenges like insecurity, filth, abuse, distance due to followups and visits of bases, lies, internal base conflicts, accusations and the sorts.

It is them who make our program in Kamulu a success by first believing in the kids they make contact with.

*jombi is a collection of foods put together. The foods are collected form hotels or garbage heaps.
*kalalu is a form of liquid that is sniffed, it is a substitute of glue which helps drive away hunger and cold during the nights. It is more destructive than glue.
*biere is glue that the streets kids sniff the help managed hunger.
*ndom or bhang is local name for marijuana
*pilau is spiced rice mixed with meat and pudding on the side.

Exit students updates

2011-01-31T19:14:00.002+03:00

With the love that each of our students have for one another, some have decided to go on living as room-mates in different apartments that they worked so hard to get.

Jackson Isaac and Dennis Kamau have already moved out and living in a surbrub called Kayole. Jackson has already started school in IT engineering and Dennis has gone for a number of interviews and still looking for a job . Kayole is 15minutes from MITS farm.
Fatuma Amina, Sarah Aono, Mary Muthoni and Margaret Njeri have all moved to one apartment still in Kayole.
Mercy Wanja and Mary Waithera have moved to Banana area, bana is 10 minutes from the Village Market.
Catheirne Ndunge and Elizabeth Mwikali (Maria) will both move tomorrrow to their new place in Kamulu area. Both these girls are single mothers and have been empoyed by MITS adminstration to work as cleaners.
Jane Njeri, Mary Wambui and Lucy Akinyi have all started their attachments. Jane and Mary are hair dressing students, Lucy is an Auto mechanic student. Lucy and Jane will be still staying with us at the girls place as they cummute to their repsective attachement places. Mary will be staying in Eastleigh center., since her place of attachement is located north of the town center.

Jackline Njoki is on attachement in an embroidery shop in town, Elizabeth Wanjiku, Dotrine Zainabu and Pius Musyoki are still under traininng in a hair dressing school and have been staying in Eastleigh center. They will be completing their training in March this year.
James Mwangi, Benard Kariuki and Fredrick Otieno will be moving in together in Kayole. All of them are Auto mechanics students and are at the moment looking for jobs not attachments.
Brenda wil move to Kayole when she finds an apartment and a job. Later on the plan is to have Dotrine move in with her.
Patrick Saulo has been working with John Wambu on some of our constructions. He will be moving out to a place in Kamulu.
Today three of our catering students went for a final interview at the new restaurant at the Village Market, The owner wanted to employ them but since they had no National Identity cards, this could not be possible. But as soon as they get their IDs, the owner of the rastaurant promised them a job placement in his new restaurant.

*Attachments are places/jobs/businesses of internships to gain more experience in their respective skills. Joel is working close to these students on their exit, gathering documents that are necessary to fit in the modern competitive society and job market. The repsective skills training instructors are also giving a helping hand.

****In other really exciting news, Mary Wanjiru gave birth to a baby boy this morning. She is doing great and will stay the night for final checkups...MITS family is so excited and awaits the arival of a new member of the family.

New students

2011-01-26T20:46:00.004+03:00

It was all joy when the bus arrived at Eastleigh center. The kids who had been living on the streets had all taken a bath, worn clean clothes and were ready to start the walk to change in their lives. The girls had been living in the center because it is risky releasing them back to the streets. If we had released them, getting them back would be a harder task. The boys were coming and going...but this never deterred their motive to come to the programs and attend to all necessities asked of them by the Eastleigh team. These necessities are acquisition of documentation such as clinic cards, birth certificates and other important documents that will help in acquiring of national IDs once they attain the age of 18years. A consent form also has to be signed by the guardians/parents. Giving them knowledge of the plans we have for their kids. A copy remains with the parents/guardians and we retain another. We also report to the children's office nearest if all efforts fail to locate the child's' parents or close relatives.
A total of 29 new students are now part of the miracle that is always on-going in Kamulu Farm. They were received warmly by other students. Some knew each other from the hay-days, some were being acquainted for the first time. Tea was shared together. For a moment classes did not go as normal because of the excitement.
Philip has arranged an orientation period that all the new guys will spend with respective team members to learn, get to know MITS and its niceties.
No longer will they be living on alley ways, car parks and garbage heaps, but each will now have a nice warm bed all to themselves and stay clean.
So eager to learn, so eager to change, so eager to know the God
.

Bases work, Easteleigh Church, New intakes, Kamulu life

2011-01-13T09:54:00.007+03:00

From last year base visits has been ongoing on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Every other Friday. The team in Eastleigh always make frequent visit to the bases that surround Eastleigh region and other close slum dwelling area. They have tried to establish new bases that are a bit a of a distant from the center. The team has been dealing with cases of National Identity procurement for the guys living on the streets. Joel and Evans together with children department have been at it with getting the necessary documentation to enable older street youth to get Nation IDs.
Conflicting groups have been also visiting the street guys, making them promises that are never fulfilled. This has made it hard for us, since all the older street guys are thinking that we have been using their names and pictures to make money. The team in Eastleigh has had number of meetings and visits with the affected bases and the conflict is being resolved.
The church continues to grow in number, every Sunday. Mbuvi reports he has been meeting with the team in Eastleigh to have better ideas and plans on improving this ministry towards the streets families. A lot of medical cases is also being handled throughout the week, day and night.
The whole team is gearing up towards new intake of students that are likely to be fitting in the program. The Eastleigh team has thus far gotten five girls, from the streets. Currently they are working on their documentation and all the legalities required of us to have them in our program. Though its difficult to locate girls living on the streets, the team is determined to find them. Boys are many, but we are forced to limit the number because of our policies and requirements.
In Kamulu classes have resumed and skills training too. The tea and coffee house have resolved to only stick to making snacks and not meals.... New staff added to literacy program. She is called Fiona Ondara. She will be working and living with the single mothers. More volunteers come and have shown interest in working with us.
The team is currently working on goal setting for different departments. The dorm supervisors are preparing their dorm area for new students that will have come by the end of January. In medical cases, Philip took Charles Kimani , Brenda Adhiambo and Anthony Githinji to be observed. Charles has a growth on his back, he got it a long time ago while he was saving his sister from a fire, burning wood fell on his back thus the injury. Anthony has a small growth beneath his chin. Samples were taken and we await the results. For Brenda, she had a small growth on her breast, but she is under medication and feeling fine. All boys, girls and young mother with their babies also went for a medical checkups. Those that needed medical attention are on medication.

2011 agenda and student updates

2011-01-11T11:16:00.025+03:00

The year started on a light and cheerful note, the MITS family went to the Water Park in the Village Market.
From last year a resolution was made to make sure all the 18yr old students have a smooth transition and exit from the boarding program.
Dennis Kamau - Computer skills students, currently looking for attachment in town. He has already found an apartment.

Jackson Issac - Found a computer college and will be studying Computer engineering and electronics for the next 1 yr. He has already moved out and has started school.

Evans Wambua, Mary Waithera and Mercy Wanja - Catering skills students, went recently for an interview at Java House ( a local coffee shop). We are awaiting result of that interview. In the meantime they will be looking for an attachment elsewhere.

Benard Kariuki, Fredrick Otieno, James Mwangi and Lucy Akinyi(single mom)- Auto-mechanic students, they will be looking for attachment in the coming weeks. James has completed his training outside MITS, and should be looking for a job.

Moses Mwangi and Patrick Saulo - Moses was in Auto mechanic and Patrick was in Computer skills, both decided to take on masonry as a skill and have pursued it thus far. They have done well under John Wambu and a recommendation for them to stick to this skills has been adviced by the team. They have managed to build a perimeter wall around the Nursery plot, and done some other construction work in our properties. They will soon be moving out and living together as roommates.

Paul Zakayo, Veronica Wambui(single mom) and Brenda Adhiambo - Catering skills students, will be on attachment at our Coffee and Tea House, this is a business that MITS has along a highway.

Fatuma Amina - computer skills student, she will be looking for an attachment in the coming weeks.

Margaret Njeri and Sarah Aono - Catering skills students, will be on attachment at a local bakery that is found within Kamulu. The owner of the bakery is a close friend to MITS.

Pius Musyoki and Elizabeth Wanjiku - Hair dressing students still are continuing with their training at a school within Nairobi. They have 3 months to go.

Jackline Njoki, and Mary Muthoni - Tailoring students, Jacky found an attachment in a sewing shop in town, the owner was willing to train Jacky in sewing infants' clothing and promised that if Jacky does well, there will be no reason for her not to employ Jacky. Mary is still on attachment.
Elizabeth Mwikali and Catherine Ndunge - both are single moms and were in catering skills - the administration decided to retain them as workers. Their soul responsibilities will be maintaining the cleanliness of the Learning center and other duties deemed fit by the administration.

Brian Ochieng who has shown tremendous skills in leadership and organizations has also been retained by the administration to work as the cook for the school cafeteria. He will also be head of food distribution to all the repectives compounds, i.e the boy and girls compounds, inclusive of the 20 acres and Nursery school.

All the above students are currently working on documentations and other papers of concern to enable them to fit in the working environment of Nairobi and Kenya as a whole. Some of them have made unanimous decisions to become room-mates to help share in the cost of rent and other expenses.
This is both a trying time for our kids, confusion is inevitable but with guidance they will make it. The team is backing them up in all their quest to get places of attachments and jobs.
Pray for all the students that are making this life change.

Moses Okoth

Soccer Tournament

2010-11-18T09:47:00.003+03:00

A tournament had been organized for the streets family by Made in The Streets. It was dated 16th November till 19th. They started with 16 teams all together but for now only 8 team remain. Jam street base, Umoja base, 7th street base, Liliput base, Kamutaine base, Mlango Kubwa Base Kijiji base and Kamulu boys are the only team going for the quarter finals.
Our MITS boys have worn all the games thus far. Alex Atema is the top scorer in the tournament with 12 goals and is followed by Swara a guy from Jam Street base with 11 goals.
Today our boys will battle is out with Kijiji Base. Jackton and Philip are the official referees and the team in Eastleigh helps out as lines men.

In other news, Irene Otalo was admitted to hospital yesterday night and had surgery done on her. She had an inflamed appendix and was going through tremendous pain in her abdomen region. She is doing fine this morning, although a little weak but on road to recovery.
Irene Renee too was diagnosed with mild Pneumonia. She has been experiencing acute pain on her neck and back. Sh is on medication. Pray for these two for they hold a precious place withing the MITS family.

Young mother's retreat

2010-11-14T23:12:00.003+03:00

On Saturday the teenage mother got a chance to visit the Nairobi Nation Park. Laquita and Jessica are visitors who are spending much of their time with the girls and the teaching the staff of MITS. They decided to give a treat to the young mothers and their babies. Their ideas was to have the mother having a bonding time with their students away from the busy schedule that they always have while undertaking their skills. We have 7 teenage mothers, inclusive our young Mary who recently came into the program. She is expectant and might deliver some time next year.

Despite the heavy traffic on the Nairobi roads, they were all so ever eager to get there. All of them have never seen wild animals before, let alone walk in a zoo. So you can imagine the excitement from both the young mothers and their babies. For some reason they all expected to see a tiger, only to realize that the closest thing to a tiger was a leopard or a big cat like a lion.

We went through all the nature walks the park could offer. Surprisingly the kids never grew weary, neither did their parents. The kids had so many questions, some we could answer but of-course some from the smaller kids like Hollie we could only guess that they are so excited seeing a hippo and not telling the difference with a warthog!

We shared a common meal together and it was fun, laughter, small chats. We all felt good inside, filled with much hope and bonding from the educative yet so fun a trip. Thanks too Jessica and Laquita for making the funds available for such a treat.

(Jessica is a grad student who is well versed in the field of Agriculture, she is probably the most educated person we have had working with us on the farm. She spends much of her time with Victor and Ben, Laquita is a grad student in Education as her major, she has been helping the team to work on their curricula and lessons plans.)

Home is best!

2010-11-14T20:24:00.000+03:00

Today I was woken up by the bouncing basketball in the court. On checking I saw Ken Wambugu, Moses Kungu and Joseph Wambua. Moses Kungu is a former student who took catering as a skill and has been going between jobs, but last year he managed to get a job in one of the best known hotels in the city. Joseph Wambua is also a former student who too has been between jobs and finding himself in the worldly ways. He was in Auto mechanic skill. MITS managed to find him an attachment in a prestigious garage on the far western part of the city, eventually he lost that job and came back to MITS for guidance. He has been on and off doing odd jobs but getting a living with helping our fore man John Wambu in construction. Then there is Ken Wambugu, pride always fills my heart when I talk about Ken. He is now a staff here at MITS, the best addition to the team if you ask me. He is a driver, helps out in dorm supervision and training the Auto-mechanic skills kids. I remember Ken used to sit down new boys when we had an intake and take them through all that was expected of them, he showed them how to wash their clothes, do dishes and cook.
Watching these three boys play on the court gave a sense of pride, the team has molded these boys with the help of God to become important people in the society, a cook, construction worker/mechanic and a mentor/leader of peers. Because at all points of our life we definitely will need these three people and their skills.
It even fills my heart seeing them come 'home', to church, where is is safe for them, where they find comfort, where there is love. And we love having them come back, talk to us, tell us their challenges in life, seek advice and most of all be example to our current students.

Student updates

2010-10-11T12:17:00.002+03:00

As you all already know, Prisca Kerubo ran away from the program in August...we traced her and good enough her father was also interested in the search. The team talked in depth of whether to allow Priscah back into our program, since she had been on the streets and was actively involved in the use of drugs. All team members were moved and decided to bring her back, so we did.
She is back in classes and is under close supervision by the team especially with Irene Akinyi who is the Girls' supervisor and her counselor for now.
On a sad note, Duncan Mwangi ran away yesterday, the 10th. He has been contemplating of running away since he had made contact with his father. We believe that his father has been influencing him to come out of the program and be with him. Attempts were made by Nzioka, dorm supervisor, to try and reason out with him. Nzioka thought that he had reached Duncan, only to realized he left 1 hour after they had talked.
On a lighter note, on the weekend the MITS family came together again for a talent show organized by Larry Haggerman, it was a joyous moment when all team and students expressed their talents in singing, dancing, poem recitals and small skits.
Anastacia, Eunice and Mercy Kisya have moved out. Since they were already living together in Eastleigh they still decided to rent a place together. Anastacia recently graduated and was offered a job at a known production house known as Good News Production Intl. Eunice and Mercy have found jobs in the same salon on the far eastern part of Nairobi.
Micheal McKenzie has also moved out, he is working part-time for the farm and the wood shop under the supervision of Victor Otieno.
Joel is still working with 8 of our older exiting student on getting their National Identification. Already they have managed to obtain what we call a waiting card. Its a receipt showing that the Nation IDs are in process of being produced within a period of a month.
We expect a new student addition today called Jane Njeri, she is 13yrs old and was living on the streets. All the intake procedure has been done on her.
George Mwenda is still on recovery level, he experiences minor aches in his eye, but the doctor say its normal after the eye surgery. he will be going for frequent visit to the eye doctor to check on the status of the eye.
Birthdays are coming soon and so are the holiday season, we have massive plans to make our students feel loved and the joy of being a part of a family. There is always that pressure here, in Kenya to go places and do stuff with family...so a committee was put in place to come up with a proposal of trips and events in the festive season.

Moses Okoth.

Burlap bag

2010-09-15T07:25:00.006+03:00

Parents,Would you like to help your children be less focused on themselves and care more about others that are less fortunate? Take your family on three week Bible study full of activities exploring the world of Nairobi street kids.

A burlap sack is one of the most important things to a Nairobi, Kenya street kid. That’s where street kids keep everything they own: their shirts, shoes, hats, socks. They even use the sack to sleep in.

This Bible study features one activity and Bible verse each day for 21 days. During this three week journey, your child will have the opportunity to collect money that can be donated to Made in the Streets to make a real difference in the lives of street kids. The activities are designed be be done together as a family, generating conversations and prayers about the blessings we enjoy every day and our opportunities to share with others.

The keys to success in this journey are daily prayer and dialog with your children. Don’t just rely on the few words given in the activity for each day. Use them as conversation starters and then go from there. We want these conversations to become commonplace in your family in order to help your child(ren) see the blessings and opportunities God has given them. We hope you can commitment to engage your child(ren) every day for entire three weeks.

We've suggested a variety of different monetary amounts in the daily activities that would fit a variety of families’ financial situations. Feel free to make adjustments to fit your family’s financial situation, while still trying to challenge your family to grow. Remember, the funds collected though these activities will be used entirely and directly to help street children in the city of Nairobi, Kenya, through the Made in the Streets ministry.

If you need a small burlap sack for your child to keep his/her coins in, they will be available at your local craft stores, like Hobby Lobby, Michael's or Joann's. They are also available online at bridesvillage.com and eburlap.com if you are buying in bulk. Of course, you could always substitute a brown paper lunch sack. Get creative if you have to.

We would love to see groups of families doing this study together, possibly through life groups or Sunday school classes. This would provide built in support for parents and would allow the children to continue their conversations with each other. We have included an introductory letter and the study guide below that can be printed and downloaded.

For more information on this study, go to www.Made-in-the-Streets.org/21days.

18 yrs and over

2010-08-30T21:01:00.004+03:00

Our kids are growing so quick, we celebrate birthday parties every month. Mostly our girls are getting older by the months...
Fatuma Amina is turning 18 this coming Sunday, Mary Muthoni is on attachment in the city center, Eunice and Mercy Kisya are in the exit program...Eunice has found a job in a salon on the eastern part of town, she decided to be living with her mother. Anastasia who is studying journalism is still on attachment at a known production house that helps upcoming young christian artist, making music videos and shooting educative christian drama, GNPI (Good News Production Intl). Mercy Mugure, one of our young mother is now 18 yrs and has started college in town, she is studying secretarial. She says its not easy especially the short hand writing but, its all worth it, she is doing what she loves and has been dreaming of since childhood. Brenda, Catherine and Elizabeth are now running the cafe, which is a business that we have that caters for the Kamulu community. They are under minimal supervision and are doing so well. They plan on what to cook, manage the money, buy what is needed and keep the place tidy. Both Catherine and Elizabeth are young mothers.
Elizabeth, Zainabu and Pius are now on a beauty college. Pius is the only guy who took the challenge of becoming the first male hairdresser in MITS. He is good at his skill and all are showing signs of excelling in their studies in school. Zainabu is a young mother, all three are living in Eastleigh center to make commuting easier to town.
Let us hold them up in prayer that their lives will be a success, thanks to Darren, Jimmy and Desiree, and all those who are making these kids' lives a success by helping support them in colleges and putting them in constant prayers.
peace Moses

Report on the Exit Students update 2010

2010-08-24T12:09:00.002+03:00

1. Moses Kung’u:- Had gotten a job in town in a small restaurant but later lost the job, did driving after that and applied for job at a prestigious hotel called Ambassador Hotel downtown. He got the job 3 months ago in house keeping department.

2. Mary Wanjiku: - Finished her attachment in 2009 and got a job in a small bakery where it did not work out for her, later opted to open a small business with some of the savings she had saved selling second hand clothing in 2010. Got married in a “Come we Stay” arrangement and got a baby afterwards and has been at home taking care of the child.
3. Susan Wambui: - Graduated last November 2009 from Lo-real College, stayed in the Eastleigh center. Got a job in a place called Athi River but she was not being paid well and later applied in MITS and was accepted to work at the MITS salon.

4. Joseph Mburu: - Got a job downtown in shop called Ibrahim’s Electronics, dealing in computers sales and other electronic devices. MITS is currently paying for his schooling for High school certificate downtown.
5. Francis Cugia: - Just finished his attachment in woodworking in a company called Rosewood furniture and has a job offer in the sister company of Rosewood. He is however having problems getting an identity card which meant that the he lost his job offer at that place. He is currently attached in Eastleigh working with the streets youths and young boys program. He also assists in Sunday service at the center which recently started.

5. Ken Wambugu: - Finished his attachment downtown in 2009 has already gone for driving school for his driving license. Currently he is the assistant to Charles in teaching auto mechanics and an assistant to Nzioka at the Boys dorm under the supervision of Moses Okoth.

6. Joseph Wambua: - he finished his attachment in 4 wheelers, got a job in Ngara for about 2 months, then his uncle convinced him that he can get a job in Mombasa city but it didn’t work out. He came back and has been working as a casual laborer around Kamulu area.

7. Joseph Wahome: - He finished his attachment in 2009 at a garage in Umoja Junction, moved to a place called Dandora and was able to get a job in a local garage but they were not paying him, so he opted to start his own small business selling sheets which seem to be doing well. He visits the Kamulu church and is involved in the youth program too.

8. Anastasia Njoki: - We were excited that she just graduated from Kenya Institute of Professional studies with a distinction in Mass media journalism, currently she is on attachment in Good News Production International (GNPI) that does Christian video and music media in Nairobi until September 27, 2010. We are looking for a job for her. So far we have several options to apply in the local media in Nairobi.
Grace Wahu, Brenda Odhiambo and Mercy Wanja: - They all just finished their attachments. Grace is going to a restaurant downtown and stays near her parents. Her mother used to stay in the street until she got married and now has a good place with her step dad. Brenda is working at the café in Kamulu. Mercy Wanja is attached at the cafeteria at MITS and we plan that we will help her get her ID as she turns 18years in November 2010 and later look for a job for her.

9. Morris Gitonga: - finish his studies in computers in February 2010. Was staying with his aunt in Mwiki, which is located 30 minutes from our Kamulu farm but from last year December, he has not return to MITS and we don’t know what his status ad whereabouts. He didn’t finish his studies.

10. Halima Nguvu: She was able to get a job at Narcisse salon in Sarit center and still works there. We are not supporting her in any way.

11. Patricia Wanjiru: She got a job downtown in a salon called Tender care. She stays in Dandora near her aunt’s place. We are not supporting her currently.

12. Stephen Omondi: He got another jot in a garage near Wilson airport and the last time we talked to him his contract there ended prematurely and is now a casual laborer.

13. Millicent Adhiambo: Millicent (mum to Brian) finished her training in 2009, she got a job in Umoja area in a small salon, when we starting experience problems with her being rude to her employer and she lost her job. We also had problems with her being rude to the teacher and we had to let her go but paid for her housing for 3 months so that she can have good start to take care of her son in 2010. She stays in Dandora and has job in the same area in a small salon there.

14. Sarah Aono: - she just turned 18 years and is working with Brenda in the café in Kamulu. Currently we are still working on her ID card which has taken a long time to get but they will get it in September 2010.

Please be in prayer always for our older kids who are in the exit stage...hoping to get involve in church life and become successful in their endeavors. Pray that no hardship may befall their walk in this life.

Medical Clinic at Eastleigh

2010-07-29T22:36:00.007+03:00

The Lord brought His love and tender touch to those we serve at Eastleigh this week. Shawn Koonce from Tinroof ministry brought together a team of medical staff, prayer warriors and servants to come and bless the people of the streets in Eastleigh. Doctor Mary Wachira from Nyeri gave up some of her leave time to humbly and professionallydiagnose and treat patients. Doctor Chad Stephens and his family, as well as a number of other visitors and volunteers met medical and spiritual needs of those who came. God pulled a beautiful team of servants together to share His love. Each visitor was gently touched, prayed over, diagnosed and given medication. Graditude poured from their hearts and mouths as they left our gate. Many stated that they desire to give their lives to the Lord. Please pray that God will use
this clinic for His eternal purposes.

Painting project

2010-07-26T21:30:00.012+03:00

Painting has been done at all MITS properties...Boys' centre, Girls' centre, Learning centre, skills training area, Nursery school, Men visitors quarters, the community playground new boys' dorm, team lounge room and the shops.

SPOTLIGHT ON: MADE IN THE STREETS

2010-07-07T22:19:00.006+03:00

Nairobi is home to the world’s largest slum (Kibera). It is also the home of several other slums (like Mathare and Eastleigh). These slums are home to the world’s poorest people. Extreme poverty, disease (including rampant HIV/AIDS), (including), crime, homelessness, alcoholism and drug addiction, hunger/malnutrition and broken families, unfortunately, define more of life in these “neighborhoods” than they should. For many in these slums there is no hope. However, there is at least one organization making a real difference, and providing real hope, in these hells on earth: MITS is an organization with a center in the Eastleigh slum, and a boarding/schooling program outside of Nairobi in a town called Kamulu. MITS serves teenage boys and girls who are often homeless or without family, and teenage single mothers with young children. The center in Eastleigh provides a space for child care and parenting lessons, Bible studies, food, water, showering facilities and relationships. Those who are consistent in coming to the center and demonstrate a desire and commitment to getting off the streets (most of these children are either addicted to drugs, involved in crime, or both) are then considered to join the boarding program in Kamulu when space is available. In Kamulu the children are provided an education (math, English, Bible, etc.), trade skills (carpentry, tailoring, hair dressing, catering, farming, mechanics, computer skills, etc.), housing, clothes, food and a community that does everything from birthday parties to soccer tournaments to church together. Kids usually stay at Kamulu for between three and five years. After graduating from the program they move on to the next phase in life with the assistance of the MITS staff. The most successful have well-paying, full-time jobs, homes and even families of their own. Many have even joined the MITS staff and are continuing the cycle of bringing children from the brink of despair.

I have now spent two summers working with MITS and have sponsored several children in the program. I believe deeply in the people who work at MITS and the ministry. They are truly a city on a hill and the salt of the earth. In their own way, both large and small, they are living the Kingdom of God as best they can while on this earth. Please check out their website and consider partnering with this amazing organization.

James (Jimmy) W. McCarty III is a doctoral student at Emory University in the Graduate Division of Religion. He is in the Ethics and Society course of study and has concentrations in "Religion, Conflict and Peacebuilding" and "Religious Practices and Practical Theology."

Conejo Valley is here!

2010-07-04T07:35:00.010+03:00

The Aggies left and we really had a blast while they were here.

Still excitement gets the better of us, as we receive more visitors this week from California. Conejo Valley church of Christ is here to spend a week long camp with the kids and team. The team also will be having sessions with part of this group to improve their teaching skills and becoming better leader in front of God's eyes and the students that we serve.

On Friday half of the group from Conejo Valley visited the streets, on reaching our in center Eastleigh, we divided up into groups to visit different bases. Some team went as far as the town center. Of course this is always an interesting venture for our visitors, but all team reported positive reception from all the bases, street friends they met on the bases and along the streets as they walked. Some got the experience of a Matatu drive, (public transport), their comment is they have never seen or experienced anything like it...loud music,

money being collected by a tout/conductor.

On Saturday was more fun, the kids got their feet size measured-so that shoes can be bought, they got to make a pinyatta, make cookies which tasted awesome. Sports shoes will be bought for the marathon that is coming ahead of us, all team-student body is getting ready and really excited about this. It will be a 10km run....

Hope we are all up to it!

Being prepared

2010-06-23T20:42:00.018+03:00

Everyone wants to look extra nice; the girls have been visiting the hair salon, boys getting their hair trimmed. Team members inclusive. Formal clothes have been purchased to look descent, official and sharp. The Learning Center court yard is being re-painted to look extra nice, with the help of Aggies for Christ and part of the team, all table are are being painted to look neat, extra cleanliness is not harmful, all toilets and rooms are also being cleaned.
The nursery school is having a play area being built, and its initial stages are in progress. The kids will have a chance to play in it, this will be a first for all our kids. They have never had this sort of thing or ever seen one!
Jackton, Robin and Nzioka are getting garments for the catering students ready, and stuff made ready to be displayed in the 'display room', people will come and look at what the kids normally make in their skill and can purchase if they wish. A powerpoint has been put together by computer skill students, to depict the progress and life MITS has come through for 15 years.
Guest have been invited, about 200 of them, food has been bought, now its up to to the catering department. Auto-mehcanic guys are checking on vehicles to make sure that all are in good condition in case of a need arises that requires the use of a vehicle.
The schedule has been made by the committee and everyone is aware of their importance/role during this event. Guest speaker is a mentor and close friend of MITS for close to 8 years.
The MITS family has fully memorized Psalm 113, our motto, logo and testimony; ready to recite to all the guest and friends that will attend.
The excitement is in the air....can't you feel it!

2010-06-14T21:33:00.013+03:00

A team of counselors visited MITS today. They passed first on our Eastleigh center. They spent a good part of the day with our students, telling stories, playing games then counseling.
The Aggies for Christ are also here and they are to play an active role in the Reunion/Anniversary planning. The AFC have been with MITS since the beginning and their participation is better placed. AFC will be helping put together a power point presentation trying to depict the life, changes and achievements of MITS over the years they have been visiting the center, other pictures will also be included of other mutual groups that visit MITS and leave a mark of fond memories.
On Saturday we celebrated birthdays of students who were mostly born in the month of June. A bonfire was lit, maize roasted, made sausages with the bonfire flames. Then topped it all up with a cake; singing and dancing round the bonfire till late in the evening.

The teenage mothers have moved into their new house, fully painted, furnished with really comfortable beds. This house in much bigger and has housed all the mothers and their babies. Because we want to make the whole girls compound one piece of property, a perimeter wall will be constructed to make the whole girls area secure and a small gate made, to have easy access to the teenage mom's place. John is already working on this.
Despite the fever from the World Cup, we are getting geared and more excited as days draw nearer to June 26th!

MITS babes

2010-06-08T19:00:00.007+03:00

Elizabeth Mwikali-(aka Maria), her children are; Purity Mnaa- born 12th June 2006 and Larry Mutoli (named after Larry Conway)- born 5th July 2008. Elizabeth is in catering skill and works some at the cafe in food preparation and sales.

Lucy Akinyi, mother to Collins Odhiambo - born 16th August 2008. Lucy is in Auto mechanics skills. Her main line of interest is wiring.

Dotrine Zainabu, mother to Sigmond James- born 14th October 2009. her skills area is hairdressing.

Cecilia Mwenza mother to Erick Fundi- born 5th March 2009. She loves tailoring and has sewn bags that she uses to carry her own own study books.

Veronica mother to Hollyie Wanjiru (named after Hollyie Conway), born 1st October 2009. She is is catering skill.

Catherine Ndunge mother to Liam Mutua - born 8th August 2007. She is in catering skill and works with Maria under the supervision of Elizabeth Wangare in running the cafe.

Mercy Mugure mother to Arnold Maina (named after the famous movie actor and senator Schwarzenegger)- born 31st October 2008. She is on attachment in the World Bible School offices. Mercy really has the desire of becoming a secretary. She is confident in what she does and has proven to the task of becoming an office help.

Milly and Helen have made it their soul duty to train the young ones to talk in English. They can now amazingly say Hallo! and answer to a formal greeting. Other subjects taught are: reading, number work, science, creative, social studies and bible.

Prisca Kerubo one of newest students is adjusting so well now after she gave us a scare. She got into a misunderstanding with a fellow student and got scared to the point of running away from the program. Its the teams' wish to make MITS a safe haven for our students and give them enough love that was lacking in their lives. Prisca came back to us, apologetic. She is under close watch from her dorm supervisors and in constant counseling session with Irene. She has made a great progress though still shy.

May 2010 Events

2010-05-30T17:43:00.012+03:00

Last week we had a volunteering group come to our centre and did a thorough medical checkup on all our students. No major illnesses were found, advices was also given and some counselling to the students.

Ben is digging up a new fish pond, the current fish pond has close to 50 fishes. The one being dug is bigger in size than the current one.

He is using some of the older boys in doing this project.

We recently had a feast of corn (roasted and sausages) showing a great harvest this last two months.

A third dorm is being built to have bigger and wider room to give the boys more space. The dorm will consist of about 12 rooms, inclusive of a dorm supervisors' quarters. John Wambu is also currently constructing a skills training center at the 19acres for Welding and Agriculture respectively. The nursery school is runnng ok...we are getting more and more requestd from the community that they want to enrol their kids also into the nursery school. Skill students are also at their best, like the catering students bake cakes and make dishes such as pizza. They advertise themselves by selling their dishes occasionally to the community.

Eastleigh updates

2010-05-09T21:11:00.002+03:00

There has been a very good response at the bases despite the rainy weather, also there were some arrests at Mlango kubwa base, and so most of the boys have moved to redeem base. It was reported that some robbers were stealing from motorist and that they would run to Mlango and hide themselves among the streets boys.

This month, the number of mothers and children has increased. The reason being children are on holidays(recess from schooling). We have been having a maximum number of 45 mothers and 90 children respectfully. The same case applies to the boys' program on Tuesdays and Fridays.

There is some improvement especially in the office area, kitchen and mothers dorms. The walls and the floors of the office have been renovated and looks better with new seats. The kitchen and the dorms have been fitted with new shelves.

On Wednesdays the 28th, there was a football match between Kamulu and Jam streets base boys. The jam streets boys won the match against Kamulu. On 29th April there was a tournament for all the bases. A joint team from kijiji, seventh and Twelfth Street won the medal followed by kijiji taking second postion.

Jane Njeri's story

2010-04-04T23:08:00.004+03:00

Jane is 16yrs old and has a baby called Samuel. She joined our program on the 26th March. She lived in a base called Mlango Kubwa and was always coming for the girl's program on Mondays.
She is born in a family of ten kids as she is the 7th. Her mom died when she was in grade 2 thus making her not to continue with her studies since her mom was the soul bread winner.
The father re-married and the step-mother mistreated Jane. She and her older sister ran away to the streets. They ran to the town center before settling at Eastleigh-mlango kubwa base.
Her baby's father, Benson is also from the same base, both of them have been coming to the couples' meeting always held at the center. Benson and Jane had a fall out and recurring fights because Jane could not stop using glue. This really displeased Benson because Jane could sniff glue when she was breastfeeding the baby. Some locals threatened Jane and Benson that they will take the baby away from them if they could not take good care of baby Samuel. Jane was also pointing an accusing finger at Benson accusing him of smoking marijuana and he had been beating her when he got drunk.
Benson has been threatening Jane of killing her because she could not stop sniffing glue and take care of Samuel, or take the baby away from Jane and take Samuel to an unknown location. We approached Benson and asked him whether he could allow Jane to stay with us as we try to help her become a responsible mother and stop using glue. Benson agreed.

Eastleigh updates!

2010-04-04T22:15:00.003+03:00

Four young men from different bases have been baptized. including one girl. The baptisms were done on the 24th of March.
Two new students from the streets have been enrolled in skills training at a local college (PCEA-Vocational training center). They will be training in dressmaking and hairdressing. They expressed the desire to change their lives and thus are in these skills respectively. As of now we are having problem with the student that were enrolled in Auto Mechanic skill. Three of the boys are complaining that now they want just to learn how to drive and not the lesson taught in class, they claim that teachers are not coming to classes and that understanding English language is challenging for them. So they have stopped attending classes.
Every Monday there is a mother's program at the Eastleigh center. They have been having beauty, therapy and hairdressing. All this has been initiated by Susan Wambui our student who is at the exiting stage. Susan also had invited a beauty college found in town to come and work in liaison with her as she did this exercise on the mothers from the streets. Susan has also been of great help in all Eastleigh programs.
There was a couples retreat on the 12th March to the Arboretum, this is a great picnic site and a place to help meditate. The couples enjoyed the retreat, there was a total of 14 couples present on that day.
A Wednesday evening fellowship has been started at the center. The bases have all been invited to always attend especially those newly born again to help them strengthen their new found faith.
Trouble has been brewing on two of bases that we always visit and is close to us as MITS. A serious fight between rounda base guys and 12th streets base guys took place on the third week of March. The fight was so serious that we had to hire a taxi to take one of the injured boys to the hospital. Other boys who had minor injuries were given first aid treatment by Kennedy at the center. Nicholas, who is the older brother to our own Ken Wambugu was admitted to the national hospital and is still recovering from his injuries.

Student Progress

2010-03-29T10:08:00.019+03:00

Joesph Wambua - Working in a Auto Garage in an area known as Ngara locate in town center. He has moved out and lives in an apartment in a nearby suburb.

Ken Wambugu - Working with Charles, our mechanic. He helps out with the Auto-Mechanic students. Ken is also training in a driving school to improve his skills in driving.

Grace Wahu - She is still working with Joel to find a place that she can work. She initially has found a place of work but because she did not have the necessary papers, she was stopped. She finally got has National Identity card. This can help in securing a job.

Susan Wambui - She is living in our center in Eastleigh, this is because of her attachment place in in Eastleigh and another one located down town. This makes it easier for her to move to the two location without delay of traffic. Susan came up with the idea of having a day spa for the women/mothers that live on the streets that come to the Monday program. She asked for the assistance of all the hair dressing students and their teachers.

Stephen Omondi - Has moved out of the program, he got a job at a local airport called Wilson Airstrip. They Airstrip has an Auto garage and that is where Stephen works at.

Francis Wahome - Has gotten a place of attachment, the employer wishes to take him in full time but because his papers are still being processed, he has to wait till he gets his national Identity card.

Francis Cugia - He has shown good leadership qualities and the team has put him on a trial basis in Eastlsigh as a street minister to work with Larry, Kennedy and Anthony.

Brenda Adhiambo - she still has not yet gotten her National ID...but she is looking for an attachment. She lives with her step mother. She occasionally comes into the program to help with the young children at the nursery. She is good with young kids.

Anastacia Njoki - She is almost done with her schooling in Journalism. She is on internship at a Christian Recording Studio (Good News Production Intl) located on the western part of the town. This is the same production house that the RTGz have produced most of their songs. She finishes her schooling in June.

Moses Kungu - Got employed last year and lost the job last month. He has found another place but is on attachment basis. He is is perusing a driver's license, and is in a driving school most evening or afternoons.

Patricia Wambui - Has attained her National ID, she still work at a salon down town and is doing great.

Mary Wanjiku - She has struggled a lot looking for a job, finally she decided to start her own business. She sell clothes on the far Eastern part of Nairobi.

Mercy Wanja - On internship with us at the schools' cafeteria. She supervises the cooking of meals st lunch and oversees the general distribution of food to the dorm areas that is sued to prepare evening meals.

Joseph Mburu - He is still working at Ibrahim Electronics, a shop that sells computer products and hardware. He recently expressed the desire to pursue a course in Graphic Design and found a college that offers this course. The college had requirements like he needed to have a secondary school certificate. So right now he has joined an evening class that will be tutoring him on the subjects done at high school level. Once he gets the high school diploma/certificate after seating the National exam, then is when he can pursue the Graphic design course.

Willis Odhiambo - He is doing great at the second largest farm that deal in cattle rearing. He reports to us that he has learnt tremendously. He has even shown Ben some new techniques on milking, Ben is so much thrilled with his expansion on knowledge of farm activities. Willis lives in Eastleigh center, this is to make is it easier for him to commute to the place his on attachment since it is located outside Nairobi city. And he also needs to get there on time.

Lucy Njoki, Eunice Wambui and Mercy Kisya are in the same hairdressing school. Some catering students; Brian Ocheing, Margaret Njeri, Sarah Aono, Paul Zakayo and Mercy Waithera, have gone for a medical check-up so as to fit the profile of the place they are to be taken in for attachment.

Please always be in constant prayer as you have been for all our exiting students. Life is a challenge and we never want it to bombard them. We always want and pray that when they leave us they get to identity a church and actively engage and participate in its growth. This is good for their spiritual growth. We are so ever excited and thrilled when we hear of their achievements, even if its as small as buying a cooking stove or cooking pots!

Updates!

2010-03-23T13:38:00.004+03:00

John Wambu is fencing the 20acres and will complete that exercise in the next few hours...He has visited the offices concerning the land issue and has done more inquiry on the 20acre land saga. Francis and John have written letters to the ministerial offices to inquire why they have not made any move or decision concerning our land. The people who invaded the land are still continuing with building other structures on the property.

4 single mothers have been moved to the new mother's house. Necessary materials have been bought to make their stay there more comfortable. They will be living there with their kids too.
Four students have accepted Christ in their lives and were baptized today. Francis will have more details about this.
Robin and Nzioka are now working on furniture that will go into the beauty/salon that will be used in training hairdressing students. Some products and machinery have already been purchased towards this cause.

All skills students are doing well in their different areas. Lucy-in auto mechanics has expressed the desire to pursue electrical wiring in cars, Lucy is the only lady who is a single mother who has chosen Auto mechanic as a skill. Mercy Mugure (single mother), who also has expressed the desire for secretarial course. She will gather as much knowledge about computer studies first before she gets to go to college. Ken Wambugu is going on with training to get a drivers' licence. Lucy Wambui, Mercy Kisya and Eunice are still proceeding with their training in hairdressing at a college near the town center. Mercy Wanja is on attachment in our own cafeteria, she was in catering classes and was one of the best students. She has been facing challenges but doing so well thus far.

Jackton's graduation and goodies for the kids!

2010-03-01T20:52:00.020+03:00

This month has been a life changing time. Through MITS I took a course in leadership. Where by I am sponsored by made in the streets. The course is all about leadership in the church, family and the market place. I am glad and happy that I took the course. Now I can preach, council, take care of my family in a GODLY way and manage businesses. I can also teach the course to other people. I graduated in level 2 on 17^th February 2010, and am still going on with the Diploma classes. My goal is to take the course up to Degree level, through the knowledge that I have acquired at the Leadership Training Institute. I have learnt the following: The seven laws of a learner, the art of Preaching, The leader priorities, Character development, the leader and brokenness, the leader and transition, developing the leader around you, conflict resolutions, great commission and leadership, ministry preparation test, the master plan for ministry.

John Wambu was going through the container and discovered massive treasures of clothes for babies. He then decided to surprise all the babies and their teachers at the Nursery school. So he loads them on his Kubota and drives to the Nursery. While there he tells the kids that he is acting on behalf of Santa and Easter Bunny. Hollyie, Larry, Sigmund,Teddy, Arnold and Ken were so lucky to get their fit. Liam and Mna are a bit older, noticing this John rushed to the nearest shop and bought candy for the two!Then all was silent but huge smiles on their faces!
Anastacia, our student who goes to a Journalism school in town also writes blogs... http://tashanjoki.blogspot.com/

A month filled with lots of Activities!

2010-02-26T12:02:00.011+03:00

Well this month went so fast, its like I just took a breath and the month is all gone. From the base visits in Eastleigh on Mondays, it was amazing to see the reception that we received in Mlango Kubwa base whereby they all welcomed us with open arms and listened to us. Its impressive to see how Kennedy has really grown to be a person who really encourages the guys in the streets that they too can change and have a better life like the one he is having. We were also happy to notice that most of the Lilliput base members were not high on glue when we went there, they listened to us as we encouraged them to use their talents and gifts that God has given them to the glory of God and also better their life. They also got to learn some Chinese from Andrew who had visited with us on the streets.
We were sad though to learn that Grace Muthoni who was once a student at MITS and now is married, lost her sister the previous week from illness. They are still making the funeral arrangements.On another note, our students got a chance to get new shoes and they enjoyed going to Gikomba together with the teachers to get their shoes. They all got two pairs of shoes each. Some of the shared that it was hard for them to bargain to get the best prices.
I also enjoyed seeing the Christ-warriors group which includes Kenneth Wambugu, Mercy Wanja, Joseph Wambua and Moses Kungu shoot their first music video at the boys center. They have been planning the video for a long time and the Good News Productions International didn't disappoint and did a good job working with the group. With some of the boys supporting the group as dances, its clear that we have lots of talented students from dancing, singing, acrobatic show, juggling, drama, skits, teaching, games and so much more and this month during the concert and the camp we had lots of display of all that. God is truly a wonderful God who blesses us with so much more than we realize!

by Joel

Farm harvests

2010-02-24T19:16:00.006+03:00

Ben this month has had a good harvest. He and his team have worked extra hard to have more produce and put both the team and students to hard work on the farm at MITS. Well, the hard work has reaped off and we no have plenty of carrots, sweet potatoes, cabbages and beans.
Ben is also having a project that he has just initiated of building a fish pond. He has already dug it out and all that remains is to bring in the fish. The orchard is doing great, the fruits tress are growing and a lot is being done by the students and staff to make sure that they are weed-free.
Bug spray is also being used to keep the trees healthy.
Ben and his team have scheduled classes with the literacy students to try and teach, instruct the students on good farming techniques;use of right tools for different job in the farm.

In other reports, a Day Spa was held on Monday, for the street mother at Eastleigh. Guess whose idea this was...Susan, our student who has attended hairdressing school and is now a professional hairdresser. She decided to express her talents and expertise to do manicure and pedicure. Some women from the streets also had their hair done. She asked the skills teachers who train the students on hairdressing, Terry and Phylis for assistance. Also the student in that skill were involved in the Monday exercise. (pics later)

REVEAL Concert!

2010-02-22T11:48:00.011+03:00

The long awaited, anticipated, planned for concert finally happened on Saturday the 20th. The day started with blessing of rain, the warm sunshine followed.
(I guess the rain was to test our faith). We had the chance of networking with an organization called teen challenge, which is a rehabilitation for drug abusers. We strongly believe it was God's intention that this two ministries work together towards the cause of trying to change our kids' lives. We selected two of our girl to be going for practices with the choir at Teen Challenge.
At the concert our kids did various performances and participated in competition with the guest who were Teen Challenge and the part of the community that attended the occasion. The praise and worship time was AWESOME! The performances from different rap, dancing groups from our kids were nice and fitting to the occasion. We even have some students who can do do acrobats!
The concert started on a high note and ended on a the same note. The main aim was to show our kids that God can be served in all capacity.
Thanks to an all time friends of MITS, Katera and Andrew for making this possible to our kids. They have really learnt a great deal and have really matured in spirit and wisdom through the camp week and concert. May you guys be blessed tremendously!

Camp Reveal

2010-02-22T09:44:00.019+03:00

The whole of last week, MITS was holding a camp. Each day of the week had a letter that a lesson was taught from by the team.

Monday - Reaching for God through prayer, Scripture and how God reaches out to us as Christians.

Tuesday - Embracing God's answers to prayer, His message in Scripture (accepting , owning what you read) and embracing hardships.

Wednesday - Valuing scripture (how to use them), our christian family and How God values you.

Thursday - Ending malnourishment of spirit, self destruction, the excuses.

Friday - Answering - the call He places on your life, identifying and using your talent for Him, accepting His gift of salvation.

Saturday - Lighting---being the light and lighting the way for others.

Each day had an activity or game that implemented the day's teaching. On Wednesday we held a bonfire in the evening at the boys place, we sang and danced for God around the fire. Thursday T-shirts were made and handed out to all students and team. On Friday a setup of stations with candles and prayer items was put up in rooms, in one of the room a wooden cross was constructed to resemble the forgiveness of sin and the students and team were asked to write what keeps them from doing God's work to perfection, then nail it on the cross.

Concert practises

2010-02-08T21:16:00.009+03:00

We have been trying to get a reputable and good institution to liaison with in the up coming concert. Katera and Andrew who are visiting us from China are organizing the whole event, including the camp that will last a whole week. So after consulting and visiting different places all over Nairobi, this includes churches, we landed a million dollar deal with an institution called Teen Challenge. This is a rehab center located on the far eastern part of Nairobi that deals with drug addicts, mostly alcoholics. It is a men based rehab that takes a whole year. The program entails different activities, Bible lessons, leadership programs are also taught. Amongst these activities is singing in a choir.
The choir is so awesome that we decided to include two of our girls, Mercy Wanja and Florence Moraa, to be taught how to sing (the right and professional way). They have been learning together with the choir of men, songs that will be sang at the concert. Challenging as it has been for them, they have come to learn lots to do with voice composure and singing rules.
The concert is set for February 20th. Teen Challenge has offered to perform some of their songs with the two girls and share testimonies at the event. They are not so different from our own kids, in that ours are also struggling with their past way of life and want to leave the old and start a new life full of hope and vigor.
They will help us with their musical instruments to make the concert complete with good worship songs and praise songs. The idea is to have all our teens drawn closer to God through this medium of worship.

Priscah Kerubo

2010-02-08T19:23:00.004+03:00

We have a new girl student who joined us on Saturday. Priscah has both parents; the dad works as a night guard at a local company on the western part of Nairobi, her mom work as a casual worker and does odd jobs at a place called Kangemi. She has an older brother who is in high school, a brother who is grade 3 and a younger sibling who is a nursery school.
She is 14yrs old though a bit shy, she has soul winning smile that brings her innocence out. She is a special child in that she has a case of being defiled twice in her teen life. She has been on the streets and lived on Liliput Base for a while, then after sometime ran away to Mlango Kubwa base. Later on she got out of the base life and went home to Kangemi where her parents are residing; then eventually came back to Mlango Kubwa base. We are so happy to have her here with us, we highly hope that MITS will be a haven for her to find hope, trust and gain more confidence to face the tomorrow despite what has happened in her past life.
Priscah loves watching action pack movies, and she says she has always had passion to be a hairdresser, with Gods' help this will come true as she has joined a family that has abundant love and is always preparing its children for life's struggles by instilling a life skill.
As she came in the girls welcomed her, and everyone wanted to tell her all stories of MITS all at once, the fun trips like shopping or educational trips, classes, teachers, work at the farm, food, birthday parties. I overheard Florence Aoko, tell Prisca of a shosho (Darlene) who loves reading stories to them especially The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe tales, and Peter Pan.
We welcome her to our big family and look forward to her growth in knowing Christ.

Reports from Easleigh and plans

2010-01-30T20:36:00.002+03:00

SINGLE MOTHERS
In August last year we had seven mothers from the slums in Mathare and Huruma (suburbs neoghbouring Eastleigh),who we found through networking with other NGOs in those areas and social workers. This year the team will face great challenge of searching for the mothers (single) who are only found on the bases. So far we haven’t found any, the mothers we find are married and overage. However the year is still young and through God's help we will find them.

BASE WORK
The team visited some old bases and also discovered other new ones in Kayole and Ngara (these are suburbs) respectively. In Kayole we discovered two bases and after introducing ourselves and sharing the word of God, they were invited to M.I.T.S center in Eastleigh. In Ngara we also discovered two bases and the first one we saw five boys and one girl. They all promised to visit the center. The second one had two boys,they told us the rest have gone to the city center for games. So we promised to visit them next time and come a bit earlier.
Jam street base caught fire when all its members were all out doing odd jobs and trying to make their ends meet. Since this is a base that is so close to MITS for a long time, the team decided to help in the rebuilding of their base.

GIRLS' PROGRAM
We had experienced a shortage of young street girls towards the end of last year. Plans have been made for Augustina, Jane Paul and Jane Njeri to visit the bases in search for the girls. Kennedy suggested that, we should reconcile young girls and boys to their parent if that option is available. It has been observed that a big number of the mothers that attend the program are not from streets. In this regard we have made a phase-out program of issuing cards only to the streets mothers to show at the gate of our center. The rest can be assisted to start small scale business.

COLLEGE STUDENT
Fifteen students were selected to join college at P.C.E.A. from January 2010 (this is a college a few minutes walk from our Eastleigh center). Eight were selected from our mothers’ program, two from the girls program and five from the older men living on the streets.
Last year we had cases of some of the students sneaking classes for as long as a whole term. We have made plans for all the students to come to the center and report that they have attended classes that week.We will also be in constant communication with the assistance manager of the institution and also makes visits to check on the students. The team decided that we give the students thirty shillings each for lunch and a weekly supply of cereals instead of hard cash.

COUPLES MEETING
On 27th Jan 2010, we organized a couples get-together consisting of youths from the streets. Twelve people attended, four couples were among them. This being the first couples meeting, the turn up was encouraging and they were very happy even to share their experiences and the problems they face as parents in the bases and street life.
The mothers were advised to be visiting health clinics with their children. Men were advised to be responsible people morally and guide their families in a Godly manner.

NETWORKING
Last year we were able to achieve some of our goals through networking. This year we plan to enlarge our boundaries by having exchange program with other local C.B.Os and N.G.Os, which will promote our growth and enhance development and empowerment.