moving to the next level

We are always happy when we see our students making progress and also being excited about what they want to do in life. This week we had several students moving to the next level;
Joseph Nderitu and Anthony Githinji started their attachment at Excell Auto garage which is situated in a place called South B Nairobi. They were excited to start yesterday.
We also had Elizabeth Wanjiku move to a new job in Embakasi area next to the Tuskys supermarket that is opposite Jomo Kenyatta Airport. She works at a place called Pearls Salon and Barbershop as a shampoo person. Lets keep this students in prayers as they start and continue with their lives outside of MITS.

This week I was able to follow up a case of a young girl called Miriam from the slums of Kayole just next to a big quarry which is one of the areas in Nairobi where child labor is a big problem. A lot of the children from that area are being lured out to the streets and the quarry to be involved in all sort of evils like prostitution, working at the quarry breaking the big rocks and also in social crimes.
Miriam is a case which reminds us of Priscah Kerubo, who would run away from her parents and go out to get friends in the streets who would involve her in such evils. Miriam's' parents love her so much but they are not able to meet her basic needs and they stay in the slum which is in Kayole North, Kiandururu areas. The father is a garbage collector and the mother sells vegetables to put food on the table. That previous week before I visited the family, Miriam had stolen her mother's savings of about 250 shillings (USD$ 3)which she had set aside to expand her business and went out spend it on buying drugs and glue only for the money to be taken by young man that Miriam had met that night in the streets. The parents are scared for their child that something bad like being raped or maybe getting murdered at night when she goes and stays out in the street. The area is a dangerous place for young girls. Her parents had at one time chained her at home so that she does not go out. Its always had for children from the slum areas not to get influenced to negative things. Lets keep this young girl in prayer as we work with the Eastleigh team in looking  up a place for her before its too late for her. As for Priscah we praise God that she was able to overcome this and go back home and continue with training in catering.

Joel

Student Life

I would like to talk a little bit about Jackline  Akasa. Jacky has been known to be a  very quiet girl. In class teachers have reported that she seems withdrawn and makes no attempt to relate with the others in class.

However, the girl is slowly coming out of her shell. The beauty of her smile and the mystery in the corner of her eyes when she looks around without wanting anyone to notice that she is around draws me closer to her. This makes me want to know what is going on in her mind. She has had a rough path growing up, just like the rest of them. Jacky needs a lot of reassurance as she needs also people who will acknowledge her feelings and thoughts. Just like every other girl, she wants to be told she is beautiful and she can be and is loved. These are the things that matter to her right now. I have noticed that when they have fallout in the dorms, the mere mentions of her features and mother in a negative way sends her straight to tears, however little it may seem.

It is my prayer that through the bible classes, weekly devotionals and guidance that we offer them here at Kamulu, she will come to believe that she is special no matter what her past may have been.

Mediation and other updates

Collision among the older guys in the bases has erupted. The base called 7th street base and center line base were affected. Two guys from the 7th street base went and forcefully got a hand cart form a guy from center line base.  Later on they went and sold the cart to another base at a throw away price. Both these bases have older guys.

Feeling extremely angry the center lines guys took law in their hands and went for the two guys who had sold their cart to another base. They bet them up serious, the local chief and police station were involved , but washed their hands off the case. It later came to our doorstep at Eastleigh. The team there heard the story for both sides. A meeting was arranged for mediation. During the meeting that happened today, the center line base appeared. They agreed to solve the issue, and get compensated by the 7th street base. Issue is the 7th streets base never appeared for the meeting. MITS offered to help raise the funds half way to help purchase another hand cart, commonly known as 'mkokoteni'.

Today we also took our students for a shopping trip, the kids got to buy new clothes, shoes and other necessities they required. Thanks to those who always make this possible for our kids.

Future projects for MITS, are a new girls' dorm, a building for sewing plant to move into, a stone wall around the learning center. 

Since the breakage into the computer lab three weeks ago, we have temporarily stopped all computer classes that the literacy classes were having daily. Though the skills training guys are still on. Plans are in place to restore the stolen laptops.

We recently added a new team member that will help in the girls compound. Her name is Jane Kiama. She will be teaching SRA classes, English and help out in supervision of the girls. Jane has had vast experience in dealing with children.

Our cow, named Susan gave birth to a calf, three other goat have also given birth. The farm is in its planting stage, the kids with the help of the team are planting crops such as maize, beans among others. Healing Hands International donated some food stuff to MITS, this will really help to reduce the strain in our food budget, They donated 30 boxes of rice mixed with soya.

Medical issues amongst the kids are, Lucy Akinyi and Mercy Wasike regularly complain of back aches, Salim Mohammed had bilharzia and was quickly attended to, Charles Kimani was taken back to hospital for check ups, he started complaining of aches near the area where his growth on his back is, Doctors took samples and are testing it to see whether its cancerous or not, other minor cases are that of allergies. All kids are under medication of have been refered to professional help from hospitals in Nairobi. 

Anthony, one of the newer boys lost his step father. His mother insited on him attendinng the burial. Anthony was never close with is step father hence refused to attend the burial. His mother just wanted Anthiny to attend the burial so as the clans people would recognise her and allow her to inherit the small wealth that the step dad ahd left. We also noticed that Anthony also feared his mother, since he claims that his mother would beat him up and take him to witch doctors. The Eastleigh team had difficult time during intake process.

Exit Students updates

This is an update of the students that exited this year:

  

 1. Jackqueline Njoki: - Stays with Mary Wangui in an apartment in Eastleigh and works in Amani ya Juu. We have only one month of rent support for them and report from her work is that she is doing very well.

2. Mary Muthoni: - stays with her cousin Mary Waithera in Banana (a suburb located on the far west side of town) and works at Amani ya Juu with Jackqueline with a side job to bring in extra income on Saturday teaching students in Westlands.

3. Titus Musyoki: still in college in Revlon Professional School of hair dressing this year. He also goes for attachment at Narcisse salon in the Sarit center run by Nargis Manji who has employed a lot of girls trained in our hair dressing program.

4. Lucy Akinyi: she finished her intern ship last year, was to start her on attachment but we discovered that she has a back problem because of lifting heavy things as a mechanic and she was advised to change her career. The next alternative that she wanted was Hairdressing or work at an office for a garage as a secretary.

5. Mwanahawa Simaiya: she finished her internship last year, got a job in a shop in Ngara market near where Cecilia Mwinza is doing her attachment.

6. Anastacia Njeri: Moved from the Platinum foods two months ago because of poor pay and long hours of working. She stays in Huruma but works in a small hotel in Kojen area downtown near Grogon area.

7. Jackson Issac: finished college at Kenya Institute of Professional Studies and was in the process of looking for a job, He was dismissed because of indiscipline cases together with other students.

8. Dennis Kamau: finished college at Kenya Institute of Professional studies and still looking for a job, currently an opportunity in a town called Nakuru which is 2hrs drive from Nairobi has risen working in a church that needs a camera man and editor for their video ministry. Stays in an apartment in Mwiki area in Nairobi 20minutes drive from Kamulu.

9. David Mutimbi : works at 4wheelers garage in the up-market area of village market. He is finishing his attachment this month of July 2012 and they will permanently employ him in August 2012. He is also supposed to move from MITS in August and MITS will cover his rent for 3 months and fare for the month of August as he awaits his salary at the end of the month.

10. George Omondi: was on attachment at 4wheeler with David but he decided to quit and go back to the streets. He went missing for one week before we found out that he had gone back to the streets.

11. George Mwenda: On attachment in Eastleigh in the street ministry. Had a job in Ruiru in a foodmart called Iruga foods but had to stop because of his health condition from lifting things and his one eye was also giving him problem from the dust working with the foodstuffs

12. Charles Kimani: on attachment at MITS woodshop under Robin. He is hardworking man. From time to time Charles has back pains where he had an operation towards the end of last year.

13. Kevin Mweti: had just finished training in auto-mechanics but was dismissed because of indiscipline cases and use of drugs while on our property.

14. Paul Zakayo: was working at a restaurant called M & S, but had to quit because of the poor working conditions that was there and had been sick several times. Was later dismissed from MITS because of indiscipline and use of drugs and alcohol

15.Duncan Mwangi: had gone several opportunities at Milele Salon where Mary Wangui was working and another place called Roots salon but was not very committed to his work thus lost the opportunities and later was dismissed because of indiscipline and drug abuse. After several weeks in the streets he repented and came back to apologize and said that he was ready to work, he personally when to the manager of Roots Salon as asked if he could be given another chance where he was told to come back in August. In Eastleigh we have met him back home with his mother and we are currently helping him acquire an ID so that he can start work next month. Duncan is  an example of the prodigal son. 

16. Mary Wangui: Working in Milele Salon in Hurlingham area which is an up-market area. Reports from her employer is that she is doing well. She shares an apartment with Jacky and they still have one month support from MITS.

17. Elizabeth Wanjiku: has moved out of MITS, was staying with the aunt but did not work. She is staying with a friend and she has looked for another job which will be starting in August 2012. She is yet to use her 3 months support from MITS.

18. John Mwangi: working at the MITS photo shop and still at MITS. The next plan is to move him to his own apartment and he has already gotten his ID

19 Veronicah Wambui: moved from her job in Ruiru at Eagles Foods because of complain of mistreatment from the employer, works in Industrial area at a small bakery called Omega bakery. She is doing well and has gone back to staying with her month. Veronicah came under the teenager mother program and she gave birth to a daughter called Hollye when she came to MITS. The daughter is all grown up and doing well

20 Fredrick Otieno: works at MITS café and doing a good job. He is a hardworking young man.

21. Cecilia Mwinza: still on attachment in Ngara (local market that deals majorly in dressmaking) at a place called Winnex fashion for sewing, she still requires food,  fare and housing.

22. Edward Muhea: - Started College at Kenya Institute of Professional Studies doing Computer Mass media for one and half year, was also excited to have also gotten his ID this month. Edward is an intelligent and obedient young man. We are pleased with his participation in the church and encouraging his peers.

23. Alexander Atema: still studying at Nairobi Great Commission for Pastoring. He has been doing well working with Kamulu Church in helping out in Lord table and encouraging his peers.

24. Priscah Kerubo: MITS is still supporting Priscah as she stays with her parents. Priscah had at the beginning of this year run from MITS and gone to the streets but later repented and decided to leave street life and go back home. Daniel Meeks had counseled her to go back home and rebuild her life and she done just that. She attends a catering school and has been learning a lot of things. We praise God for that also.

By Joel Njue

David Lipscomb University on the streets.

Tuesday we spent most of the day in Eastleigh, a poor part of Nairobi, although there are many shops and businesses among the piles of burning trash and waste.  I have seen slums in Mexico and Guatemala and this easily rivaled or exceeded the size and scope of those.  Mathari is a huge area next to Eastleigh that is in worse condition; it is basically housing made of sheet metal, wood, cardboard, or anything else the people there can find.  Many street kids go from Mathari to Eastleigh because there are more businesses and more people with money.  We walked on trash and mud most of the day, travelling with the MITS crew to “bases” or areas where street people congregate.  We prayed with some of the groups and just let them know that God loves them.  I prayed over a young man who had committed to staying off huffing glue so that he could work part-time for a woman that owns a fruit stand.  He had the shakes like a heroin addict going through withdrawal from being off the glue.  I really hope that he sticks with it; he seemed encouraged by us.  After seeing the conditions there and how strong the influence to huff shoe glue, jet fuel, or gasoline is for these street kids, I respect each one of the kids in Kamulu even more.  Sometimes when we are playing basketball or working on the farm, I forget that some of them were like the street kids with a bottle of glue stuck to their face, getting high all day.  They seem like regular kids having fun, joking and talking with each other.  The power to break that kind of cycle can only be explained as the power of God to change lives, and now I appreciate how he has changed the lives of the kids at MITS even more.  They are the most courageous, brave, and smart kids I have ever met.

- John Lewis 

From Philip's Desk

After a week-long break from classes, schools re-opened this week. It is still raining cats and dogs and the mud is now up to ankle high while other places are experiencing floods but still, we are doing well and the kids are geared up for this semester of classes. This month, we were reviewing the progress report of the kids for the past term and also presenting the kids report cards. We were quite pleased with their progress for this term and we hope that this will continue through this term.

Beginner’ class:-

Moses Ndungu

Dennis Amufa

They have not yet caught up with the classroom atmosphere but are slowly getting used to it. They were only tested on three examinable tests i.e. Mathematics, English and Bible. This time we had Moses Ndungu and Dennis Amufa topping the class and are showing tremendous improvement in their progress. Most of the other kids were performing averagely while a few of them are still trailing, but we have added more classes during farm time so that they catch up with the rest. We are happy with Michelle Saumu and Paul Njane who, when they came in were very low in their English levels but with both Hellens’ help, they are slowly coming up.

Eugene Kariuki

Intermediate class:-

This time round, young Eugene is the one turning heads. He has only been in this class for a few months and he worked his way to the second position. With his great progress, we think that in the coming termly exams, he might just top the class. This time round, their progress was average as compared to last year where they did so well by covering the class two and part of the class three curriculum in just one year. We decided to combine the beginner’s and intermediate classes together so as to have more healthy competition in the class. The new class will have nineteen students.

Middle class:-

Paul Njane

Peter Simala is still working wonders in this class by getting an average of 80% which is a clean ‘A’. This progress is so good that we decided to move him to the advanced class. We also had Joseph Mbugua, Alex Mwangi, Ian Thiga, Eunice and the new Rehema Mishi improving their grades from last time.  Rehema is new in the class and she is really doing well even though when she came in, she was really shy.

Advanced class:-

This time round, Jane Wanjiru improved with 17% in her average mark, from 54% to 71%. This is a great improvement from last year. The whole class is doing very well with only one two student getting below average mark and for one of them, Fauzia Hama, it was because she was coming to terms with the death of her father. For Brenda, it might be because she is new in the class. With this kind of progress, we think that they might be ready to be registered for the national exam next year.

Fast track:-

The class is still having a slow progress. Now we have twelve kids in the class with five of them from the advanced literacy class and the rest from the skills program. The kids will be registered for their national exam next year, so we still have time before next year. This class has Caleb Nthiwa topping this class and also the advanced class. He is one of the student who is both in advanced and fast track class. Catherine, who is new in the program is also doing very well in this class and was the second student in this class.

That is just what I happening this term and the progress of the students in class.

Updates in Kamulu

In Mathare slums today, a big rock that is located on the border of Mathare, fell on passers-by, 8 people died and so many injured. The rock was so big it caused a lot of damaged to property. It also covered houses, so many shanty houses all erected a long edges have been covered by the debris. The landslide is believed to come as a result or heavy downpour.

Mathare, near Mary Waithera's home

Kamulu Church of Christ is in preparations for the national youth conference, that will be held on the 19th of April. It will run four days, we anticipate a crowd of about 500 plus young people. Currently we in preparations, a committee has been set up,food menus have been made, pit latrines are being dug, since we want no interference with our dorm life once visitors start pouring in.

Tomorrow the Coulstons have organized an Easter service for our students and team. We will try and do it as the Israelites did it, singing and sighting scripture. We are excited about the service.

In education this week, teachers are reviewing what has been taught this term, end of terms exams will commence next week. Followed by a school break that will last a week.

John Wambu has finally managed to secure MITS titles to three of our properties. He has been working on this for the last 8 years. The Systems in Kenyan Lands offices have so many hindrances, these can derail you into giving out bribes, hence fake titles. John has been patient and we recommend him for this.

Joel Njue is still collecting documents to help us attain our re-registration certificate from the children's' department. As always we are always ready for any impromptu visits from their department. A fire drill exercise has been given to our students and secure points selected as fire assembly points in case of an emergency.

Paul Zakayo is having issues at his place of work...I talked to him today and he confessed that most of his co-workers are using drugs. He has done the smart thing by telling his boss about it, but his boss seems indifferent. He is confused as to continue working there or look for another place of work. David Mutimbi and George Omondi are fairing on well at their place of work, this week they are scouting for a national identification. It might take a while, but we are positive they will attain their IDs. Florence Mora, Veronica and Anastacia( who we later learnt that her birth name is Grace) are doing great in their places of intern ship and work.

A schedule/plan has been laid out for Lucy Akinyi, since her doctor recommended she change her line of skill which is Auto - Mechanics. She has been having pains on her back. We are now training her to work with computers, assuming she might still get employment at a garage and work as a secretary or a records keeper.

Currently, with increase of students, Philip has seen it fit to have four levels of classes. Beginners, Intermediate, Middle and Advance classes. All levels are fairing on well. Fast track is still a class that we register to sit national exams that is provided by the government. This time we will run it for two years to help cover the syllabus needed to prepare them for the said exam.

We give thanks to the youth group in Pepperdine who helped raise funds in order for us to treat our students during holidays seasons. Plans are in place to take our kids for a trip. Maybe around th month of November. Excitement is in the air already, Also a big thanks to Larry Haggerman of Iowa and his crew for fundraising for our medical department and Nursery centre.

Blessing too, to you who keep us in constant prayer and thoughts.