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The street children problem in Africa has been well publicized. While some of the young orphans find refuge in children’s homes, many children slip through the cracks and end up on the streets. The boys typically join gangs and eek out an existence marred by crime, violence and drugs. The girls have it much worse, quickly becoming victims of physical and sexual abuse which in turn results in both disease and pregnancy. They are shunned by society- they wear the ultimate scarlet letter- and the economic, social, and health challenges they face are daunting. Their children, if they survive the poverty and abuse of the streets, then become the next generation in the cycle of pain.
| We are going to do our part to stop the cycle. FPC Missoula, in conjunction with R.O.C.K. Bridge Ministries and the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Kiamunyeki parish, has begun a ministry to the street girls and street mothers of Nakuru, Kenya. The program was inspired by and modeled after Missoula 3:16, and, with the blessing of that program, was named Nakuru 3:16. |  |
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It began in September 2007 as a “day center” where meals were served to street girls and their families. In addition to food, the girls were provided counseling, medical attention, basic necessities, and care. |
| In August 2008, 30 girls and children moved into a house donated by PCEA Kiamunyeki parish for use by the program. These girls are the first “class” of girls to enter the live-in program designed to give them the support and life skills needed to re-enter and succeed in Kenyan society. As of October 2008 the program cost approximately $2,500/month. Some of this cost is covered by the program partners, but we need your help to continue operations until the program can become self sustaining. |  |
Watch the following videos to meet some of the girls and learn more about the program:
2009 Documentary shot by Daniel Bourassa (2 parts):
2008 Video shot by Zach Stuckey and Dan Cripe:
http://gallery.me.com/dan.cripe/100278
This is a challenging ministry. These are girls who have lived tough lives, and their stories are tattooed on their bodies and souls. Breaking through the social stigmas, addictions and habits will not be an easy task. But we are not called to only do the easy work.
Regina Watetu, 25, of PCEA Nakuru West administers the program. As a result of her courage and perseverance, the results have been encouraging. On the first day the day center was open only a few girls showed up, and they were skeptical, quiet and reserved. Within a few days, however, the numbers had swelled with the girls laughing and opening up. Members of the community are taking notice and have nothing but good things to say.
Here are a some excerpts from the messages I have received from Regina:
“We have had many volunteers coming to talk to the girls, preachers and counselors. Many people who have heard of this mission are excited because they wanted to help the girls but they did not know how. Through us they can now get to the girls.”
“The people around the town cente have already started noticing the difference. Everyone is congratulating us and some offering donations like clothes. The girls have also stopped harrassing the passers by and they are cleaner than before. I thank God for giving us strength to be with them everyday. people might think itis not possible to help them but it is becoming easier for me as days go by.”
“I have come to love the girls as my own sisters. They are not people to be frightened of as many people are. We have started talking to them about self worth and love. I believe that is the first step”
How you can help
We are always looking for help telling the story and raising awareness of the project. If you have media skills (photography, videography, journalism, podcasting, blogging, etc) and would like to use those skills to help the girls, please let us know.
Likewise, if you have experience with searching for a writing grants, we’d be grateful for your help.
Finally, as of this moment we need to raise 80% of the operating funds required to feed, clothe, house, and educate the girls. See below for details on how you can contribute financially.
Here are some examples of the impact your gift will have:
| $25 | Provides food and water for one person in the program for one month. |
| $35 | Provides for school fees, uniforms, and related education costs. |
| $100 | Provides all program costs for one person- food, water, medical, education, etc. |
| $50+ | Improve the living conditions: shelving and cabinets, beds, play gym for the children. |
| $100+ | Purchase livestock: Cows, chickens, and goats would provide milk and eggs for the girls and their children, significantly reducing program costs. |
| $250+ | Plant a garden to help subsidize the food needs. |
Strategic Investments
We want to follow in the steps of other proven models and quickly reduce the dependency on external sources of funding for monthly operations. With a few significant one-time investments, the program can acquire land and key infrastructure (building, wells, etc.) which in turn will enable self-sustainability within 18 months (and even generate a profit that can be used to expand the program). These facilities would also provide the girls, their families, and even members of the community with gainful employment and valuable life skills. If you might be interested in providing for or participating in a strategic investment, please contact Dan Cripe at 406.251.5262 or info@nakuru316.org.
Please help us realize the vision. You can give through our secure website or send contributions through First Presbyterian Church Missoula at:
First Presbyterian Church, Missoula
c/o: Nakuru 3:16
235 S. Fifth Street West
Missoula, Montana 59801
Donate Now!
(Contributions are tax deductible under 501c3.)
Contact Dan Cripe at 406.251.5262 or email info@nakuru316.org for more information.
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