Kenya is a developing country and although it is one of the most developed countries in Africa it is still suffering from poverty and disease. Sixty four percent of the country is surviving on 33 Kenyan shillings per day - that's about 26p. A packet of cornflakes costs about 400 Kenyan shillings.

As well as the severe poverty AIDS is a huge problem. 80% of all orphans in Kenya are AIDS victims. The most challenging impact of this pandemic is coming to terms with the disease and dealing with the issues concerning children. An estimated 1.5 million children - about 12% of the children in Kenya have lost one or both parents to AIDS. This number is projected to increase to 2.3 million by 2010.

Mama Upendo Childrens Trust is a non-profit making charity registered in Kenya.
Its primary objective is to provide free shelter, care, education and future opportunities to children orphaned through AIDS. The orphanage is based in the Kitui District in the Eastern Province of Kenya.

This is one of the true success stories in Africa. Starving and ill children from dire circumstances have been taken off the streets and provided with a home, food , education and safety. At present we rent the premises from a local landowner but the next plan is to buy land and build a new development. With the enormous help and support we get from our many friends this project is now gaining momentum.

We always need support. The entire scheme is run by volunteers so any help is always appreciated. We need people on the ground in Kenya, but we also need to raise awareness here in the UK and elsewhere. Just spreading the story is a start, because it genuinely is a good news story, and those are rare enough!
Perhaps you could help with publicity and fund raising events? Please do get in touch if you want to help.