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It doesn’t always go to plan

A lot is involved when we prepare for one of our children to leave us and return back to their community. While cases go through the court, sometimes taking years, our children live with us …

A lot is involved when we prepare for one of our children to leave us and return back to their community. While cases go through the court, sometimes taking years, our children live with us for their own protection. During this time, we keep our children – when it’s safe to do so – connected with their family through visits. The aim is for our children to move back into their own communities with a loving family. So far, 120 Rafiki children have returned to their community to live with a trusted family member.

For one of our girls, her visits back home were especially important. She dearly loves her younger sister and it hasn’t been easy to be separated.

So it was very exciting when it finally came time to return to court for approval to move back home with her sister again.

Unfortunately, once at court, things didn’t go to plan. Family members who we expected to see didn’t arrive. Uncle Erik stepped in to see what could be done, but only a distant relative was found and able to come to the courthouse. The district children’s officer (DCO) asked many questions about our girl’s future house and living conditions. In the end, he decided that it would be best for her to remain in our care for now. We are thankful that the DCO, although it was a tough decision for our girl to hear, has her best interests at heart and showed her great respect as he personally discussed the situation with her.

A child and a children's officer outside a court building
The District Children’s Officer explains the situation.

We will work closely with the courts to ensure that a safe, supportive home can be found for our brave girl. During this heartbreaking time, we are holding her close and showing her how very loved, precious and wanted she is.

If you’d like to help us show our children just how very special they are, consider becoming a part of our Rafiki family through sponsorship. We encourage sponsors to write letters.** While it may seem like such a small act of kindness, you have no idea how much it means to our children at Rafiki Mwema!

Child Sponsorship is $50AUD a month and assists us to support ALL of our children with all expenses across our entire charity. Learn more about sponsoring a child with Rafiki Mwema, as well as other ways that you can contribute to making a difference in the lives of some the world’s most vulnerable children.

** Please note that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya is closed to mail. We are keeping our sponsors updated and are looking forward to the day when we can send letters again, just to see the joy and excitement on our children’s faces!

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