Due to the Corona regulations in Kenia the children were not able to go to school for a better part of the year. They were also not allowed to congregate, meaning they were not allowed at Matunda.
In that time the kids received homework assignments. They did this at home and came one at a time to our director Mercy, who then checked it and gave them new assignments.
Somewhat later they were allowed to come to the center three times a week, which meant they could receive, and do, more homework. De last few months they were allowed to come “normally” again to Matunda, where they could get more schooling, play, and eat.
An important aspect of what is done there is to keep the kids off the streets and with a better example learn to play and work together, with the necessary guidance and corrections when needed. The kids love being back at Matunda!
Three children (Michael, Kelvin, and Harrison) were allowed to go to school again earlier than the others. It’s not really clear why, but some classes were allowed to start again. Unfortunately the tuition and even the prepaid lunch money was not credited or repaid. We’re still working on that one!
Mercy organized several meetings with the parents/guardians to discuss the situation, their wishes and problems, and see how they can all make the best of the situation. That means, among other things, that the parents should stimulate the children to do their homework and make sure they turn it in on time. The necessary preventative measures for Corona were discussed each time. They all received face masks.
It this difficult year, due to Corona and the many consequences for Kenya, we regularly dealt out food packages to the families of the kids of Matunda. The parents have all expressed their gratitude!
The children were also instructed in Corona safety measure.
In spite of everything, we carry on as much as possible, and to do the best we can. There still has been no help from the Kenyan board, again in spite of our requests to do so.
