Support Kenyan Orphans: Food, Education & Shelter

Dear Donors,

 Since our last update in June, Gateway Orphanage has made steady and impactful strides in improving our orphanage and school complex, creating a safer and more resilient environment for our children to live, learn, and grow.

In recent months, we celebrated a wonderful milestone: our PP2 children’s graduation ceremony. These young students are now ready to advance to Grade 1. We were honored to welcome many visitors and local religious leaders who joined us in celebrating this important step and offered prayers for our children’s futures. At Gateway, education is at the heart of our mission, and we are committed to providing each child with the tools they need for a bright future.

 We’re thrilled to report several key improvements completed recently, including:

• Enhanced Security: We purchased and installed a new metallic security entrance gate, adding essential protection for our children.
• Classroom Renovations: We repaired floors and walls in several classrooms, ensuring a safer, more comfortable learning environment.
• New Classroom Desks: We added 10 new desks, allowing each child to have their own space for focused learning.
• Church Repairs: We repaired windows in our Gateway church, preserving this important space for worship and community.

 These enhancements are made possible because of your incredible support. Thank you for your belief in our mission and your generosity, which enables us to create a solid foundation for our children at Gateway.

We ask for your continued prayers as we work to make Gateway a place where children can thrive. Please share the link to our GlobalGiving page with friends and family who may wish to support our work—together, we are making a true difference.

New Beginnings building Gateway Dorm

With heartfelt thanks,

Katie Merck

Since launching our project on GlobalGiving, Gateway Orphanage has faced severe hailstorms and floods that caused extensive damage to our compound. Many rooms were destroyed and required rebuilding, while others needed significant renovations. For instance, one room needed 14 iron sheets for the roof, a new door, and a window. Due to financial constraints, we repurposed an old door and window, which at least offers some protection.

The repair and rebuilding efforts have been time-consuming due to the extensive damage from the heavy rains and hailstorms.

After the destruction, we began renovating the damaged rooms and constructing new semi-permanent structures. Currently, workers are on-site repairing the floors in the rooms where our children sleep. The flooring was especially hazardous, so we have been assisting with mixing concrete to ensure safety.

Living in a poverty-stricken community is incredibly challenging, and the recent damage has exacerbated these difficulties. Many children are now without a place to sleep, highlighting the urgency of our repairs. Geoffrey has temporarily placed some orphans with neighbors until the renovations are complete.

Additionally, our fence was destroyed during the heavy rainfall, and our gate was swept away, leaving our orphanage without proper fencing, which poses a danger to the children and our property.

On a positive note, our crops were successful this year, providing enough food to feed both the children and Geoffrey’s family. Despite the destruction, they’re surviving with God's mercy, though financial difficulties make it challenging to buy necessary supplies.

We are also pleased to report that our Gateway children are excelling in their studies. Most can now write and learn in English fluently. It is a joy to spend time with them and assist in their lessons.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity.

Links:

• Gateway Children learning English
• Necessary renovations at Gateway due to storms and floods