My 25 Years of Guarding Hope

In Kibera the largest slum in Nairobi poverty has a harsh character and an ugly face. Fair or not, it is the children coming from unstable families who have to look at this poverty straight in the eye every morning. For 25 years, St. Vincent  has stood as a shield against this reality and as the Rescue Center Matron, I have spent decades welcoming these children boys and girls when they are in dire need of shelter, food, clothing and protection.

Our children are referred to us through Kenya's Department of Children’s Services, carrying heavy histories of neglect, physical trauma, and sexual abuse. Tragically, most of these abuses are perpetrated by close relatives, making it impossible for the child to remain with their family.

In the case of orphaned children, we frequently see relatives refuse parental responsibilities. Children are passed from one household to another, leaving them with no place to call home. They are made to feel unappreciated and unwanted. Many are forced to drop out of school to work as house helpers, while others come to us after being denied food, locked away, or left to fend for themselves at tender ages. When parents pass away, we even see relatives strip these grieving children of their rightful inheritance,some chased away with death threats and scars from physical violence.

Part of my life's work has been to be part of the st vincent Kibera team that counters  this cruelty with unconditional love. Whether a child's stay with us is short or long-term, the team and I provide a warm family environment where they can finally heal and grow. Together with our well wishers, we give them nutritious food, a clean bed, and absolute protection. More than just a shelter, we provide a family they can truly identify with.

We have alwayed  tried to safely reintegrate children with their extended families, but it remains an extremely heartbreaking task. Our children go on home visits eager for a warm reception, only to be met sometimes with cold shoulders. Some are told to bring their own food; others are bluntly told to go back. While we patiently counsel these relatives, true reintegration is a slow process that cannot always be achieved so some have trully become my children.

As St. Vincent’s celebrates its 25th anniversary milestone this year , my heart is filled with profound admiration. I am in awe of our children’s resilience. I watch girls and boys  navigate the daunting transition into womanhood  and manhood while away at boarding school and university and I marvel seeing our children transform from broken, neglected individuals into confident university graduates, qualified teachers,electrical technicians chefs and beutician,nursesand  the list is growing. This is my greatest reward.

My deepest hope for the future is to bring our children closer to us so we can support them through their teenage and young adult milestones, while expanding our scholarship and mentorship program funding to secure more safe spaces for them to grow and thrive.

In Kenya, we are taught that it takes the courage and patience of a whole village to raise a child. For a quarter of a century, you have been our village. Thank you for giving these needy children a shoulder to lean on.


Authour : Grace Muthanje / Rescue Center House Matron