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Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
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Last month we traveled to Kenya with a team from the Project Held Foundation. We visited several projects that we have supported for years and saw again how much difference love, attention and education can make. At the same time, we were confronted with stories that touched us deeply. We would like to take you along in a number of special encounters.
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Esther Home – A safe place for teenage mothers
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One of the most impressive places we visited was Esther Home, a shelter for young girls who have become pregnant unwanted. Often these girls are only 15 or 16 years old. Many are victims of abuse or violence and are rejected by their families after their pregnancy. Without Esther Home, they would have nowhere to go.
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Here they receive a safe place to live, medical care, mental guidance and above all love. After the birth, their child is taken care of, so that the young mothers can finish their education and work on a new future.
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One of the girls we met was married off to a 72-year-old man. After one week she managed to escape. She turned out to be pregnant and eventually found safety in Esther Home. Going back is not an option for her; her life would be in danger. Unfortunately, this is just one of the many sad stories we heard.
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During our visit, our ambassador Jop van der Bijl cooked a delicious meal for the children and the young mothers. In addition, we made videos of children and teenage mothers who are still waiting for someone to invest in them.
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Together with Jop, who cooked a delicious meal for everyone in the photo.
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Do you want to change a life?
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For €31 per month you can sponsor a teenage mother or a child. This provides shelter, food, education, medical care and guidance towards an independent future. For these girls, a sponsor means much more than financial help; it means that someone believes in them.
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Your own salon as a new start
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In addition to Esther Home, a wonderful new initiative has been started for girls who want to get out of the sex trade. Ten girls follow a ten-week training course to become nail stylist, hairdresser or beauticians. Afterwards, they will not only receive a certificate, but also a fully equipped starter package worth €125, so that they can immediately earn their own income.
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During our visit, we were so impressed by this project that the Project Held Foundation committed to funding the training and starter packages for 40 participants during the first year. In this way we give these young women a chance at a new life, free from prostitution.
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Hope4Hope – Hope for a new generation
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We also visited Hope4Hope, a youth center in the middle of a neighborhood where there is a lot of poverty and youth gangs. Here, children and young people discover their talents through football, boxing, dance, music, sewing lessons, woodworking and computer education. During our visit, we were able to hand over six laptops, so that even more young people have the opportunity to learn digital skills. In addition, we were able to prepare a warm, nutritious meal for 400 children, including chicken and vegetables. For many of these children, that meant a day without hunger and a full stomach.
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In addition, we visited the New Hope School, where more than 300 children now receive daily education, breakfast and a hot lunch. Thanks to the support of the Project Held Foundation, we were able to contribute to the construction of two classrooms and the purchase of a school bus. It was wonderful to see with our own eyes how many children get a future because of this.
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Will you help build a new kitchen?
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Give a kitchen
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During our visit to the school, we also saw the kitchen where hundreds of children are cooked for every day. On the ground was one large pan over a wood fire. The room was full of smoke and there is hardly any ventilation. The conditions are harsh and unhealthy for the people who cook here every day.
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Their dream is a simple, safe kitchen with good smoke outlet, a covered dining area and tables where the children can eat their meal. The total costs are €5,000.
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Would you like to help make this dream come true? Scan the QR code or click on the donation button. Also by paypal is possible: description kitchen New Hope School Kenya.
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Together we can ensure that hundreds of children receive a hot meal every day in a safe environment.
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Thank you!
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On behalf of all the children, teenage mothers and employees we were able to meet, we would like to thank you very much. Thanks to your involvement, we can continue to invest in hope, education and a future for the most vulnerable children and young people in Kenya.
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During our visit to Hope4Hope, we made a short impression of everything we were allowed to see and experience. From the enthusiastic children and young people to the school and youth center where a better future is built every day. Click below and watch with us.
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