Saidia Children’s Home was established in 2006 by four Kenyans, Jill Simpson, OBE, Anne Mitchell, Theresa Wahito and Jane Kinuthia. The non-denominational family-style home is situated in Gilgil and is sited in a secure building with separate wings for boys and girls and a large play area. The home can accommodate up to 60 welcoming children of all needs, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The age range of the children is from new-born to eighteen years with the older ones helping the little ones under the supervision of professional local staff.  Saidia is fortunate to own a shamba where the children learn agricultural skills and grow and harvest organic produce.

 

Children are typically brought to the home by the police after having been abandoned, trafficked, or abused.  Police reports are filed, and investigations carried out. If it transpires that a child has no family or means of support, Saidia will apply for ward of court status, and we will commit to care for the child until eighteen years old and offer scholarships after that for further education.  Our aim is to prepare our children for independence and encourage education as a tool for them to have a bright future.

 

The home has been in existence since 2006 and we have a good track record of helping children not only during the time they are in the home but also during the period of their further education. We are proud to offer scholarships for certificates, diplomas and even degrees and encourage the children to pursue paths that will lead to a secure future.  We meet with our graduates regularly and they stay connected with the home. All graduations must take place at the home thus inspiring the little ones to try their hardest.

 

In addition to the home, we have a pre-school in the heart of the Bondeni red-light district in Gigil. 75 pre-school children gather every day for basic lessons and nutritious food giving them a safe and happy place to spend their days. We partner with the Canadian Chalice in this project.