When GAP began teaching in Kenya, it wasnt long before the reality of AIDS became prominent. Charles Okwemba had a heart for the orphans and began working where GAP was training pastors and Christian leaders. GAP decided to provide Charles with a salary and resources to make a strong influence in these orphans lives. We now support about 90 AIDS orphans, (children who have one or no parents as a result of AIDS) and about 30 widows (most of whom have AIDS). We support the younger children with school supplies and uniforms. We pay for the older children to go to either vocational school (tailoring or mechanics) or secondary school and supply any basic needs they have.
It is also important that we care for the widows and caretakers who raise these orphans. Many of the women are HIV-positive, or are sick with TB or malaria. Their weakness makes it difficult for them to do manual labor, if they can even find it. So GAP provides seed, fertilizer and some home industry supplies. The caretakers have been raising chickens and soon they will begin raising bees. Beehives are relatively low maintenance and bring in good pay. Would you consider donating $60 for a beehive that will provide orphans and widows with a supplemental income?
The orphans are so thankful for GAP. The secondary students in boarding school are an amazing group of kids; diligent and extremely grateful that they have been given a chance to succeed. Here are some testimonies from two star pupils regarding GAPs trip in October 2007.
You were the first foreigners to have a wonderful tour in my school, and you have been written in our school history as the first white men to visit Kilingili with great joy. I know that alone I am nothing but with the Lord who saved me from the dust and brought me to your hands, I can do everything
Do not give up but expect something great from me. I was impressed by the books that you gave to me. I read them and they have really strengthened me. Rex O. Malack
Thank you once more for the story books you gave me. After reading them, especially George Washington Carver, it has taught me how to tolerate difficulties we meet in this world as time goes by. We are really missing you since you left us, and how I wish we shall meet again. May Almighty God bless you. Oyondi Kennedy
When children are in school they are safe, fed, and being educated. This gives them a head start towards a successful future. These children would have been digging in fields, but now they are being loved and cared for; desperate circumstances for them and their nation can be changed.
