Locheredome

Term 3, 2022

Greetings from the Locheredome center! It is another blessed opportunity that we have to thank God for His grace that has seen us through another term. We really appreciate your partnership and support as we work together to transform lives through the hope of Christ.

Blessings,
Maxwell Mulunda
Headteacher, Locheredome

Total Enrolled: 259 students
Total Unsponsored: 230 students

Fiona* is 8 years old and lives in the Kerio community near Locheredome Center with her 6 siblings and her single mother. Fiona’s mother tried hard to provide for her family, but she has had very little education to secure permanent employment, so she weaves mats for a living. Weaving helps her provide for the family’s basic needs when she is lucky enough to make a sale.

The community has numerous cultural and traditional beliefs, some of which hold back the girl child from getting an education. This was the dilemma that Fiona found herself in. According to the community’s belief, in the absence of a father, the uncles are given responsibility over the children of a single mother.

One day, Fiona’s mother heard about Missions of Hope Locheredome from her cousin, who works at the school, as a cook. Fiona’s mother wanted all her girls to go to school. However, the uncles held meetings and decided that only one of her two daughters could go to school. Fiona’s sister was picked to go to school, while Fiona stayed home looking after the goats and waiting to be married off.

Though Fiona had never been to school before, she longed to go, but her uncle wanted her to be married off at an early age because early marriages are related to wealth. When a young girl is married off, her dowry is received and divided amongst the uncles and members of the extended family, creating wealth for the family. This was to be Fiona’s fate. Fiona’s mother didn’t want this so she decided to go against tradition and Fiona’s uncles and took Fiona to school.

Once Fiona was enrolled, she moved and went to stay with her mother’s cousin who works at the school. Fiona’s mother was hoping that this would be a safe place for Fiona to stay as she attends school, but Fiona’s uncles would often come searching for her to bring her back home, interrupting her education.

Eventually, through God’s mercy and grace, the Locheredome social worker was able to intervene by conducting numerous civic education meetings. During these meetings, they talked about children’s rights and the responsibilities of a parent. They also talked about God’s love for children. These meetings were a success as the uncles agreed to allow Fiona to continue with her studies in peace.

For the past year, Fiona has been able to study without being interrupted by any of her uncles. She is now in grade 3 and ready for grade 4, come next year. She attends school regularly and works hard to meet and exceed expectations in all learning areas. She is now a happy girl and testifies that God has been good to her. Fiona now has hope for a brighter future.

*Name has been changed.

• We hosted our Education Officer, Mr Elijah Mugendi. He carried out teachers’ assessments and encouraged all the staff to work hard.
• We hosted Peter Musembi, our Child Sponsorship Officer (CSO) who came to conclude the letter-writing process to our sponsors. He was accompanied by Derrick Otieno, a mentor, and alumni from MOHI.
• MOHI Health Department held a parent meeting to empower parents on taking care of malnourished children and how to make sure that learners stay healthy.

• We were privileged to host Rocky Mountain Christian Church in July 2022. They came to have VBS with the students which the children really enjoyed.
• Parkview Christian Church came for VBS, as well and to visit two of their sponsored kids. 
• We received the Vincks and Feagins Families, who participated in VBS including origami and coloring with the children.

• Pray for God’s provision, good health, and nutrition among our learners.
• Pray for the well-being of our community which are highly affected by drought making it hard for them to access water for domestic use.
• Pray for the provision of resources to facilitate the construction of the school.
• Pray for God to continue to give strength to staff who are serving MOHI kids at Lochoredome Center.