It's been over two months since we started this time of social distancing and isolation and, like the rest of the world, many of our rhythms and routines have changed quite a bit.
If you remember, the government asked us to send as many boys as possible back to their families back in March. Though this was unexpected and the families had not fully prepared for their children to be at home, our staff worked diligently to ensure success at home during this time of uncertainty. This has included phone calls and check-ins several times a week, and we are happy to report that all the boys are doing well at their homes.
Because we have been following these boys closely, as well as other reintegrated boys, our team was able to identify those families who have been most impacted by the economic struggles from COVID-19. Some have lost their jobs, or are overwhelmed with feeding the extra children at home who would normally be in school. Thankfully, due to the generosity of our donors and partners, we have done two monthly drop-offs of food and other essentials to 20 families, who reside all over the country.
We will continue to do regular follow-ups until those boys at home can return to complete their course or schooling. We are so proud of them and their families for staying positive and working together during this time.
Kelvin, one of our school-going boys, has been enjoying time at home with his family, who were very appreciative for our donation of food and toiletries.
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We've recently revived our Instagram account, @shelteryetu, and we've been posting updates on life at Shelter. Make sure you are following us for the latest news!
Post-Quarantine at Shelter
Merging the New and the Old
We are thankful that after we rescued the new group of boys from the street and quarantined them with our staff, no one showed any symptoms of illness after two weeks. Earlier this month, we were able to bring the boys and staff who were moved to a local camp back to Shelter, and the time since then has been spent working with all the boys to divide up responsibilities and learn to work together as a new group. The new boys have started their transition program and the older residents have resumed their academic program. They are all doing very well and we look forward to beginning initial home visits once government restrictions are lifted.
"Old" and "new" boys enjoying a recent hike
Rainy Days
It is rainy season in Kenya, and April was a month of exceptionally heavy storms. The road and bridge that connects us to town became impassable due to the damage from the rising river during the time we were quarantining with the new boys, making it difficult to get supplies for Shelter.
Our staff and boys decided to get creative, and built a small bridge structure so that motorbikes and bicycles could pass over the gap created by the water damage. Now we are able to get supplies in town much more easily, and our neighbors are very grateful as well.
How You Can Help
Our team continues to support the boys living at Shelter as well as those at home with their families. With so many struggling due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are increasing our usual support to families with reintegrated children at home.
Please consider helping us cover these extra expenses with a one-time or recurring monthly gift as we continue this very important work.