Nissi orphanage

Poverty in Narok District is widespread. Unfortunatelly, the inadequate infrastructure and limited natural resources of the area, the wildlife-human conflict, and also the Maasai culture (where a good percentage of men spend their early adult life as warriors in the forest), lead to poor education and very limited job opportunities, and to alcohol or drug abuse.

In addition, Narok's district has also been severely affected by HIV/AIDS and the disruptions during 2007 elections.

All of the above phenomena have resulted in a significant number of orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children.Nissi orphanage was created as a safe haven for destitute children. The orphanage cares for 55 children, 25 of whom were orphaned due to HIV/AIDS (10 are HIV+), 4 were abandoned on the streets and 26 were displaced during the 2007 post-election violence. Of the total:

25 are boys ranging in age from 4 -15 years, 30 are girls ranging in age from 3 -16 years.

The Nissi Orphange is located in simple rented facilities in Narok town. The orphanage serves the entire community and accepts children from all tribes and faiths. Nissi cooperates and collaborates with other groups in the community that are addressing the needs of vulnerable children.

Nissi is the only orphanage in the area. Except for its own income generating efforts (notably farming), it survives, almost exclusively, on small contributions from a few benefactors in the community. However, due to the worsening economy some of this support is no longer available. Government assistance is limited to providing free ARVs to HIV+ orphans. With such meager levels of assistance, only the very basic needs of the children can be met (eg: children sleep on shared mattresses on dirt floors).Nissi is run by 2 directors and a 5-member Board. Among the board members, we have a doctor, an accountant and a graduate teacher. We meet weekly to discuss programs and to make decisions.

I Johnson I'm married with 4 children-one girl and 3 boys. I am the pioneer of Nissi orphanage and was thrilled to take care of orphans and street kids because I myself was an orphan and was taken care and educated by missionaries.

Since we also operate a pr-school within our center, it would serve as a vital value for those who would volunteer as they can teach, play and help at the kitchen. We also have Sunday school for our kids as a way of making them grow in matters of pertaining to Christianity and in the fear of the Lord. So, our volunteers will enjoy serving the kids for the same.