Background
Vision Africa - Give a Child a Future (normally abbreviated to simply 'Vision Africa') was conceived by Rev. John and Vera Packard in September 2001. Having served a two-year assignment as Chief Administrators at Thomas Barnardo House orphanage in Nairobi, it had become clear to them that the need was simply overwhelming and more needed to be done.
So when they left Thomas Barnardo House John and Vera committed themselves to staying in Kenya and establishing Vision Africa. Working with the poorest and neediest children living in the most dreadful conditions in the slums of Kibera (Nairobi) and other areas of want across Kenya, they became Field Directors of Vision Africa led the work of the charity in Kenya for almost nine years.
Upon their formal retirement as Field Directors in 2010 Deborah Kimathi took over the reigns, becoming the sole Field Director of Vision Africa having previously worked alongside Vera and John as they started to wind down their responsibilities.
Deborah had great credentials for the role, having previously conceived, established and run our 'Seed of Hope' vocational training centres for teenage girls. Now fully responsible for the running of Vision Africa in Kenya, Deborah is continuing the good work started by John and Vera as she steers the charity forward into the future.
Supporting Deborah in Kenya, Vision Africa has a mix of unpaid volunteers and paid staff running and administering the charity. We also employ a number of local Kenyans in support of some of our key projects, which both helps the local economy and ensures a high quality of teaching and care.
Vision Africa in the UK is a non-profit making, non-denominational, Christian aid organization set up as a support group, management team and fund raising body. We are a registered charity in the UK (Registered No. 1091198) and a registered Non-Governmental Organization (No. OP.218/051/2003/0378/3014) in Kenya. All UK staff are voluntary and, other than minor necessary expenses, all funds raised go directly to the work among the children in Kenya. Our overheads have been consistently below 2% of total money raised, meaning you can give with confidence in knowing that your money goes exactly where it is needed.
As a Christian charity our aim is simply to put Christian love into action in a practical and compassionate ministry among children who are vulnerable and in desperate need. We do not proselytize, but let our actions speak for themselves. Working with children up to the age of 18 years, the objectives of our work may be summarized as:
Provision
We aim to provide food, clothing, a safe environment, recreation facilities, quality water supplies to kitchens, toilets and washing facilities.
Protection
We want to ensure secure housing, safety, power for lighting for the children and to prevent sexual, physical and emotional exploitation of the children.
Preparation
We will provide funds for fees and materials for primary, secondary and, where appropriate, tertiary education. We will also provide vocational training for children over 15 who cannot access secondary education.
Development of the whole person, body, soul and spirit through Christian code and conduct.
Updated February 2011