There was no red and white suit, no sleigh bells and definitely no snow…but Christmas came early to three Vision Africa projects in the last weekend of November. This was thanks to Vision Africa supporters Jane and Katie Ainslie and Westende Junior School and Wescot Infant School who arranged a collection of Christmas gifts including stationery, sweets and games.
Jane and Katie visited a variety of projects in Kenya in July 2009 and this included some Vision Africa projects. Touched by what they had seen, they decided to do something positive for the children they had met. Katie worked with some of her friends and came up with the “Pass it On” club. They encouraged their fellow students to take part in a Christmas market to provide Christmas gifts and then cards for their friends in Kenya.
On Saturday 28th November, Jane arrived in Kenya for a 5 day whistlestop tour of projects. First on her agenda was a visit to St. John’s Academy, Riruta. 
At this primary school, she was greeted by headteacher Gerald who arranged for some of the children to sing and recite poems and then it was over to Vision Africa’s very own Vincent Kegode to lead the students in some games. Children from the local community were also invited to join the group as they were treated to biscuits and juice before being given their Christmas gift.
Next was a visit to School of Hope in Kibera where a similar party took place. Members of the local community allowed the children in to their compound so that they could play games. Open space is hard to find in Kibera so the kind offer was very much appreciated. After a short party including snacks and gifts, Vincent then led the children as they sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.
The following day saw Jane taking a two hour matatu ride to Kandara Children’s Home, a project she and Katie hadn’t managed to visit in July. After a tour of the home, including the St. Andrews Baby Unit, it was time to gather all the children in the dining hall. Instead of biscuits this time round, the children were treated to cakes from the home’s bakery which is one of several income generating activities that contribute to the running costs of the home.
After each child had been given their gift, one of the secondary school students stepped up to thank Jane and all the children who had contributed to the collection of the gifts. Many of the children were quick to write their names on their Christmas cards and notepads so that they could not be claimed by anyone else.
Our thanks go to everyone involved at Westende and Wescott in putting together the Christmas gifts and to Jane Ainslie for making the effort to come and deliver them in person. We feel sure that the smiles on the children’s faces make it all worthwhile.
Asanteni!
To see a Christmas message from some children supported by Vision Africa projects, please check out our Christmas Video.
