21.5. 2010
Christine Bata was in Kenya between 16th and 23rd May 2010. While here, she visited various children homes where she interacted and shared with the children. These are homes that are supported by Bata Kenya
She started by visiting Bata Nursery School - An Early Childhood Education center located within the Bata Estate which mainly takes care of Bata employees’ children and gives them access to free education. She interacted with the Children and distributed goodies she had carried for them.
Moving away from home she travelled to Soila Maasai Girls Centre which is a rescue centre located in Suswa town in the Rift Valley. It caters for over 100 girls who are rescued from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Early marriages – a common practice among the Maasai community. Christine Bata encouraged the girls to put extra effort in their education as this was a gateway to a brighter future. She also distributed stationeries to the girls.
Christine visited St. Anthony Children’s Home in Limuru which is a few meters from the factory. This is a home that caters for the abandoned, HIV/AIDS orphaned and children from very poor backgrounds. There was lots of entertainment from the kids. It was amazing to hear the career aspirations from young yet very brilliant children. Christine distributed the goodies to the children and encouraged them to work harder in their academics.
There are many bright students whose academic performance is exceptionally good yet they cannot sustain themselves in school because they cannot afford to pay school fees. Christine Bata visited Limuru Girls High School – A girl’s national school in Limuru which accommodates students from all regions of the country. It was interesting to hear how the school started off a Bursary fund project to assist bright girls from poor families who could not afford to pay school fees. She presented a cheque towards the Bursary fund and congratulated the School Principal for the initiative and the progress so far.
Dr. Thomas Barnados Home is a Home located in Nairobi City that caters for over 200 children – Mainly abandoned, destitute and HIV/AIDS orphaned Children from zero ages. Christine Bata paid them a visit and for her it was unbelievable the way the Home was organized in to family units with a mother and Auntie assigned each unit and a specific number of children to take care of.
Bata Nursery school children sing to entertain the visitors
Jambo! Christine Bata greets the children
Cultural greeting. For the Maasai's of Kenya, this is how greeting is done
Dancing in style. Sophia Mbogo and Christine Bata join the girls in a Maasai dance
Great love and care for the children. The little girl felt comfortable and safe in Christine's hands
Me too! The little boy demands his share as Christine shares goodies with the children of St. Anthony's Childrens Home
Donating to a worthy cause. Limuru Girls Principal Mrs. Khainga(left) receives a cheque on behalf of the school
Hardwork and determination will lead you to success. Christine talks to the girls
Distributing goodies to the children at Dr. Barnados Childrens Home
Inside one of the units at Dr. Barnados Home. 15 children live here under the care of one 'mother'
