We Support
Hekima Place is a Kenyan boarding school that provides a beacon of hope for girls who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Hekima’s mission is to provide a stable home environment and support for education. They are given the chance to mature and learn in a place of safety, comfort and love.
After volunteering at the orphanage and overseeing its new developments, Care for Kenya’s founder, Daleela Farina committed support going forward in hopes of contributing through our campaign in 2010. These orphanages are key to preparing young scholars and allow them to live and learn in a safe and nourishing environment.
Education in Kenya is not widely accessible for girls. An estimated one million school-age children still are not attending school. In addition, up to 13,000 Kenyan girls drop out of school annually as a result of pregnancy, and about 17% of girls have had sex before age 15. HIV prevalence among Kenyan women between ages 15 and 24 is about 5%, compared with 1% for their male counterparts This number only gets worse when a young Kenyan girl is orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Without education, her future is likely to be out on the streets or in the slums.
Due to the stigma and irrational fear that often surrounds those affected by HIV/AIDS, children orphaned by AIDS may be the first to be denied education when extended families cannot afford to educate all the children of a household. The early plan is to take only girl children since they are the most discriminated of all African children. Male children are given top priority for schooling and the girls must remain at home. Kate’s plan is to give these often neglected girls and opportunity for schooling.
Currently, housing 56 girls from ages 2 – 21, Kate provides fully sustainable compound in Karen, Kenya with proper home care, education, and security. Through church mission appeals, Hekima Place finances the education and daily needs for all 56 girls. They employ 16 women from the community to care for the girls who are also given the opportunity for continued education. Now expanding, Hekima Place is re-locating and building on an already purchased 10 acres of land. Please review the video below as you can take part in building the future for Hekima Place.
We hope that with education and loving care, we can raise and empower these girls for Kenya and the world, who will make positive choices and go on to do great good for their country.
Asante sana! (Thank you)
